Renewable energy comes from energy resources that are
continuously replenished through the cycles of nature.
Unlike fossil fuels, their supply will never become
exhausted. Renewable energy resources are continuously
replenished and will not run out. The main sources of
renewable energy are:
- the sun (solar energy)
- the wind
- moving water (hydropower, wave and tidal energy)
- heat below the surface of the earth (geothermal
energy)
- biomass (wood, waste, energy crops)
Renewable energy resources are clean sources of energy.
They can be harnessed without damaging the environment,
unlike using fossil fuels which release carbon dioxide (a
greenhouse gas) and other harmful pollutants into the
atmosphere. Increasing the use of renewable energy is
therefore a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and meeting the demand for energy. Unlike other
energy scenarios that promote energy futures at the cost of
the climate, renewable energy can provide an affordable
solution for maintaining economic development without
fuelling catastrophic climate changee
The global market for renewable energy is growing at
double digit rates and can overtake the size of today's
fossil fuel industry. Currently, the renewable energy market
is worth 70 billion dollars and doubling in size every three
years. Because of economy of scales, renewable energies such
as hydel power at good sites are already competitive with
conventional power. In times to come, renewable energies
across all sectors will be the most cost effective energy
capacities.
In the context of today's economic instability, investing
in renewable energy is a ''win-win'' scenario: A win for
energy security, a win for the economy and a win for the
climate. Renewable energy sources have the potential to
produce electricity without any further fuel costs, creating
an enormous number of jobs and helping lift the whole world
out of recession. It can provide immediate and reliable
energy for the million of Indians who have no access to
electricity today. |
