Renewable energy development is the advancement of methods for using naturally replenished energy sources. As a result, renewable energies are non-depleting natural resources. Sun, wind, wave, and tidal energy, as well as geothermal energy, are examples.
The majority of renewable energy sources are derived from the sun’s power. Geothermal renewable energy is an important exception to this rule, as it relies on heat produced deep within the earth’s core. Renewable energy development from geothermal sources is typically produced in geothermal plants built on the tectonic plate boundaries. These are places where high-temperature matter is brought much closer to the earth’s surface than is normally the case.
Historically, geothermal renewable energy development has focused on using the earth’s heat directly to heat residential and commercial buildings. The production of hot water is another common use of this energy source. Geothermal plants can also generate electricity, though this is a less efficient use of geothermal energy.
Solar energy can be used to generate a wide range of renewable energy resources. Solar power, wind power, and hydroelectricity are probably the ones with the strongest renewable energy development focus. Humans have been harnessing each of these sources of power in various forms for thousands of years.
The earliest forms of solar energy were frequently passive methods, such as orienting houses to the south to maximize the benefits of light and warmth. Greenhouses are an important agricultural application because they convert solar energy into heat and allow the cultivation of crops that are not suited to the local environment. The technology used in modern solar renewable energy development is far more complex. Photovoltaic cells are used to capture and convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar electricity can now be produced on a commercial scale thanks to technological advancements.
Windmills were used to grind wheat to produce flour in ancient times, and wind energy was used to power sail boats. Similarly, water mills were used to produce flour using the energy from flowing water. Man’s ability to use both wind and water energy has greatly improved as a result of modern renewable energy development. Large windmill farms generate commercially viable amounts of electricity, and hydroelectricity is generated on a large scale by power plants built on large rivers. Many governments encourage the development of renewable energy by providing incentives such as renewable energy credits.