Renewable Energy

The term Renewable Energy is relatively new to most people. As the world becomes more aware about what is causing global warming, people are looking for ways to reduce our impacts on the environment. Renewable energy is a critical part of the solution to global warming.

Renewable energy is produced from resources that cannot be depleted such as hydro dams, solar, and wind. When energy is produce from fire, it consumes the fuel that feeds the fire, therefore the fuel cannot be used again. This is an example of non-renewable energy. When energy is produced from a wind turbine, it doesn`t consume the wind or deplete the supply of wind, therefore it is a form of renewable energy.

Because renewable energy sources do not depend of fire, there are no carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming. Most of our energy supplies in the last century have relied on fire to generate power. To build a sustainable future, we must transition to renewable energy to supply our homes, workplaces, and transportation (see electric cars).

Where Does My Energy Come From?

Some people think electricity is a clean source of energy, however, there is a lot of pollution created from generating the electricity we use in our homes and at work. Electricity can be generated using a number of energy sources, including:

• Hydro (water from dammed rivers generates power)
• Nuclear
• Solar
• Wind
• Coal
• Natural Gas

The energy source used to generate electricity is what creates pollution. Many regions of the world, all of the above electricity sources are used, but in various amounts (commonly called the energy mix).

Coal is the worst energy source to use as it produces a significant amount of air pollution and carbon dioxide, which is contributing to global warming.

Switching to Renewable Energy

Some companies and individuals have installed wind and solar generators to create their own energy, while others have opted to purchase their electricity from companies that provide renewable energy.

There are a number of regional incentive programs for installing wind or solar generators, including energy buy-back programs. For examples, see an Ontario microFIT success story. Check with your logal government for more information.

Renewable energy is the path to a sustainable future. The sooner we embrace it, the more impact we will have in reducing the effects of global warming.