As concern for the environment increases, so does mankind’s interest in renewable energy sources. These are some of the most common renewable energy sources being used today.
Wind
The wind energy industry uses large wind turbines that power generators. Those generators then supply power to connected power grids. Wind energy is considered one of the least expensive renewable power sources.
Solar
Solar panels work by capturing light from the sun’s rays and converting it to energy. They can be installed on any roof as long as it is large enough to support the panels and is not obstructed by trees or other structures. Solar panels store enough energy to continuously provide power even when the sun is not shining.
Nuclear
Nuclear energy may sound scary, but it’s actually very safe when the proper precautions are taken. Nuclear energy works by using the heat from nuclear fission to turn water into steam. That steam is then used to power a turbine and produce energy.
Hydropower
Hydropower uses running water to power turbines. The turbine is built in to the bottom of a dam. Water collects in the reservoir behind the dam and flows down a sloped tube within the dam and into the body of water below. As it flows through the dam, it turns the turbine inside, producing energy.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy works by harnessing the extreme heat from the center of the earth. Geothermal plants extract hot water from deep underground and use it to naturally heat buildings or produce energy before pumping it back into the ground where it can be heated and used again.
All of these renewable energy sources are able to produce energy without using up nonrenewable resources and releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere. While they are not as heavily used as fossil fuels at this time, they are all already being used around the world to produce energy.