Introduction to Sustainable Renewable Energy
“Sustainable energy is power which is able to be produced and used so that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.”
MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR BUSINESSES
Defining renewable energy as an infinite source of energy replenishable, means it can act as a potential for businesses to develop and improve profits for their businesses while protecting the environment without compromising existing setup infrastructure relying from finite resources as it is the case in Zambia where in some regions such as Southern Province where Hydro Electricity is no longer a renewable source of energy due to intermittent rainfall patterns over a couple of decades now.
Certain Renewable energy sources have been in use for some time now especially in Zambia which includes, wind and solar. However, in order to bring renewable energy sources into wider scopes and aspects of our lives (one of which is small businesses and different companies), there is a requirement for more technological development and intellectual as well as substantial financial investment. This is how modern renewable energy types have been created that will enable you to have them set up at your business site and enjoy the results.
How Does Renewable Energy Work?
There are many types of renewable energy that have come to successfully replace the traditional sources of energy. Each of these renewable energy types uses different natural sources for generating power and covering all your energy and water usage needs. Find the more detailed descriptions of the way they function below:
Solar Energy: Solar power is pretty much one of the most common types of renewable energy. Having a solar panel installed at your company, you will be able to cover your air and water heating needs. Another solar technology are the solar photovoltaic systems that use solar cells for turning sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are installed on unshaded, pitched roofs and don’t require much maintenance.
Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is taken from the heat that’s stored under the earth’s surface. It can also be captured from the absorbed heat present in the atmosphere and oceans. In short, the earth’s heat is turned into electricity by means of geothermal energy.
Wind Energy: The kinetic energy of the wind is processed into mechanical energy and electricity. The technologies used for getting wind energy are wind turbines which are small single building applications to large onshore or offshore wind farms. Wind energy could be a good idea for those businesses that possess a large unused space for installing the wind turbines.
Hydropower:
Water also comes with kinetic energy that can be turned into electricity. In this case, the water flow is sent to turbine blades that spin making the electrical generator attached to the turbine spin as well thus generating electricity. However, in Zambia like many other countries previously known to use hydro as a source of renewable energy source has become a threat due to climate change impacts where its no longer reliable to use hydro as an infinite source of energy.
Biomass Energy: This type of renewable energy is generated from organic materials such as wood, straw and other crops. The energy is generated by burning these materials. Biomass is considered renewable because its inherent energy is extracted from the sun, besides it can be replenished within short time periods. When trees are burned, they emit the same amount of carbon dioxide as when they die naturally. Thus, using biomass energy, you will not harm the environment in any unnatural or additional way.
