Renewable energy is a clean source of energy that harnesses the power of the sun, wind and water. It is used to generate electricity, heat homes and power vehicles.
Renewables are the fastest-growing global energy source, creating more jobs than fossil fuels. This fact sheet outlines basic facts about the industry and highlights key milestones in its growth story.
It is a clean source of energy
The Renewable Energy Industry is an alternative energy source that utilizes the power of natural resources such as sunlight, wind, and water to produce electricity. It is considered a clean energy source because it doesn’t pollute the environment.
This is also a cheaper alternative to fossil fuels and helps slow and reverse climate change. It is a growing industry that provides job growth and expands energy access for people worldwide.
However, there are a few drawbacks to using renewable energy sources.
One is that they require significant investments to develop. This includes finding a suitable location and installing infrastructure.
Another is that these sources require effective distribution networks to transport the energy to where it is needed on a large scale.
However, replacing our current infrastructure with renewable energy sources can still be challenging despite the benefits. It takes time and consistent support from governments to develop renewable energy projects.
It is cheaper than fossil fuels
Compared to fossil fuels, renewable energy is cheaper and more accessible. And it will only get more affordable as technology advances and companies find ways to reduce costs.
Fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, come from plants and animals that lived millions of years ago and absorbed energy in the form of heat or cold. These organisms gradually buried themselves and slowly decomposed anaerobically to convert their stored energy into usable fuel formats.
When fossil fuels are combusted, they release particles that can pollute air, water, and land. They also upset Earth’s “carbon budget,” which balances our climate.
On the other hand, renewable sources do not emit carbon or other greenhouse gasses that can cause global warming. Additionally, they are more stable and easily distributed.
It is environmentally friendly
The renewable energy industry is a great way to save the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When electricity is produced from wind and solar, it displaces fossil fuel power plants and cuts carbon dioxide emissions.
Fossil fuels produce harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, exacerbating climate change and leading to respiratory diseases and other health issues. According to the American Lung Association, these pollutants are also responsible for acid rain and ground-level ozone that irritate the lungs.
The renewable energy industry is a growing sector that employs three times as many people as the coal industry in the United States. These jobs offer an exciting career path with excellent wages and benefits.
It is a growing industry
The Renewable Energy Industry is rapidly growing, offering many benefits, including job creation and reduced energy bills. It also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps developing nations achieve greater energy access.
However, there are some challenges in the industry which can hinder growth. Rising costs, project delays, supply chain disruption, trade policy uncertainty, inflation and interest rates are all factors weighing down on the renewables sector in the short term.
Despite these challenges, the renewables sector is expected to continue its rapid growth in the years to come. Policies such as tax credits, feed-in tariffs and competitive auctions have helped drive cost reduction and deployment.
While the solar and wind sectors are booming, other areas, such as geothermal and biofuels, also create jobs. A new report from IRENA and the UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that global employment in renewable energy reached 12.7 million last year, a 770,000 increase from the previous year.