Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy: Which Prevails

The sustainability of the current energy system is a critical question. A major shift from fossil fuels to one based on energy efficiency and renewable energy is essential. The expansion of a broad range of renewable energy-based technologies are ongoing at an inspiring level. Cost reductions have been impressive. However, the relative involvement of renewable energy remains somewhat lesser in many countries. There are many advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy, so the main one will be discussed in the essay.

Introduction to the Topic

Renewable energy is the energy collected from renewable sources such as sun, water, wind, biomass, and so on. It provides energy in various areas such as electricity, transportation etc. Currently renewable energy projects are focused basically on wind power, hydropower, solar energy, geothermal energy and bioenergy. Renewable energy has been more effective in creating occupational opportunities than coal and oil in many countries. Renewable energy skills are getting low-priced, through technological revolution and through the advantages of bulk production and market competition. A 2018 report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), found that the cost of renewable energy is quickly dropping, and will likely be equal to or less than the cost non-renewables such as fossil fuels by 2020. This is mainly because of the various advantages of renewable energy sources such as that they don’t easily run out, they are easily available, they help in saving the environment, their maintenance costs are low and so on.

There are various projects undertaken in view of developing the renewable resources such as the Sihwa lake project, TuNur solar project, Asian renewable energy hub and so on. These are some of the biggest projects existing or being planned in order to utilize the energy from the maximum available renewable resources. the UAE is the largest and fastest growing solar market in the GCC. There is more upward trajectory in the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are coming with many projects in the future development of renewable energy utilization. The fact that renewable energy has more benefits than its disadvantages is a point to be noted.

The long-term programs on sustainable research and development were viewed. A summary of recent developments and current application of sustainable energy are stated with growth of future estimate and economic feasibility. The significance of the pattern of energy creation, conversion and consumption in confirming sustainable development insists stock taking of energy supplies and demands so as to enable adequate policies. The forces opposing the execution of renewable energy are strong and abundant. Some of them are essential to the process of change that goes with the operation. Others, however, would fade away if officers and the general public were more aware of the countless benefits of a renewable energy supply system. Biomass, wind, and solar energy were improved, and a number of resource technology combinations were studied. Results, suggests that, renewable energy must be implemented and supported by full scale in the world.

Renewable Energy: Review of Advantages and Disadvantages

I.M Bugaje, in 2006, conducted a research on the topic ‘Renewable Energy for sustainable development in Africa’. In this research, renewable energy usage in Africa has been surveyed using South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Mali as case studies. The various national energy policies of these countries were studied and areas that require consideration to achieve sustainability were emphasized. Africa has all the capacities to solve its energy crises if appropriate infrastructural support can be provided for utilizing the rich renewable resources in the continent, and if skills are combined and experiences shared in tackling the significant issues. -Renewable energy for sustainable development in Africa: a review-I.M. Bugaje

A research was conducted in 2016 by M. Jamil, Farzana Ahmed and Y.J. Jeon on the renewable energy technologies adopted by UAE. According to their research, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an oil-rich country which is in the eastern part of the Arabian Gulf. The country is considered among the highest energy consumer in the world. Similarly, like the other GCC countries, UAE׳s economy mainly depends on the oil, gas and other fossil fuels. In the recent timings, the endless increase in UAE׳s population requires further demand in its energy production which is vital for its economic growth. However, as the fossil fuels are limited, subsequently sustainable and renewable energy (RE) resources are to be studied. In this context, the UAE is considering alternative renewable energy sources to conquer such issues as well as to reduce environmental pollution and its carbon emission. The research work focuses on the issues and challenges related with the renewable energy technologies, in the picture of UAE. The possible current, renewable energy resources options for UAE and possible future projections of such technologies are considered in the study. Further, at the present scenario, renewable energy resources such as photovoltaic energy, concentrated solar power, wave energy and fuel cell energy etc., which UAE׳s is mainly focusing are also reviewed in the research. Similarly, the past and ongoing research work conducted on such technologies have also been discussed. It is projected that by exploring renewable energy technologies, with proper application and with improved planning, these renewable energy resources will offer a suitable result for the UAE׳s energy, economy and environmental issues. - Renewable energy technologies adopted by the UAE: Prospects and challenges – A comprehensive overview-M. Jamila, Farzana Ahmad, Y.J. Jeon.

It is needed to define what is renewable energy to fully understand its advantages and disadvantages in this essay.  So Renewable energy is 'any natural resource that can restore itself instantly and consistently'. Its sources are ample, long lasting and environmentally-friendly. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources won't ever run out, as they are continuously restocked no matter how much we use. So, while reserves of fossil fuels like coal and oil and natural gas will eventually get exhausted, renewable energy sources will permanently be available.

What is non-renewable energy? A non-renewable resource is a resource which cannot be instantly substituted by natural means at a quick pace to maintain the demand and consumption levels. Examples are oil, coal, natural gas. The original organic matter with the aid of heat and pressure becomes a fuel. Such as oil or has Earth minerals and metal areas fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) and ground water in certain aquifers are all considered non-renewable resources.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is important for a bunch of different reasons, such as:

• It reduces global warming emissions, which makes for a safer, greener environment
• Renewable energy sources reduce air and water pollution, so are better for our health
• As there is more work involved in harnessing renewable energy, the industry creates more employment opportunities and other economic benefits
• Renewable energy helps to keep energy prices stable
• Being renewable, we have an abundant supply of these energy sources – they're unlikely to ever run out, even in a billion years from now.
• It also has stable energy prices, low cost operation and low global warming emissions as well as it is a continual source of energy.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

• Higher upfront cost: while you can save money by using renewable energy, the technologies are typically more expensive upfront than traditional energy generator. To, combat this there are often financial incentives, such as tax credit and rebate, available to help alleviate your initial cost of renewable technology.
• Intermittency: renewable resources available in all the world. Many of these resources are not available 24/7, year around. Sometimes there may be shortage accrued
• Storage capacity: because of intermittency of some renewable energy resources, there is high need for energy storage. Storage technology can be expensive specially for large scale renewable energy plants.
• Geographic limitations: the world has diverse geography with varying climates, topography, vegetation and more. These create a beautiful melting pot of landscape but also means that there are some geographies that are more suitable for renewable technologies than others. For example, a large farm with open space may be great place for a residential wind turbines or solar energy system, while a town home in city covered in shade from taller buildings wouldn’t be able to reap the benefits of either technology on their property. If your property not suitable personal renewable energy technology, there are other options. If you are interested in solar but don’t have sunny property, you can often still benefit from renewable energy by purchasing green power or enrolling in a community solar option.

Renewable Energy Have More Benefits Than Drawbacks

When it comes to renewable energy the positive ought to weight the negatives. Transitioning to renewables on a personal corporate or govt level will not help to save your money but also promote a cleaner healthier environment for future. Initially solar panels are one of the easiest way to go green. You can compare multiple quotes from local, pre-screened installer to see what solar cost and savings for your property. It also includes estimates of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. You will offset over 20 years and what this equates to in both tree planted, and gallons of gasoline burned. Below are some of the greatest renewable energy projects:

• The 'Tunur Project' in Tunisia

This is a project based on solar power. The project is located in Sahara Desert. The solar radiation level at this place is 2500KWh/m2. Tunisia has up to 20% better solar energy. This is a project between Africa and Europe. TuNur’s planned project in Tunisia hopes to knock into the Sahara desert’s immense potential to provide solar energy. Its appeal to the Tunisian energy ministry visualizes a provision in the southwest of the country that will produce 4.5GW of power.

• Asian Renewable Energy Hub

It is a concept of comprising wind and solar generation capacities. It develops 9GW capacity (6GW of wind and 3GW of solar power). It’s a project between four companies namely InterContinental Energy (ICE), CWP Energy Asia, Vestas, and Macquarie. It is the world’s biggest hybrid power project planned till date. The plan is being developed and the construction is planned to be completed in different phases at a stretch of seven years, with the first electricity to be expected in the year 2025.

• Grand Inga Dam project

Sited in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Inga Project is the world’s largest proposed hydropower arrangement. The proposed location is on the Congo River, the world’s second largest river in terms of flow which due to its position close to the equator provides a tremendous source of hydropower. If accomplished, it will be double the volume of the Three Gorges Dam in China, which is 22,500 MW and presently holds the record. The project has 52 turbines, each turbine with a capacity of 750 MW. It will help in the development of the African people and the economy as a whole.

• Sihwa Lake Tidal project

It is the world’s largest tidal power station. It is operation by Korea Water Resources Corporation. Sihwa Lake is an artificial lake constructed by the South Korean government in the year 1994 as part of land reclamation. The project commenced on August 4, 2011. The facility is expected to be commissioned in 2017.

Conclusion

We can say that developing renewable energy is one way to help and protect the environment for the future generations. Alternative energy was great yesterday. Renewable energy is our destiny. The future is green energy, sustainability and renewable energy.