The Problems, Solutions, and the Importance of Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources have enormous potential since they can meet the world’s energy demand. In fact, the sources under this category comprise geothermal, wind, biomass, hydropower, and solar. These sources have the ability to produce sustainable energy that is based on the indigenous sources. Transitioning from the older sources of energy, such as oil, coal, and gas, to the renewable energy source is already affecting the prices of those products. The prices of the oil have continued to fluctuate over time, while on the other hand the sales of wind power systems have been on the rise. In fact, it is clear that the future growth and development of the energy sector is mainly towards the renewable energy sources. However, with all the benefits brought by the renewable energy sources, quite some problems are faced by the renewable energy industry. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on the problems, solutions, and the importance of renewable energy.

Problems of Renewable Energy

Some problems face the renewable energy source. Firstly, the cost of implementation is very high, and most nations may not be able to implement the system fully. According to Moe (2015), the price may increase due to the large tracks of land needed for the realization of the program since the previous landowners must be compensated. Secondly, the materials and machinery used are always exposed to the forces of nature that may corrode them, affecting their performance. Indeed, this may affect the amount of energy the machinery generates. Thirdly, when it comes to the implementation stage, some of the projects are faced with opposition from the residents and sometimes by the environment conservation groups. The eco-friendly groups may oppose some of the projects, such as Biomass, since they produce atmospheric pollutants, which are dangerous to the environment. Fourthly, some renewable energy, such as geothermal and wind, can only be available in specific places, making it difficult to implement them at any given place (Nelson 2014). Lastly, most of the renewable energy usually depends on the weather; for instance, in hydro power there must be rain to provide the water. On the other hand, solar energy requires clear skies to produce the power required effectively. Due to the fact that some of these sources of renewable energy depend on the weather, it makes it an unreliable source, as the conditions may be unpredictable at times. Therefore, these sources may not produce a large amount of energy usually generated by the current sources. Therefore, it is evident that there are quite some challenges facing the renewable energy industry.

Solutions of Renewable

The problems faced by the renewable energy can be resolved in several ways. Firstly, on the issue of the implementation cost, the state can collaborate with development institutions to help with funding. Additionally, the government can also agree to implement the project in stages to save on expenditure (Zeng 2015). Secondly, to avoid the issues of corrosion, there can be the use of non-corrosive materials, which may last longer even though the materials may cost more. Thirdly, to evade the concern of opposition by the locals, there should be an awareness creation about the project and educate the residents on the benefits (Gevorkian 2016). It has been noted that the renewable sources cannot produce the high levels of energy that is created by the other sources, such as fuel (Shepherd 2008). Therefore, to overcome this problem, a large establishment should yield the energy to match the previously produced levels. Thus, the problems experienced by the renewable energy sources can be resolved through the steps mentioned above.

The Importance of Renewable Energy

The use of renewable energy has various positive effects. Initially, it has benefited the environment since the sources do not pollute the environment (Boyle 2012). Secondly, the energy is infinite, indicating that it can last forever since all the processes renew after use and cannot be exhausted. Therefore, renewable sources are cheap and only requires the cost to maintain the system. As such, the money saved may be directed to improving or expanding the country’s economy, creating more job opportunities (Craddock 2008). Lastly, the use of these renewable sources ensures that there is energy security, since the power produced is reliable and stable.

Conclusion

The renewable energy has various benefits, especially to the environment. Most of the energy sources do not pollute the environment, making it a better energy source than oil or gas. In addition, the cost of the energy is cheap in terms of production. In the discussion, it is evident that the energy source is infinite, an instance that significantly reduces its cost of production. Largely, the renewable energy industry has created jobs for the people who manufacture the materials and systems that are used in the production of the energy, thus improving a country’s economy.

 

References

Boyle, G. (2012). Renewable energy: power for a sustainable future. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Craddock, D. (2008). Renewable energy made easy: free energy from solar, wind, hydropower, and other alternative energy sources. Ocala, Fla, Atlantic Pub. Group.

Gevorkian, P (2016) “Solar Power Generation Problems, Solutions, and Monitoring”. London, Cambridge University Press.

Moe, E. (2015). Renewable energy transformation or fossil fuel backlash: vested interests in political economy. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan.

Nelson, V.(2011). Introduction to Renewable Energy. Florida: CRC Press.

Shepherd, D. (2008). Problems and solutions: energy studies. London, Imperial College Press.

Zeng, M. et al., 2015. “Orderly grid connection of renewable energy generation in China: management mode, existing problems and solutions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 41, p. 14-28.