The term energy is by definition the amount of motion, labor, transformation a human being, a machine or even a system can exert. In the electrical energy sector, the power generated is counted by kilowatt (kWh). Electrical energy has become an indispensable part of our daily life on the earth and the universe without it everything will stand still. What is incredible about energy that it cannot be produced! Energies are only changeable and convertible to other forms and other manifestations.
Given that, in planet earth, there are two types of energies: nonrenewable energy (Fossil Fuel and its derivations) and renewable energies. The latter as its name explains, is generated from sheer nature. It is true that not all sustainable energies are derived from the sun but basically solar energy is the most known and prominent energy source. In addition to solar energy (thermal and photovoltaic), we can talk about wind energy, biomass, hydroelectric power (from water), geothermal and other forms.
Obviously, the world needs energy eagerly. Thus whether renewable or not, these source of powers are used in majority of case to supply the huge demand of electricity.
Why countries are going green?
Consumers think first and for most about the quality price relationship. Green energies are cheaper this is a fact. For the market prices, renewables present a stabilizer of energy prices. Renewables are the market equilibrium creator.
Moreover, companies of solar power for instance are providing the best collectors and panels to the consumers. These renewable energy companies are building a bright reputation. Other would think about the hazardous impact of fossil fuel on the planet. Greenhouse emissions are catastrophic on the environment. The repercussion of these emissions on global warming is tremendous. For these reasons, countries and consumers in general are shifting into the green choice.
A Global Decision of Renewable Energy Orientation
The criteria of renewable energy industry
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy orientations would be a reality that is concretized by 40 per cent of total global energy generation by 2040. This is almost half of total the power generation of the world. This is apparently, an explosion in the renewable energy industry. Consequently, the portion of electrical generation using green energy is planned to be the fastest among other resources.
The criteria that make the renewable energy industry more prominent than nonrenewable energy are a lot. Namely, the criteria are: more technological advancements, risk management assets, advanced monitoring systems, sustainability and positive environmental influences. Taking the case of First Solar that is one of the top renewable energy companies; it produces 89-98% less CO2 emissions comparing to nonrenewable energy generation emissions.
Distinguishable feature of renewable energy industry
One of the most distinguishable feature of renewable energy is that energy generation producer and consumer lines have become blurry. Thereupon, thanks to green energy installation the consumer has become a beneficiary of both self-energy satisfaction and energy production. This is due to the fact that any excess of energy produced can be sold to the neighbor circle.
Knowing that there is a drastic increase in the energy demand in the world. Therefore, the need to renewable energy is expanding too. In explicit numbers, sustainable energy investments seize two thirds of worldwide market investment in the global energy sector.
Rapid Growth of Renewable Energy Sector
Facts and numbers about renewables sector
China and India are the biggest solar photovoltaic (PV) power generators in the world, but also they are the biggest consumers of energy.
As far as European Union (EU) is concerned, the green industry is supplying about 80 per cent of the energy generated. To be more precise, wind power would become the chief power source of electricity by 2030 in Europe. This is why European Union countries such as Germany are inaugurating the biggest offshore and onshore wind farms in the globe. Of course, these plans are consolidated by encouraging strong regulations and policies.
Equally important, renewable energy companies are not only providing electricity (direct energy needs) but also a set of other essential needs. To enumerate, renewables can be useful to heat water, to use for electric mobility (cars and means of transportation) and even for food dehydration systems and wine industry etc. IEA has found that, for example, Brazil portion of renewable energy (in its direct or indirect use) is increasing from 39 per cent to almost 45 per cent by 2040.
Baring in mind that the global population will reach 9 billion human being by 2040, one should strongly think about the global supply of energy. Together with the growing number of cities around the world, the energy industry is certainly going to witness the fastest growth and explosion ever.
Is it possible to go 100 percent green?
According to CDP (used to be called Carbon Disclosure Project), around 40 city in the world are now totally free of CO2 of fossil fuel emission. These countries have adopted fully the renewables. The list includes Burlington, Vermont, Atlanta and San Diego. Other cities are planning to be 100 percent green by 2030. For now numerous countries are almost 70 percent green. The list includes Seattle; Eugene, Oregon; and Aspen, Colorado, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg, North Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia.
To conclude
The electrical energy sector is a swing market among energy sector in general. Although renewable energies are expanding, the demand is sometimes decreasing. The decrease is due to the market economy crises, orientations, policies, taxations, infrastructure, culture and awareness. The energy industry is more and more challenging and controversial. However, no one can deny that there are hopeful signs of an emerging and insightful green culture in the horizon of world.
The world is in front of a dangerous environmental diversion. It is a crossroad that humanity should think about it deeply and decide which road to undergo. If we are going to undergo the green path and substitute fossil fuels, we are in the right direction. Otherwise, humanity is in a great danger.
It is true that this cannot be done overnight, however, it is not impossible. The suitable infrastructure, sufficient political determination, the will to change are the bases of this great decision. Furthermore, renewable energies are a very effective way towards decentralization of energy. Under those circumstances, The combination of friendly environmental decisions and energy sufficiency is the successful recipe of well-being.