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Essay on Green Energy – Samples, 10 Lines to 1500 Words

Short Essay on Green Energy

Essay on Green Energy: Green energy is a hot topic in today’s world as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change. In this essay, we will explore the importance of green energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power. We will discuss the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs in the clean energy sector, and promoting sustainability for future generations. Join us as we delve into the world of green energy and its potential to transform our planet for the better.

Table of Contents

Green Energy Essay Writing Tips

1. Introduction: Start your essay by introducing the concept of green energy and its importance in today’s world. Explain why it is crucial to shift towards renewable sources of energy to combat climate change and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Define green energy: Provide a clear definition of green energy, which includes renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Explain how these sources are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

3. Benefits of green energy: Discuss the numerous benefits of green energy, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, creating jobs, and promoting energy independence. Highlight how green energy can help mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.

4. Challenges of green energy: Acknowledge the challenges and barriers that green energy faces, such as high initial costs, intermittency of renewable sources, and lack of infrastructure. Discuss how these challenges can be overcome through technological advancements, policy support, and public awareness.

5. Government policies and initiatives: Describe the role of government policies and initiatives in promoting green energy adoption. Discuss examples of successful renewable energy programs and incentives that have helped accelerate the transition towards a greener energy mix.

6. Technological advancements: Highlight the importance of technological advancements in improving the efficiency and affordability of green energy technologies. Discuss innovations in solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage, and smart grid systems that are making renewable energy more accessible and reliable.

7. Public awareness and education: Emphasize the importance of raising public awareness and educating communities about the benefits of green energy. Discuss the role of advocacy groups, educational institutions, and media in promoting sustainable energy practices and encouraging individuals to make environmentally conscious choices.

8. Conclusion: Summarize the key points of your essay and reiterate the importance of transitioning towards green energy to address climate change and promote a sustainable future. Encourage readers to support renewable energy initiatives and take action to reduce their carbon footprint.

Essay on Green Energy in 10 Lines – Examples

1. Green energy refers to renewable sources of energy that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. 2. Examples of green energy sources include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, and geothermal energy. 3. Green energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. 4. It also helps decrease dependence on fossil fuels and promotes energy independence. 5. Green energy technologies are constantly evolving and becoming more efficient and cost-effective. 6. Governments around the world are investing in green energy initiatives to meet climate goals and create jobs. 7. Businesses are increasingly adopting green energy solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and save money. 8. Green energy can be generated on a small scale, such as rooftop solar panels on homes, or on a large scale, such as wind farms. 9. The transition to green energy requires investment in infrastructure, research, and policy changes. 10. Overall, green energy is a crucial part of the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Sample Essay on Green Energy in 100-180 Words

Green energy refers to renewable sources of energy that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. These sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy. Green energy is crucial in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution, climate change, and other environmental issues.

One of the main benefits of green energy is that it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy sources. This helps to combat climate change and improve air quality. Green energy also helps to create jobs in the renewable energy sector and promotes economic growth.

Investing in green energy is essential for a sustainable future. Governments, businesses, and individuals should prioritize the development and use of renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment for future generations. By transitioning to green energy, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet for all.

Short Essay on Green Energy in 200-500 Words

Green energy, also known as renewable energy, is becoming increasingly important in today’s world as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change. Green energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, among others. These sources are considered “green” because they produce minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions, unlike traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

One of the most popular forms of green energy is solar power. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean and renewable source of energy. The use of solar power has been steadily increasing in recent years, as the technology has become more affordable and efficient. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, solar power can also help homeowners and businesses save money on their energy bills.

Wind power is another important form of green energy. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind to generate electricity, with no emissions or pollution. Wind farms can be found in many parts of the world, providing a significant source of renewable energy. While some people have raised concerns about the impact of wind turbines on wildlife and the landscape, many experts believe that the benefits of wind power far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Hydroelectric power is another important source of green energy. Hydroelectric dams use the power of flowing water to generate electricity, with minimal environmental impact. While hydroelectric power has been used for many years, there is still potential for growth in this area, particularly in developing countries with abundant water resources.

Geothermal power is a lesser-known form of green energy, but it has great potential for the future. Geothermal power plants harness the heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity, providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy. While geothermal power is currently limited to certain regions with active geothermal activity, advances in technology could make it more widely available in the future.

In conclusion, green energy is a crucial part of our transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. By investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help protect the planet for future generations. It is important for governments, businesses, and individuals to continue to support and promote green energy initiatives in order to create a cleaner and healthier world for all.

Essay on Green Energy in 1000-1500 Words

Green energy, also known as renewable energy, is becoming increasingly popular as the world seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly sources of power. Green energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy, all of which have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. In this essay, we will explore the benefits of green energy, the challenges it faces, and the potential for its widespread adoption in the future.

One of the key benefits of green energy is its environmental sustainability. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources that contribute to air and water pollution, green energy sources are renewable and produce little to no emissions when generating electricity. For example, solar panels harness the sun’s energy to produce electricity, while wind turbines use the power of the wind to generate power. These technologies have minimal environmental impact and can help reduce our carbon footprint, making them a crucial component of efforts to combat climate change.

Another advantage of green energy is its potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. As the demand for renewable energy sources increases, so too does the need for skilled workers to design, install, and maintain these systems. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the renewable energy sector employed over 11 million people worldwide in 2018, a figure that is expected to continue growing as countries invest in clean energy infrastructure. In addition, green energy projects can attract investment and drive innovation, leading to new technologies and business opportunities that can benefit local economies.

Furthermore, green energy can enhance energy security by diversifying our energy sources and reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Many countries rely heavily on oil, gas, and coal for their energy needs, leaving them vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. By investing in renewable energy, countries can reduce their reliance on foreign energy sources and increase their energy independence. This can help stabilize energy prices, improve energy access for underserved communities, and enhance national security by reducing the risks associated with fossil fuel extraction and transportation.

Despite these benefits, green energy faces several challenges that must be addressed in order to realize its full potential. One of the main obstacles is the high upfront cost of renewable energy technologies, which can deter investment and slow the pace of adoption. While the cost of solar panels, wind turbines, and other green energy systems has decreased in recent years, they still require significant capital investment to install and operate. Governments and businesses must therefore provide financial incentives, such as tax credits, grants, and subsidies, to make green energy more affordable and attractive to consumers.

Another challenge is the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These sources are dependent on weather conditions and may not always be available when electricity demand is highest. To address this issue, energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, can be used to store excess energy during times of low demand and release it when needed. In addition, smart grid technologies can help balance supply and demand by integrating renewable energy sources with traditional power plants and optimizing energy use across the grid.

In addition, the lack of infrastructure and grid connectivity can hinder the deployment of green energy projects in some regions. Many developing countries lack the necessary transmission lines, substations, and grid interconnections to support large-scale renewable energy installations. In order to overcome this barrier, governments and utilities must invest in upgrading and expanding their grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing share of renewable energy in the energy mix. This will require collaboration between public and private stakeholders, as well as long-term planning and investment in grid modernization.

Furthermore, regulatory barriers and market distortions can impede the growth of green energy by favoring fossil fuels and hindering the development of renewable energy projects. Many countries still provide subsidies and tax breaks to the fossil fuel industry, while imposing tariffs and regulations that make it difficult for renewable energy developers to compete. In order to level the playing field, policymakers must reform energy policies, remove barriers to entry, and create a supportive regulatory environment that encourages investment in green energy. This will require political will, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Despite these challenges, the future of green energy looks promising as countries around the world commit to reducing their carbon emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, set a global target to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In order to meet this goal, countries must accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, phase out fossil fuels, and invest in energy efficiency and conservation measures.

In conclusion, green energy offers a viable and sustainable solution to the challenges of climate change, energy security, and economic development. By harnessing the power of the sun, wind, water, and earth, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and create a more resilient and sustainable energy system for future generations. While green energy faces obstacles and barriers to adoption, the benefits far outweigh the costs, and the potential for a clean energy future is within reach. By working together to overcome these challenges, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous world powered by green energy.

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green power essay

This Is the Future: Essay on Renewable Energy

green power essay

Today the world population depends on nonrenewable energy resources. With the constantly growing demand for energy, natural gas, coal, and oil get used up and cannot replenish themselves. 

Aside from limited supply, heavy reliance on fossil fuels causes planetary-scale damage. Sea levels are rising. Heat-trapping carbon dioxide increased the warming effect by 45% from 1990 to 2019. The only way to tackle the crisis is to start the transition to renewable energy now. 

What is renewable energy? It is energy that comes from replenishable natural resources like sunlight, wind, thermal energy, moving water, and organic materials. Renewable resources do not run out. They are cost-efficient and renew faster than they are consumed. How does renewable energy save money? It creates new jobs, supports economic growth, and decreases inequitable fossil fuel subsidies. 

At the current rates of production, some fossil fuels will not even last another century. This is why the future depends on reliable and eco-friendly resources. This renewable energy essay examines the types and benefits of renewable energy and its role in creating a sustainable future.

Top 5 Types of Renewable Energy: The Apollo Alliance Rankings

There are many natural resources that can provide people with clean energy. To make a list of the five most booming types of renewable energy on the market today, this energy essay uses data gathered by the Apollo Alliance. It is a project that aims to revolutionize the energy sector of the US with a focus on clean energy. 

The Apollo Alliance unites businesses, community leaders, and environmental experts to support the transition to more sustainable and efficient living. Their expert opinion helped to compile information about the most common and cost-competitive sources of renewable energy. However, if you want to get some more in-depth research, you can entrust it to an essay writer . Here’s a quick overview of renewable energy resources that have a huge potential to substitute fossil fuels. 

Solar Renewable Energy

The most abundant and practically endless resource is solar energy. It can be turned into electricity by photovoltaic systems that convert radiant energy captured from sunlight. Solar farms could generate enough energy for thousands of homes.

An endless supply is the main benefit of solar energy. The rate at which the Earth receives it is 10,000 times greater than people can consume it, as a paper writer points out based on their analysis of research findings. It can substitute fossil fuels and deliver people electricity, hot water, cooling, heat, etc. 

The upfront investment in solar systems is rather expensive. This is one of the primary limitations that prevent businesses and households from switching to this energy source at once. However, the conclusion of solar energy is still favorable. In the long run, it can significantly decrease energy costs. Besides, solar panels are gradually becoming more affordable to manufacture and adopt, even at an individual level. 

Wind Renewable Energy

Another clean energy source is wind. Wind farms use the kinetic energy of wind flow to convert it into electricity. The Appolo Alliance notes that, unlike solar farms, they can’t be placed in any location. To stay cost-competitive, wind farms should operate in windy areas. Although not all countries have the right conditions to use them on a large scale, wind farms might be introduced for some energy diversity. The technical potential for it is still tremendous. 

Wind energy is clean and safe for the environment. It does not pollute the atmosphere with any harmful products compared to nonrenewable energy resources. 

The investment in wind energy is also economically wise. If you examine the cost of this energy resource in an essay on renewable resources, you’ll see that wind farms can deliver electricity at a price lower than nonrenewable resources. Besides, since wind isn’t limited, its cost won’t be influenced by the imbalance of supply and demand.

Geothermal Renewable Energy

Natural renewable resources are all around us, even beneath the ground. Geothermal energy can be produced from the thermal energy from the Earth’s interior. Sometimes heat reaches the surface naturally, for example, in the form of geysers. But it can also be used by geothermal power plants. The Earth’s heat gets captured and converted to steam that turns a turbine. As a result, we get geothermal energy.

This source provides a significant energy supply while having low emissions and no significant footprint on land. A factsheet and essay on renewable resources state that geothermal plants will increase electricity production from 17 billion kWh in 2020 to 49.8 billion kWh in 2050.

However, this method is not without limitations. While writing a renewable resources essay, consider that geothermal energy can be accessed only in certain regions. Geological hotspots are off-limits as they are vulnerable to earthquakes. Yet, the quantity of geothermal resources is likely to grow as technology advances. 

Ocean Renewable Energy

The kinetic and thermal energy of the ocean is a robust resource. Ocean power systems rely on:

  • Changes in sea level;
  • Wave energy;
  • Water surface temperatures;
  • The energy released from seawater and freshwater mixing.

Ocean energy is more predictable compared to other resources. As estimated by EPRI, it has the potential to produce 2640 TWh/yr. However, an important point to consider in a renewable energy essay is that the kinetic energy of the ocean varies. Yet, since it is ruled by the moon’s gravity, the resource is plentiful and continues to be attractive for the energy industry. 

Wave energy systems are still developing. The Apollo energy corporation explores many prototypes. It is looking for the most reliable and robust solution that can function in the harsh ocean environment. 

Another limitation of ocean renewable energy is that it may cause disruptions to marine life. Although its emissions are minimal, the system requires large equipment to be installed in the ocean. 

Biomass Renewable Energy

Organic materials like wood and charcoal have been used for heating and lighting for centuries. There are a lot more types of biomass: from trees, cereal straws, and grass to processed waste. All of them can produce bioenergy. 

Biomass can be converted into energy through burning or using methane produced during the natural process of decomposition. In an essay on renewable sources of energy, the opponents of the method point out that biomass energy is associated with carbon dioxide emissions. Yet, the amount of released greenhouse gases is much lower compared to nonrenewable energy use. 

While biomass is a reliable source of energy, it is only suitable for limited applications. If used too extensively, it might lead to disruptions in biodiversity, a negative impact on land use, and deforestation. Still, Apollo energy includes biomass resources that become waste and decompose quickly anyway. These are organic materials like sawdust, chips from sawmills, stems, nut shells, etc. 

What Is the Apollo Alliance?

The Apollo Alliance is a coalition of business leaders, environmental organizations, labor unions, and foundations. They all unite their efforts in a single project to harness clean energy in new, innovative ways. 

Why Apollo? Similarly to President John F. Kennedy’s Apollo Project, Apollo energy is a strong visionary initiative. It is a dare, a challenge. The alliance calls for the integrity of science, research, technology, and the public to revolutionize the energy industry.

The project has a profound message. Apollo energy solutions are not only about the environment or energy. They are about building a new economy. The alliance gives hope to building a secure future for Americans. 

What is the mission of the Apollo Alliance? 

  • Achieve energy independence with efficient and limitless resources of renewable energy.
  • Pioneer innovation in the energy sector.
  • Build education campaigns and communication to inspire new perceptions of energy. 
  • Create new jobs.
  • Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. 
  • Build healthier and happier communities. 

The transformation of the industry will lead to planet-scale changes. The Apollo energy corporation can respond to the global environmental crisis and prevent climate change. 

Apollo renewable energy also has the potential to become a catalyst for social change. With more affordable energy and new jobs in the industry, people can bridge the inequality divide and build stronger communities. 

Why Renewable Energy Is Important for the Future

Renewable energy resources have an enormous potential to cover people’s energy needs on a global scale. Unlike fossil fuels, they are available in abundance and generate minimal to no emissions. 

The burning of fossil fuels caused a lot of environmental problems—from carbon dioxide emissions to ocean acidification. Research this issue in more detail with academic assistance from essay writer online . You can use it to write an essay on renewable sources of energy to explain the importance of change and its global impact. 

Despite all the damage people caused to the planet, there’s still hope to mitigate further repercussions. Every renewable energy essay adds to the existing body of knowledge we have today and advances research in the field. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy resources people should keep in mind. 

Advantage of Green Energy

The use of renewable energy resources has a number of benefits for the climate, human well-being, and economy:

  • Renewable energy resources have little to no greenhouse gas emissions. Even if we take into account the manufacturing and recycling of the technologies involved, their impact on the environment is significantly lower compared to fossil fuels. 
  • Renewable energy promotes self-sufficiency and reduces a country’s dependence on foreign fuel. According to a study, a 1% increase in the use of renewable energy increases economic growth by 0.21%. This gives socio-economic stability.
  • Due to a lack of supply of fossil fuels and quick depletion of natural resources, prices for nonrenewable energy keep increasing. In contrast, green energy is limitless and can be produced locally. In the long run, this allows decreasing the cost of energy. 
  • Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy doesn’t emit air pollutants. This positively influences health and quality of life. 
  • The emergence of green energy plants creates new jobs. Thus, Apollo energy solutions support the growth of local communities. By 2030, the transition to renewable energy is expected to generate 10.3 million new jobs. 
  • Renewable energy allows decentralization of the industry. Communities get their independent sources of energy that are more flexible in terms of distribution. 
  • Renewable energy supports equality. It has the potential to make energy more affordable to low-income countries and expand access to energy even in remote and less fortunate neighborhoods. 

Disadvantages of Non-Conventional Energy Sources

No technology is perfect. Renewable energy resources have certain drawbacks too: 

  • The production of renewable energy depends on weather conditions. For example, wind farms could be effective only in certain locations where the weather conditions allow it. The weather also makes it so that renewable energy cannot be generated around the clock. 
  • The initial cost of renewable energy technology is expensive. Both manufacturing and installation require significant investment. This is another disadvantage of renewable resources. It makes them unaffordable to a lot of businesses and unavailable for widespread individual use. In addition, the return on investment might not be immediate.
  • Renewable energy technology takes up a lot of space. It may affect life in the communities where these clean energy farms are installed. They may also cause disruptions to wildlife in the areas. 
  • One more limitation a renewable resources essay should consider is the current state of technology. While the potential of renewable energy resources is tremendous, the technology is still in its development phase. Therefore, renewable energy might not substitute fossil fuels overnight. There’s a need for more research, investment, and time to transition to renewable energy completely. Yet, some diversity of energy resources should be introduced as soon as possible. 
  • Renewable energy resources have limited emissions, but they are not entirely pollution-free. The manufacturing process of equipment is associated with greenhouse gas emissions while, for example, the lifespan of a wind turbine is only 20 years. 

For high school seniors eyeing a future rich with innovative endeavors in renewable energy or other fields, it's crucial to seek financial support early on. Explore the top 10 scholarships for high school seniors to find the right fit that can propel you into a future where you can contribute to the renewable energy movement and beyond. Through such financial support, the road to making meaningful contributions to a sustainable future becomes a tangible reality.

Renewable energy unlocks the potential for humanity to have clean energy that is available in abundance. It leads us to economic growth, independence, and stability. With green energy, we can also reduce the impact of human activity on the environment and stop climate change before it’s too late. 

So what’s the conclusion of renewable energy? Transitioning to renewable energy resources might be challenging and expensive. However, most experts agree that the advantages of green energy outweigh any drawbacks. Besides, since technology is continuously evolving, we’ll be able to overcome most limitations in no time.

green power essay

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Green Power Policies in the United States of America Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
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The United States of America is the largest consumer of oil in the world. Its total oil consumption accounts for a quarter of the world’s oil consumption (Zuckerman 323). Zuckerman further estimates that America consumes approximately twenty one million barrels of oil daily (323). Over the past few years, there has been a rise in the uses of energy in the United States.

This can be attributed to the sudden upsurge in the demand for energy across the nation, both domestically and industrially. The main factor that has led to this is the continuous establishment of factories and industries at an alarming rate. The invention of a wide range of electrical gadgets has also led to an increased consumption of energy in American homes.

This increase in the rate of energy consumption has necessitated the formulation of policies that will guarantee fuel efficiency in America for the next fifty years. This essay will look at some of these policies that the United States of America can adapt for the next fifty years in a bid to regulate energy consumption and attain energy conservation.

The government and other non-governmental organizations should join hands in implementing policies that will aim at reducing the current high rate of energy waste in homes and companies. Currently, the United States of America spends a lot of revenue on importing oil.

In fact, America only produces a mere third of the total oil it consumes. Energy conservation and efficiency policies will go a long way in allaying these costs. Al Gore (301) points out that the American economy is on the verge of collapsing if the country continues spending billions of dollars annually on oil imports.

In his article “Stop the Energy Insanity,” Zuckerman explains why it is high time that America started exploiting its own oil reserves (324). This would be the first step towards the revitalizing of the fuel efficiency of America. America’s oil reserves are estimated to be about a hundred billion barrels.

This large quantity of oil is enough to take the country for fifty years. The occurrence of these oil reserves is coupled with natural gas which is estimated to be about 420 trillion cubic feet.

The natural gas can be used to replace over 1400 coal-powered electric plants to reduce air pollution (Friedman 297). Furthermore, the exploration of domestic oil reserves by the U.S will encourage other oil-producing countries to expand their exploration leading to a global oil sufficiency (Task Force 314)

There is a dire need for the adoption of renewable sources of energy by the United States of America. Solar energy is the most preferred source of energy in this category. This is because this source of energy is environment friendly as it doesn’t lead to any type of pollution.

The United States should consider investing more on solar energy in order to cut down on oil imports and consequently conserve the environment. According to Friedman (297), a seven-hundred-fold increase of solar power will go a long way in saving the earth from pollution caused by coal-fired power.

The government can promote the popularity and use of solar energy by boosting the manufacture of solar panels and increased advertisement of the same. Many Americans have a personal bias against the use of solar energy. It is deemed to be highly inadequate and inefficient.

Solar energy is regarded as one which can’t support large factory and industrial operations that require a substantially large amount of energy. However, the truth is that solar energy can effectively support these operations.

This can be achieved if the production of this type of energy is carried out on large scale. A number of large solar panels have the capability to generate the same amount of energy as that generated by oil or other non-renewable sources.

Wind energy is yet another type of renewable sources of energy that can be included in the United States’ policy to curb energy consumption and wastage in the highly industrialized nation.

With the uncertainties in the oil market and the rapid deterioration of other sources of energy, it is time that the American government and other concerned organizations considered revolutionizing this source of energy in order to generate extra energy. Wind energy can help in reducing the polluting effect of coal-fired power if its use is increased fortyfold (Friedman 297).

Over seventy percent of total energy consumption in the United States of America is used in transportation, mostly by personal cars (Zuckerman 323). Policies to improve the fuel efficiency of a vehicle will therefore help to reduce this high consumption rate.

For instance, using modern aerodynamics increases the fuel efficiency of a vehicle by reducing the drag. Increased fuel efficiency of the vehicle will in turn save on the amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle. The government should also allow only vehicles that are made of composite materials. This is because these vehicles are light and hence reduce the level of fuel consumption.

Another way to increase fuel efficiency in vehicles is by using wheels that have a reduced road to tire friction. The role of these wheels is to reduce the grip of the tires on the road. This enables the vehicle to move at a faster speed which then reduces the rate of fuel consumption per mile.

Other miscellaneous ways of improving the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is by inflating tires up to the most accurate pressure and replacing air filters that are clogged.

A policy should be put in place that advocates for the above changes to be made on all vehicles in the United States of America. If this policy is operational in this country for the next five decades, it is without no doubt that the overall impact that it will have on the fuel consumption of the country will be breathtaking.

The third policy that can be implemented by the United States of America to curb energy consumption majorly involves industries. In the production processes, most industries end up producing wastes that have the potential of being used to further yield other forms of energy.

Some of these forms include heat and steam. For example, a firm can generate electricity or steam using its waste products which can then be used as sources of energy in other activities that require the energy.

The electricity can be used to heat water in order to produce steam which can then be used in another operation such as heating. It is also recommended that the industries use modern technologically advanced boilers which use less fuel but sufficiently operate at high temperatures.

The government should formulate policies that oblige each and every single industry to recycle its waste products that can be converted into other forms of energy. By doing this, the industry will be diversifying its sources of energy.

This will then reduce the high demand of oil and lead to an efficient system of energy consumption in the country. Adoption of this policy for a span of fifty years or more will safeguard the United States against any energy uncertainties and contribute to the eradication of environmental pollution.

Simple initiatives taken by individual consumers of energy can also go a long way in increasing energy conservation and reducing energy wastage in the United States of America.

Some of these measures include using the power-saving mode in electrical gadgets such as computers, refrigerators among many others. In this mode, the machines are able to operate normally and efficiently but using less energy than when not in this mode.

Currently, such energy-saving practices are not common in America because of lack of knowledge and understanding about this particular issue among the citizens.

The government should come up with ways of educating the citizens about these energy conservation steps. If each and every single American citizen was to practise these simple but useful energy conservation measures for the next fifty or so years, the energy efficiency of the United States will be greatly improved.

Some steps to conserve energy may seem too simple and so unnecessary but their significance in contributing to energy conservation cannot be overlooked. For example, using compact and efficient fluorescent light bulbs conserves more energy than when using incandescent bulbs.

This is because the latter consume more energy. Fluorescent bulbs consume two thirds less energy than the incandescent bulbs. If every American energy consumer was to get rid of incandescent bulbs and turn to using fluorescent bulbs, the overall impact on energy conservation will be great.

The government and other authorized bodies should formulate policies that advocate for the use of fluorescent bulbs throughout the nation. This policy can go as far as banning the use of incandescent bulbs and allowing incandescent bulbs only.

Efforts geared at controlling energy consumption in buildings will greatly help in environmental conservation. This is due to the fact that forty percent of carbon (IV) Oxide emissions comes from these buildings (Al Gore 303). A lot of energy wastage also occurs inside buildings.

Efforts to reduce this energy loss can include the use of Passive Infra Reds (PIRs) to switch off lights in rooms that are not being used. Use of architectural features that reflect some light into a building can also remove the necessity for artificial lighting, hence conserving energy.

Businesses also have a role in energy conservation and prevention of environmental pollution. While other businesses overlook environmental risks and invest in carbon-intensive projects, there are some who have taken measures to avert this.

For instance, Google provides free bus rides for its workers to and from work (Lubber 319). This has reduced the number of workers driving to work in personal cars, hence reducing the energy consumption. Other companies such as Microsystems have allowed some of their employees to work from home in order to reduce transport costs.

In conclusion, the United States of America is faced with a major challenge of putting in place certain policies that will guarantee efficient use of all forms of energy. The main policy is the turning form the use of non-renewable sources of energy to the use of renewable sources of energy.

In addition to this, the government of the United States and concerned organizations should stage up a campaign that is aimed at educating the general public on the ways of conserving energy.

These ways could include how to improve the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, how to save energy while using electrical gadgets and many others. From the foregoing discussion, it can be concluded that America should put in place an energy conservation policy that will improve its efficiency in the next fifty years.

Works Cited

Al Gore. “The Climate for Change.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum . 11 th

Ed. Behrens, Lawrence and Rosen Leonard. Longman Publishing Group, 2010. 86-88. Print.

Friedman, Thomas. “205 East Wat to Save the Earth.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum . 11th Ed. Behrens, Lawrence and Rosen Leonard. Longman Publishing Group, 2010. 83-85. Print.

Lubber, Mindy. “Balance Sheet the Climate Crisis: How America Businesses Can Help.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum . 11th Ed. Behrens, Lawrence and Rosen Leonard. Longman Publishing Group, 2010. 77-79. Print.

Task Force. “National Security Consequences of U.S. Oil Dependence.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum . 11th Ed. Behrens, Lawrence and Rosen Leonard. Longman Publishing Group, 2010. 80-82. Print.

Zuckerman, Morton. “Stop the Energy Insanity.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum . 11th Ed. Behrens, Lawrence and Rosen Leonard. Longman Publishing Group, 2010. 89-91. Print.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Alternative Energy — How renewable energy can change the world

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How Renewable Energy Can Change The World

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Published: Mar 1, 2019

Words: 570 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited:

  • American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Dogs 101: Facts about dog breeds.
  • ASPCA. (2022). Pet statistics. https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
  • Borchelt, P. L. (2020). Why cats are better than dogs: The surprising benefits of being a cat person. Skyhorse Publishing.
  • Bradshaw, J. W. S., Casey, R. A., & Brown, S. L. (2012). The behaviour of the domestic cat (2nd ed.). CABI.
  • Christensen, J. W., Piper, A. M., & Poulsen, P. H. (2016). The dog's nose: Exploring olfactory optimisation in man's best friend. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16, 71-77.
  • Good Housekeeping. (2019, September 25). Dogs vs. cats: Which is the better pet for you? https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/g26811223/dogs-vs-cats/
  • Miller, L. J., & Martens, P. (1997). The role of companion animals in the lives of older adults. Anthrozoös, 10(1), 31-42.
  • PetMD. (n.d.). Cat vs. dog: Which pet is better? https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/nutrition/cat-vs-dog-which-pet-better
  • Pongrácz, P., Molnár, C., Miklósi, Á., & Csányi, V. (2005). Human listeners are able to classify dog (Canis familiaris) barks recorded in different situations. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 119(2), 136-144.
  • VCA Hospitals. (n.d.). Litter box training for your cat.

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green power essay

Solar Energy Essay

500 words essay on solar energy.

Solar energy is the energy which the earth receives from the sun which converts into thermal or electrical energy. Moreover, solar energy influences the climate of the earth and weather to sustain life. It has great potential which we must use to our advantage fully. Through the solar energy essay, we will look at this in detail and know more about it carefully.

solar energy essay

Importance of Solar Energy

Solar energy is very important as it is a clean and renewable source of energy. Thus, this means it will not damage the earth in any way. In addition, it is available on a daily basis. Similarly, it does not cause any kind of pollution.

As it is environment-friendly, it is very important in today’s world. It is so much better than other pollution sources of energies like fossil fuels and more. Further, it has low maintenance costs.

Solar panel systems do not require a lot of solar power energy. Moreover, they come with 5-10 years of warranty which is very beneficial. Most importantly, it reduces the cost of electricity bills.

In other words, we use it mostly for cooking and heating up our homes. Thus, it drops the utility bills cost and helps us save some extra money. Further, solar energy also has many possible applications.

A lot of communities and villages make use of solar energy to power their homes, offices and more. Further, we can use it in areas where there is no access to a power grid. For instance, distilling the water is Africa and powering the satellites in space.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Uses of Solar Energy

In today’s world, we use solar energy for a lot of things. Firstly, we use solar power for many things as small as calculators to as big as power plants which power the entire city. We use the most common solar power for small things.

For instance, many calculators use solar cells to operate, thus they never run out of batteries. Moreover, we also have some watches which run on solar cells. Similarly, there are also radios which run on solar cells.

Thus, you see so many things run on solar power. All satellites run on solar power otherwise they won’t be able to function. Moreover, large desalinization plants make use of solar power if there is little or no freshwater.

In addition, many countries have solar furnaces. We also use solar power commercially and residentially. You will find its uses in transportation service too. In fact, soon, solar powers will also be out on the streets.

Conclusion of Solar Energy Essay

To sum it up, solar energy is a cost-effective means of energy which is quite useful for people that have huge families. When we install solar panels, we can get solar energy which will reduce electricity costs and allow us to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Thus, we must all try to use it well to our advantage.

FAQ of Solar Energy Essay

Question 1: What is solar energy in simple words?

Answer 1: Solar energy is basically the transformation of heat, the energy which is derived from the sun. We have been using it for thousands of years in numerous different ways all over the world. The oldest uses of solar energy are for heating, cooking, and drying.

Question 2: What are the advantages of solar energy?

Answer 2: There are many advantages of solar energy. Firstly, it is a renewable source of energy which makes it healthy. Moreover, it also reduces the electricity bills of ours. After that, we can also use it for diverse applications. Further, it also has low maintenance costs.

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Sample IELTS essay about green energy

Home  »  IELTS BAND 9 ESSAYS  »  Sample IELTS essay about green energy

Nowadays most green energy is becoming evermore prevalent in both developed and developing countries. Some argue they greatly reduce costs and are better for the environment, others believe they are a serious threat to energy security. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The world today uses more renewable energy than ever before since it contributes to the preservation of the environment and is economically sound; however, some argue that green energy could undermine the reliability of the global supply as a result of its dependency on climatic and meteorological phenomena. This essay will examine both views, but personally, I strongly advocate the adoption of renewable sources of energy.

On the one hand, opponents of renewables claim that the world could face disruptions to the power supply should they be fully adopted. This is largely due to the fact that many green energy technologies currently in use depend on changeable and unpredictable phenomena such as wind, rain and cloud cover.

To take the fastest growing sector as an example, solar panels can only be used in the presence of strong and direct sunlight, and although the problem of directness has already been somewhat solved with moving panel arrays, a cloudy few days could still result in a blackout if we depended entirely on solar power; something that is unlikely to occur today given current oil stockpiles.

However, fossil fuels are a larger threat to energy security since they are certainly finite in quantity, whereas renewable energy is effectively infinite; once the Earth’s oil is depleted, there will be no energy security without green energy technologies.

Furthermore, problems of unpredictability can be mitigated by improving battery technologies (to create a larger buffer), building more renewable energy generators (to increase supply during ideal conditions) and improving current technologies (to increase efficiency), such as in the moving solar panel example. Proponents of renewables therefore claim that they are the most economically sound option.

To conclude, while many may believe that green energy technologies are a threat to energy security, the fossil fuels they frequently promote are a greater threat, and renewables are in fact the only sound option, both economically and environmentally.

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  • ENVIRONMENT

Renewable energy, explained

Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power can provide energy without the planet-warming effects of fossil fuels.

In any discussion about climate change , renewable energy usually tops the list of changes the world can implement to stave off the worst effects of rising temperatures. That's because renewable energy sources such as solar and wind don't emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming .

Clean energy has far more to recommend it than just being "green." The growing sector creates jobs , makes electric grids more resilient, expands energy access in developing countries, and helps lower energy bills. All of those factors have contributed to a renewable energy renaissance in recent years, with wind and solar setting new records for electricity generation .

For the past 150 years or so, humans have relied heavily on coal, oil, and other fossil fuels to power everything from light bulbs to cars to factories. Fossil fuels are embedded in nearly everything we do, and as a result, the greenhouse gases released from the burning of those fuels have reached historically high levels .

As greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere that would otherwise escape into space, average temperatures on the surface are rising . Global warming is one symptom of climate change, the term scientists now prefer to describe the complex shifts affecting our planet’s weather and climate systems. Climate change encompasses not only rising average temperatures but also extreme weather events, shifting wildlife populations and habitats, rising seas , and a range of other impacts .

Of course, renewables—like any source of energy—have their own trade-offs and associated debates. One of them centers on the definition of renewable energy. Strictly speaking, renewable energy is just what you might think: perpetually available, or as the U.S. Energy Information Administration puts it, " virtually inexhaustible ." But "renewable" doesn't necessarily mean sustainable, as opponents of corn-based ethanol or large hydropower dams often argue. It also doesn't encompass other low- or zero-emissions resources that have their own advocates, including energy efficiency and nuclear power.

Types of renewable energy sources

Hydropower: For centuries, people have harnessed the energy of river currents, using dams to control water flow. Hydropower is the world's biggest source of renewable energy by far, with China, Brazil, Canada, the U.S., and Russia the leading hydropower producers . While hydropower is theoretically a clean energy source replenished by rain and snow, it also has several drawbacks.

Large dams can disrupt river ecosystems and surrounding communities , harming wildlife and displacing residents. Hydropower generation is vulnerable to silt buildup, which can compromise capacity and harm equipment. Drought can also cause problems. In the western U.S., carbon dioxide emissions over a 15-year period were 100 megatons higher than they normally would have been, according to a 2018 study , as utilities turned to coal and gas to replace hydropower lost to drought. Even hydropower at full capacity bears its own emissions problems, as decaying organic material in reservoirs releases methane.

Dams aren't the only way to use water for power: Tidal and wave energy projects around the world aim to capture the ocean's natural rhythms. Marine energy projects currently generate an estimated 500 megawatts of power —less than one percent of all renewables—but the potential is far greater. Programs like Scotland’s Saltire Prize have encouraged innovation in this area.

Wind: Harnessing the wind as a source of energy started more than 7,000 years ago . Now, electricity-generating wind turbines are proliferating around the globe, and China, the U.S., and Germany are the leading wind energy producers. From 2001 to 2017 , cumulative wind capacity around the world increased to more than 539,000 megawatts from 23,900 mw—more than 22 fold.

Some people may object to how wind turbines look on the horizon and to how they sound, but wind energy, whose prices are declining , is proving too valuable a resource to deny. While most wind power comes from onshore turbines, offshore projects are appearing too, with the most in the U.K. and Germany. The first U.S. offshore wind farm opened in 2016 in Rhode Island, and other offshore projects are gaining momentum . Another problem with wind turbines is that they’re a danger for birds and bats, killing hundreds of thousands annually , not as many as from glass collisions and other threats like habitat loss and invasive species, but enough that engineers are working on solutions to make them safer for flying wildlife.

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Solar: From home rooftops to utility-scale farms, solar power is reshaping energy markets around the world. In the decade from 2007 and 2017 the world's total installed energy capacity from photovoltaic panels increased a whopping 4,300 percent .

In addition to solar panels, which convert the sun's light to electricity, concentrating solar power (CSP) plants use mirrors to concentrate the sun's heat, deriving thermal energy instead. China, Japan, and the U.S. are leading the solar transformation, but solar still has a long way to go, accounting for around two percent of the total electricity generated in the U.S. in 2017. Solar thermal energy is also being used worldwide for hot water, heating, and cooling.

Biomass: Biomass energy includes biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel , wood and wood waste, biogas from landfills, and municipal solid waste. Like solar power, biomass is a flexible energy source, able to fuel vehicles, heat buildings, and produce electricity. But biomass can raise thorny issues.

Critics of corn-based ethanol , for example, say it competes with the food market for corn and supports the same harmful agricultural practices that have led to toxic algae blooms and other environmental hazards. Similarly, debates have erupted over whether it's a good idea to ship wood pellets from U.S. forests over to Europe so that it can be burned for electricity. Meanwhile, scientists and companies are working on ways to more efficiently convert corn stover , wastewater sludge , and other biomass sources into energy, aiming to extract value from material that would otherwise go to waste.

Geothermal: Used for thousands of years in some countries for cooking and heating, geothermal energy is derived from the Earth’s internal heat . On a large scale, underground reservoirs of steam and hot water can be tapped through wells that can go a mile deep or more to generate electricity. On a smaller scale, some buildings have geothermal heat pumps that use temperature differences several feet below ground for heating and cooling. Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy is always available, but it has side effects that need to be managed, such as the rotten egg smell that can accompany released hydrogen sulfide.

Ways to boost renewable energy

Cities, states, and federal governments around the world are instituting policies aimed at increasing renewable energy. At least 29 U.S. states have set renewable portfolio standards —policies that mandate a certain percentage of energy from renewable sources, More than 100 cities worldwide now boast at least 70 percent renewable energy, and still others are making commitments to reach 100 percent . Other policies that could encourage renewable energy growth include carbon pricing, fuel economy standards, and building efficiency standards. Corporations are making a difference too, purchasing record amounts of renewable power in 2018.

Wonder whether your state could ever be powered by 100 percent renewables? No matter where you live, scientist Mark Jacobson believes it's possible. That vision is laid out here , and while his analysis is not without critics , it punctuates a reality with which the world must now reckon. Even without climate change, fossil fuels are a finite resource, and if we want our lease on the planet to be renewed, our energy will have to be renewable.

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  • CLIMATE CHANGE

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The U.S. electricity supply is made up of a wide variety of energy resources. However, not all resources have the same environmental benefits and costs.

Green power  is a subset of renewable energy. It represents those renewable energy resources and technologies that provide the greatest environmental benefit. Within the U.S. voluntary market, green power is defined as electricity produced from solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources. To qualify as green power, this renewable electricity must also go above and beyond what is otherwise required by mandate or requirement. In other words, green power is voluntary, or surplus to regulation. Customers often buy green power for its zero-emissions profile and carbon footprint reduction benefits.

Renewable energy  includes resources that rely on fuel sources that restore themselves over short periods of time and do not diminish. Such fuel sources include the sun, wind, moving water, organic plant and waste material (eligible biomass), and the earth's heat (geothermal). While the benefits of renewable energy are substantial, some renewable energy technologies can have impacts on the environment. For example, large hydroelectric resources can have environmental trade-offs on such issues as fisheries and land use.

Conventional power  includes the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil) and the nuclear fission of uranium. Fossil fuels have environmental costs from mining, drilling, or extraction, and they emit greenhouse gases and air pollution during combustion. Although nuclear power generation emits no greenhouse gases during power generation, it does require mining, extraction, and long-term radioactive waste storage.

The following graphic depicts how the U.S. voluntary market defines green power based on its relative environmental benefits.

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The advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy

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As we move toward a zero-carbon future, wind power, geothermal energy, solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, hydrogen, and other renewable technologies are becoming widely popular energy sources worldwide. Countries, corporations, and individuals are adopting clean energy for several great benefits, from reduced air pollution to financial savings. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy .

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Here are some of the most important pros and cons of using clean, renewable energy:

Advantages of renewable energy

Renewable energy has multiple advantages over fossil fuels. Here are some of the top benefits of using an alternative energy source:

Renewable energy won’t run out.

Renewable energy has lower maintenance requirements.

Renewables save money.

Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits.

Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources.

Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air.

Renewable energy creates jobs.

Renewable energy can cut down on waste.

1. Renewable energy won’t run out

Renewable energy technologies use resources straight from the environment to generate power. These energy sources include sunshine, wind, tides, and biomass. Renewable resources won’t run out, which cannot be said for many types of fossil fuels – as we use fossil fuel resources, they will be increasingly difficult to obtain, likely driving up both the cost and environmental impact of extraction.

2. Maintenance requirements are lower for renewable energy

Renewable energy systems usually require less overall maintenance than generators that use traditional fuel sources. This is because generating technology like solar panels and wind turbines either have few or no moving parts and don’t rely on flammable, combustible fuel sources to operate. Fewer maintenance requirements translate to more time and money saved.

3. Renewables save money

Using renewable energy can help you save money long term. Not only will you save on maintenance costs but also on operating costs. You don't have to pay to refuel when you’re using a technology that generates power from the sun, wind, steam, or natural processes. The amount of money you will save using renewable energy can vary depending on several factors, including the technology itself. In most cases, transitioning to renewable energy means anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in savings—find out how much you can save by switching to solar energy .

4. Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits

Renewable energy generation sources lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fuel sources like natural gas. This means a smaller carbon footprint and an overall positive impact on the natural environment . During the combustion process, fossil fuels emit high amounts of greenhouse gases, which have been proven to exacerbate climate change, which in turn causes rising global temperatures and higher frequencies of extreme weather events.

The use of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants that lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues . With renewable energy, you’re helping decrease these pollutants' prevalence and contributing to a healthier atmosphere.

5. Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources

With renewable energy technologies, you can produce energy locally. The higher the amount of our energy use is renewable, the less we’ll rely on imported energy, and the more we’ll contribute to U.S. energy independence. Renewable energy sources can help us minimize the geo-political risks associated with fossil fuels, from trade disputes to political instability to pricing wars, which are often rooted in access to oil.

6. Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air

When you burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, it contaminates the air and water we use. For example, coal power stations release high volumes of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and harmful toxins like mercury, lead, and sulfur dioxide. Health problems from ingesting these elements can be dangerous and even fatal. Investing in renewable energy is a great way to work against these risks, as renewables have a far lower negative impact on our air and water. 

The use of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants that lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues . With renewable energy, you’re helping decrease these pollutants' prevalence and contributing to a healthier environment.

7. Renewable energy creates new jobs 

While the U.S. shifts its focus to combat global warming, we’re setting ambitious carbon-reduction goals that require labor to get the job done. Today, the renewable energy sector employs three times as many people as fossil fuels in the U.S. That number is expected to rise over the next few years—and as a plus, these jobs tend to pay above average wages, making it a desirable career option and an overall economic boom. 

8. Renewable energy can help solve our waste problem

Specifically, biomass energy can offer a significant benefit in this way. Biomass generators consume used organic products like vegetable oil, corn and soybean byproducts, and even algae to generate energy. Because of this, using biomass as an energy source can reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which helps cut down on carbon emissions and environmental contamination.

Disadvantages of renewable energy

Renewable energy has many benefits, but it’s not always sunny when it comes to renewable energy. Here are some cons of renewable energy when compared to traditional fuel sources:

Renewable energy has high upfront costs.

Renewable energy is intermittent.

Renewables have storage capabilities.

Renewable energy sources have geographic limitations.

Renewables aren’t always 100% carbon-free.

1. Higher upfront cost

While you can save money using renewable energy, the technologies are typically more expensive upfront than traditional energy generators. To combat this, financial incentives such as tax credits and rebates are available to help alleviate your initial costs of renewable technology.

2. Intermittency

Though renewable energy resources are available around the world, many of these resources aren’t available 24/7, year-round. Some days may be windier than others, the sun doesn’t shine at night, and droughts may occur for periods. Unpredictable weather events can disrupt these technologies, and the amount of energy we can get from renewable power sources can be inconsistent. Fossil fuels are not intermittent, and power plants can be turned on or off at any time to provide an energy supply. Wondering if you should make the switch to renewables? Find out if an energy source like solar power is a good fit for you . 

3. Storage capabilities

Because of the intermittency of some renewable energy sources, there’s a high need for energy storage. Storage technologies are available but can be expensive, especially for large-scale renewable energy plants. It’s worth noting that energy storage capacity is growing as the technology progresses, and batteries are becoming more affordable as time passes.

4. Geographic limitations

The United States has a diverse geography with varying climates, topographies, vegetation, etc. This creates a beautiful melting pot of landscapes but also means that some geographies are more suitable for renewable technologies than others. For example, a large property in a rural area with open space may be an excellent place for a residential wind farm or a large-scale solar farm. At the same time, a townhome in a city covered in shade from taller buildings wouldn’t be able to reap the benefits of either technology. There are other options if your property isn’t suitable for a personal renewable energy technology. If you’re interested in solar but don’t have a sunny property, you can often still benefit from renewable energy by purchasing green power or enrolling in a community solar option .

5. Not 100% carbon-free

Although solar panels and other forms of renewable energy drastically reduce carbon emissions, these resources aren’t always completely clean. The manufacturing, transportation, and installation of renewable energy, like wind turbines, can create a carbon footprint since they’re usually produced in factories powered by fossil fuels —not to mention the diesel and gasoline needed to fuel the transport trucks. As the U.S. becomes more and more electrified – from solar panels on factories to electric transport trucks – carbon emissions associated with solar will continue to decrease.

6. Supply chain constraints

Renewables must have an effective distribution network created to transfer the energy where it’s needed on a large scale. These networks need non-renewable fuels to be generated, which offsets the benefits of renewable energy for a bit until it’s paid back. Additionally, politics can play a factor in installing renewable energy if it’s not a priority among local governments.

Types of renewable energy sources

There are a few types of renewable sources we can use for energy production: 

Wind energy leverages the power of wind motion to generate electricity created by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. 

Solar power uses energy from the sun to generate electricity and heat.

Hydropower utilizes fast-moving water to spin turbines and generate electricity. This is also known as hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity.

Biomass generates electricity from organic plant matter.

Geothermal energy leverages heat from inside the earth to generate electricity.

Tidal produces electricity with special generators that leverage the surges of the ocean created during rising and falling tides. Hydrogen: utilized as fuel and electricity when separated from other elements like oxygen.

Nuclear energy , while not technically renewable, is often lumped in with the abovementioned sources. Nuclear power has the potential to provide electricity generation on a massive scale with zero emissions, making it an intriguing part of our energy future.

Renewable energy has more benefits than drawbacks

When it comes to renewable energy, the positives outweigh the negatives. Transitioning to renewables on a personal, corporate, or governmental level will help you save money and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for the future.

Installing solar panels is one of the easiest ways to go green. By signing up on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace , you can compare multiple quotes from local, pre-screened installers to see what solar costs and savings for your property. The quotes will also include estimates of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions you will offset over 20 years and what this equates to in both trees planted and gallons of gasoline burned.

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November 1, 2009

12 min read

A Plan to Power 100 Percent of the Planet with Renewables

Wind, water and solar technologies can provide 100 percent of the world's energy, eliminating all fossil fuels. Here's how

By Mark Z. Jacobson & Mark A. Delucchi

In December leaders from around the world will meet in Copenhagen to try to agree on cutting back greenhouse gas emissions for decades to come. The most effective step to implement that goal would be a massive shift away from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources. If leaders can have confidence that such a transformation is possible, they might commit to an historic agreement. We think they can. A year ago former vice president Al Gore threw down a gauntlet: to repower America with 100 percent carbon-free electricity within 10 years. As the two of us started to evaluate the feasibility of such a change, we took on an even larger challenge: to determine how 100 percent of the world’s energy, for all purposes, could be supplied by wind, water and solar resources, by as early as 2030. Our plan is presented here.

Scientists have been building to this moment for at least a decade, analyzing various pieces of the challenge. Most recently, a 2009 Stanford University study ranked energy systems according to their impacts on global warming, pollution, water supply, land use, wildlife and other concerns. The very best options were wind, solar, geothermal, tidal and hydroelectric power—all of which are driven by wind, water or sunlight (referred to as WWS). Nuclear power, coal with carbon capture, and ethanol were all poorer options, as were oil and natural gas. The study also found that battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles recharged by WWS options would largely eliminate pollution from the transportation sector.

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Our plan calls for millions of wind turbines, water machines and solar installations. The numbers are large, but the scale is not an insurmountable hurdle; society has achieved massive transformations before. During World War II, the U.S. retooled automobile factories to produce 300,000 aircraft, and other countries produced 486,000 more. In 1956 the U.S. began building the Interstate Highway System, which after 35 years extended for 47,000 miles, changing commerce and society.

Is it feasible to transform the world’s energy systems? Could it be accomplished in two decades? The answers depend on the technologies chosen, the availability of critical materials, and economic and political factors.

Clean Technologies Only Renewable energy comes from enticing sources: wind, which also produces waves; water, which includes hydroelectric, tidal and geothermal energy (water heated by hot underground rock); and sun, which includes photovoltaics and solar power plants that focus sunlight to heat a fluid that drives a turbine to generate electricity. Our plan includes only technologies that work or are close to working today on a large scale, rather than those that may exist 20 or 30 years from now.

To ensure that our system remains clean, we consider only technologies that have near-zero emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants over their entire life cycle, including construction, operation and decommissioning. For example, when burned in vehicles, even the most ecologically acceptable sources of ethanol create air pollution that will cause the same mortality level as when gasoline is burned. Nuclear power results in up to 25 times more carbon emissions than wind energy, when reactor construction and uranium refining and transport are considered. Carbon capture and sequestration technology can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants but will increase air pollutants and will extend all the other deleterious effects of coal mining, transport and processing, because more coal must be burned to power the capture and storage steps. Similarly, we consider only technologies that do not present significant waste disposal or terrorism risks.

In our plan, WWS will supply electric power for heating and transportation—industries that will have to revamp if the world has any hope of slowing climate change. We have assumed that most fossil-fuel heating (as well as ovens and stoves) can be replaced by electric systems and that most fossil-fuel transportation can be replaced by battery and fuel-cell vehicles. Hydrogen, produced by using WWS electricity to split water (electrolysis), would power fuel cells and be burned in airplanes and by industry. 

Plenty of Supply Today the maximum power consumed worldwide at any given moment is about 12.5 trillion watts (terawatts, or TW), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency projects that in 2030 the world will require 16.9 TW of power as global population and living standards rise, with about 2.8 TW in the U.S. The mix of sources is similar to today’s, heavily dependent on fossil fuels. If, however, the planet were powered entirely by WWS, with no fossil-fuel or biomass combustion, an intriguing savings would occur. Global power demand would be only 11.5 TW, and U.S. demand would be 1.8 TW. That decline occurs because, in most cases, electrification is a more efficient way to use energy. For example, only 17 to 20 percent of the energy in gasoline is used to move a vehicle (the rest is wasted as heat), whereas 75 to 86 percent of the electricity delivered to an electric vehicle goes into motion.

Even if demand did rise to 16.9 TW, WWS sources could provide far more power. Detailed studies by us and others indicate that energy from the wind, worldwide, is about 1,700 TW. Solar, alone, offers 6,500 TW. Of course, wind and sun out in the open seas, over high mountains and across protected regions would not be available. If we subtract these and low-wind areas not likely to be developed, we are still left with 40 to 85 TW for wind and 580 TW for solar, each far beyond future human demand. Yet currently we generate only 0.02 TW of wind power and 0.008 TW of solar. These sources hold an incredible amount of untapped potential.

The other WWS technologies will help create a flexible range of options. Although all the sources can expand greatly, for practical reasons, wave power can be extracted only near coastal areas. Many geothermal sources are too deep to be tapped economically. And even though hydroelectric power now exceeds all other WWS sources, most of the suitable large reservoirs are already in use.

The Plan: Power Plants Required Clearly, enough renewable energy exists. How, then, would we transition to a new infrastructure to provide the world with 11.5 TW? We have chosen a mix of technologies emphasizing wind and solar, with about 9 percent of demand met by mature water-related methods. (Other combinations of wind and solar could be as successful.)

Wind supplies 51 percent of the demand, provided by 3.8 million large wind turbines (each rated at five megawatts) worldwide. Although that quantity may sound enormous, it is interesting to note that the world manufactures 73 million cars and light trucks every year . Another 40 percent of the power comes from photovoltaics and concentrated solar plants, with about 30 percent of the photovoltaic output from rooftop panels on homes and commercial buildings. About 89,000 photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plants, averaging 300 megawatts apiece, would be needed. Our mix also includes 900 hydroelectric stations worldwide, 70 percent of which are already in place.

Only about 0.8 percent of the wind base is installed today. The worldwide footprint of the 3.8 million turbines would be less than 50 square kilometers (smaller than Manhattan). When the needed spacing between them is figured, they would occupy about 1 percent of the earth’s land, but the empty space among turbines could be used for agriculture or ranching or as open land or ocean. The nonrooftop photovoltaics and concentrated solar plants would occupy about 0.33 percent of the planet’s land. Building such an extensive infrastructure will take time. But so did the current power plant network. And remember that if we stick with fossil fuels, demand by 2030 will rise to 16.9 TW, requiring about 13,000 large new coal plants, which themselves would occupy a lot more land, as would the mining to supply them.

The Materials Hurdle The scale of the WWS infrastructure is not a barrier. But a few materials needed to build it could be scarce or subject to price manipulation.

Enough concrete and steel exist for the millions of wind turbines, and both those commodities are fully recyclable. The most problematic materials may be rare-earth metals such as neodymium used in turbine gearboxes. Although the metals are not in short supply, the low-cost sources are concentrated in China, so countries such as the U.S. could be trading dependence on Middle Eastern oil for dependence on Far Eastern metals. Manufacturers are moving toward gearless turbines, however, so that limitation may become moot.

Photovoltaic cells rely on amorphous or crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium selenide and sulfide. Limited supplies of tellurium and indium could reduce the prospects for some types of thin-film solar cells, though not for all; the other types might be able to take up the slack. Large-scale production could be restricted by the silver that cells require, but finding ways to reduce the silver content could tackle that hurdle. Recycling parts from old cells could ameliorate material difficulties as well.

Three components could pose challenges for building millions of electric vehicles: rare-earth metals for electric motors, lithium for lithium-ion batteries and platinum for fuel cells. More than half the world’s lithium reserves lie in Bolivia and Chile. That concentration, combined with rapidly growing demand, could raise prices significantly. More problematic is the claim by Meridian International Research that not enough economically recoverable lithium exists to build anywhere near the number of batteries needed in a global electric-vehicle economy. Recycling could change the equation, but the economics of recycling depend in part on whether batteries are made with easy recyclability in mind, an issue the industry is aware of. The long-term use of platinum also depends on recycling; current available reserves would sustain annual production of 20 million fuel-cell vehicles, along with existing industrial uses, for fewer than 100 years.

Smart Mix for Reliability A new infrastructure must provide energy on demand at least as reliably as the existing infrastructure. WWS technologies generally suffer less downtime than traditional sources. The average U.S. coal plant is offline 12.5 percent of the year for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Modern wind turbines have a down time of less than 2 percent on land and less than 5 percent at sea. Photovoltaic systems are also at less than 2 percent. Moreover, when an individual wind, solar or wave device is down, only a small fraction of production is affected; when a coal, nuclear or natural gas plant goes offline, a large chunk of generation is lost.

The main WWS challenge is that the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine in a given location. Intermittency problems can be mitigated by a smart balance of sources, such as generating a base supply from steady geothermal or tidal power, relying on wind at night when it is often plentiful, using solar by day and turning to a reliable source such as hydroelectric that can be turned on and off quickly to smooth out supply or meet peak demand. For example, interconnecting wind farms that are only 100 to 200 miles apart can compensate for hours of zero power at any one farm should the wind not be blowing there. Also helpful is interconnecting geographically dispersed sources so they can back up one another, installing smart electric meters in homes that automatically recharge electric vehicles when demand is low and building facilities that store power for later use.

Because the wind often blows during stormy conditions when the sun does not shine and the sun often shines on calm days with little wind, combining wind and solar can go a long way toward meeting demand, especially when geothermal provides a steady base and hydroelectric can be called on to fill in the gaps.

As Cheap as Coal The mix of WWS sources in our plan can reliably supply the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors. The logical next question is whether the power would be affordable. For each technology, we calculated how much it would cost a producer to generate power and transmit it across the grid. We included the annualized cost of capital, land, operations, maintenance, energy storage to help offset intermittent supply, and transmission. Today the cost of wind, geothermal and hydroelectric are all less than seven cents a kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh); wave and solar are higher. But by 2020 and beyond wind, wave and hydro are expected to be 4¢/kWh or less.

For comparison, the average cost in the U.S. in 2007 of conventional power generation and transmission was about 7¢/kWh, and it is projected to be 8¢/kWh in 2020. Power from wind turbines, for example, already costs about the same or less than it does from a new coal or natural gas plant, and in the future wind power is expected to be the least costly of all options. The competitive cost of wind has made it the second-largest source of new electric power generation in the U.S. for the past three years, behind natural gas and ahead of coal.

Solar power is relatively expensive now but should be competitive as early as 2020. A careful analysis by Vasilis Fthenakis of Brookhaven National Laboratory indicates that within 10 years, photovoltaic system costs could drop to about 10¢/kWh, including long-distance transmission and the cost of compressed-air storage of power for use at night. The same analysis estimates that concentrated solar power systems with enough thermal storage to generate electricity 24 hours a day in spring, summer and fall could deliver electricity at 10¢/kWh or less.

Transportation in a WWS world will be driven by batteries or fuel cells, so we should compare the economics of these electric vehicles with that of internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Detailed analyses by one of us (Delucchi) and Tim Lipman of the University of California, Berkeley, have indicated that mass-produced electric vehicles with advanced lithium-ion or nickel metal-hydride batteries could have a full lifetime cost per mile (including battery replacements) that is comparable with that of a gasoline vehicle, when gasoline sells for more than $2 a gallon.

When the so-called externality costs (the monetary value of damages to human health, the environment and climate) of fossil-fuel generation are taken into account, WWS technologies become even more cost-competitive.

Overall construction cost for a WWS system might be on the order of $100 trillion worldwide, over 20 years, not including transmission. But this is not money handed out by governments or consumers. It is investment that is paid back through the sale of electricity and energy. And again, relying on traditional sources would raise output from 12.5 to 16.9 TW, requiring thousands more of those plants, costing roughly $10 trillion, not to mention tens of trillions of dollars more in health, environmental and security costs. The WWS plan gives the world a new, clean, efficient energy system rather than an old, dirty, inefficient one.

Political Will Our analyses strongly suggest that the costs of WWS will become competitive with traditional sources. In the interim, however, certain forms of WWS power will be significantly more costly than fossil power. Some combination of WWS subsidies and carbon taxes would thus be needed for a time. A feed-in tariff (FIT) program to cover the difference between generation cost and wholesale electricity prices is especially effective at scaling-up new technologies. Combining FITs with a so-called declining clock auction, in which the right to sell power to the grid goes to the lowest bidders, provides continuing incentive for WWS developers to lower costs. As that happens, FITs can be phased out. FITs have been implemented in a number of European countries and a few U.S. states and have been quite successful in stimulating solar power in Germany.

Taxing fossil fuels or their use to reflect their environmental damages also makes sense. But at a minimum, existing subsidies for fossil energy, such as tax benefits for exploration and extraction, should be eliminated to level the playing field. Misguided promotion of alternatives that are less desirable than WWS power, such as farm and production subsidies for biofuels, should also be ended, because it delays deployment of cleaner systems. For their part, legislators crafting policy must find ways to resist lobbying by the entrenched energy industries.

Finally, each nation needs to be willing to invest in a robust, long-distance transmission system that can carry large quantities of WWS power from remote regions where it is often greatest—such as the Great Plains for wind and the desert Southwest for solar in the U.S.—to centers of consumption, typically cities. Reducing consumer demand during peak usage periods also requires a smart grid that gives generators and consumers much more control over electricity usage hour by hour.

A large-scale wind, water and solar energy system can reliably supply the world’s needs, significantly benefiting climate, air quality, water quality, ecology and energy security. As we have shown, the obstacles are primarily political, not technical. A combination of feed-in tariffs plus incentives for providers to reduce costs, elimination of fossil subsidies and an intelligently expanded grid could be enough to ensure rapid deployment. Of course, changes in the real-world power and transportation industries will have to overcome sunk investments in existing infrastructure. But with sensible policies, nations could set a goal of generating 25 percent of their new energy supply with WWS sources in 10 to 15 years and almost 100 percent of new supply in 20 to 30 years. With extremely aggressive policies, all existing fossil-fuel capacity could theoretically be retired and replaced in the same period, but with more modest and likely policies full replacement may take 40 to 50 years. Either way, clear leadership is needed, or else nations will keep trying technologies promoted by industries rather than vetted by scientists.

A decade ago it was not clear that a global WWS system would be technically or economically feasible. Having shown that it is, we hope global leaders can figure out how to make WWS power politically feasible as well. They can start by committing to meaningful climate and renewable energy goals now.

Note: This article was originally printed with the title, "A Path to Sustainable Energy by 2030."

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green power essay

Renewable energy – powering a safer future

Energy is at the heart of the climate challenge – and key to the solution.

A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat.

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are by far the largest contributor to global climate change , accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions.

The science is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

To achieve this, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable.

Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

Fossil fuels still account for more than 80 percent of global energy production , but cleaner sources of energy are gaining ground. About 29 percent of electricity currently comes from renewable sources.

Here are five reasons why accelerating the transition to clean energy is the pathway to a healthy, livable planet today and for generations to come.

1. Renewable energy sources are all around us

About 80 percent of the global population lives in countries that are net-importers of fossil fuels -- that’s about 6 billion people who are dependent on fossil fuels from other countries, which makes them vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and crises.

In contrast, renewable energy sources are available in all countries, and their potential is yet to be fully harnessed. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90 percent of the world’s electricity can and should come from renewable energy by 2050.

Renewables offer a way out of import dependency, allowing countries to diversify their economies and protect them from the unpredictable price swings of fossil fuels, while driving inclusive economic growth, new jobs, and poverty alleviation.

2. Renewable energy is cheaper

Renewable energy actually is the cheapest power option in most parts of the world today. Prices for renewable energy technologies are dropping rapidly. The cost of electricity from solar power fell by 85 percent between 2010 and 2020. Costs of onshore and offshore wind energy fell by 56 percent and 48 percent respectively.

Falling prices make renewable energy more attractive all around – including to low- and middle-income countries, where most of the additional demand for new electricity will come from. With falling costs, there is a real opportunity for much of the new power supply over the coming years to be provided by low-carbon sources.

Cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of the world’s total electricity supply by 2030. It could decarbonize 90 percent of the power sector by 2050, massively cutting carbon emissions and helping to mitigate climate change.

Although solar and wind power costs are expected to remain higher in 2022 and 2023 then pre-pandemic levels due to general elevated commodity and freight prices, their competitiveness actually improves due to much sharper increases in gas and coal prices, says the International Energy Agency (IEA).

3. Renewable energy is healthier

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99 percent of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits and threatens their health, and more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes, including air pollution.

The unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide originate mainly from the burning of fossil fuels. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels caused $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs , about $8 billion a day.

Switching to clean sources of energy, such as wind and solar, thus helps address not only climate change but also air pollution and health.

4. Renewable energy creates jobs

Every dollar of investment in renewables creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry. The IEA estimates that the transition towards net-zero emissions will lead to an overall increase in energy sector jobs : while about 5 million jobs in fossil fuel production could be lost by 2030, an estimated 14 million new jobs would be created in clean energy, resulting in a net gain of 9 million jobs.

In addition, energy-related industries would require a further 16 million workers, for instance to take on new roles in manufacturing of electric vehicles and hyper-efficient appliances or in innovative technologies such as hydrogen. This means that a total of more than 30 million jobs could be created in clean energy, efficiency, and low-emissions technologies by 2030.

Ensuring a just transition , placing the needs and rights of people at the heart of the energy transition, will be paramount to make sure no one is left behind.

5. Renewable energy makes economic sense

About $7 trillion was spent on subsidizing the fossil fuel industry in 2022, including through explicit subsidies, tax breaks, and health and environmental damages that were not priced into the cost of fossil fuels.

In comparison, about $4.5 trillion a year needs to be invested in renewable energy until 2030 – including investments in technology and infrastructure – to allow us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The upfront cost can be daunting for many countries with limited resources, and many will need financial and technical support to make the transition. But investments in renewable energy will pay off. The reduction of pollution and climate impacts alone could save the world up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030.

Moreover, efficient, reliable renewable technologies can create a system less prone to market shocks and improve resilience and energy security by diversifying power supply options.

Learn more about how many communities and countries are realizing the economic, societal, and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

Will developing countries benefit from the renewables boom? Learn more here .

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green power essay

By Rajiv Shah

Dr. Shah is the president of the Rockefeller Foundation. He was the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development from 2009 to 2015.

In 2015, world leaders made an ambitious, unanimous commitment to help developing nations improve their prospects in health, employment, nutrition and access to affordable and clean energy by 2030. Every September, the United Nations and others assess how much progress has been made.

This year, the goals look increasingly out of reach. The data shows that trying to make modest improvements on all issues is not working. It is only diffusing already thin resources.

As world leaders gather this week for the United Nations General Assembly they should reimagine their approach. In today’s digital world, nothing matters more to individual well-being than energy: Access to electricity determines fundamental aspects of individuals’ lives, like whether they are healthy or have a job.

Instead of treating electrification as one of many goals, it’s time to see it is essential to all of them. And that means the world needs to focus investment and effort on getting reliable, clean electricity to the nearly 700 million people who don’t have any — and the 3.1 billion more who don’t have enough.

Ten years ago, when I was the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, there was an overwhelming feeling of optimism in the global community about ending poverty and addressing climate change, and for good reason. Reductions in poverty in the previous two decades and geopolitical cooperation inspired the United Nations to rally countries around a set of sustainable development goals on human and planetary well-being.

The sense of possibility in 2015 was based in part on money. At the time, developing economies were relatively flush. Free trade and globalization had led to record increases in foreign direct investment. Overseas development assistance, or foreign aid, had reached more than $96 billion in 2015 . And debt relief efforts had canceled $130 billion in liabilities since 1999. In total, by 2014, the flow of financial resources into developing countries had risen to $225 billion, more than ever before. This high tide suggested it was possible to lift all boats.

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Renewable energy has high upfront costs.
Renewable energy has lower maintenance requirements.Renewable energy is intermittent.
Renewables save money.Renewables have limited storage capabilities.
Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits.Renewable energy sources have geographic limitations.
Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources.Renewables aren’t always 100% carbon-free.
Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air.
Renewable energy creates jobs.
Renewable energy can cut down on waste.