The energy that most countries use today is not sustainable. Nevertheless, its increasing demand is due to economic development, industrialization, and urbanization. One of the prime causes of industrial pollution is electricity generation, which mostly comes from coal and nuclear power plants. It has a severe impact on our environment, which leads to a climate crisis.
Renewable energy is the solution to meeting the increasing energy demands without causing any harm to the earth. However, the transition to clean, renewable energy is slower than it is required to attain a sustainable future. Energy sustainability involves producing and using energy to meet the present needs conforming to social and environmental requirements.
Contents
What is Sustainable Energy?
The United Nations defines sustainable energy as energy that meets our present demand without causing any harm to its availability in the future. In a way, renewable energy sources available in plenty help produce sustainable energy. Some sources include wind, solar, water, geothermal, and bioenergy.
You can always find sunlight, rain, and wind, and they are energy sources that are replenished. Moreover, using biological masses like straw and other agricultural by-products will help produce bioenergy. The energy produced from the internal energy sources of earth makes geothermal energy.
Why Do You Need Sustainable Energy?
In the early days, biomass like wood and waste products was the only energy source. Technological development helped use fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas to produce energy. Fossil fuels are in great demand, and most countries use them for generating electricity. Nevertheless, both coal and oil have a severe impact on the environment causing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Further, these energy sources are not available everywhere and getting depleted. The increasing oil demand has led to an increase in its price. All these have prompted most countries to look for clean, renewable energy sources by investing in solar plants, wind and hydro systems, and more.
Various Benefits of Using Sustainable Energy
With countries across the world looking for ways to increase energy generation from renewable sources, it’s essential to know why energy sustainability is essential today.
Helps eliminate the use of fossil fuels
The common energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas we use today are not sustainable. Most of our energy needs are met using them, but these resources may not be available in the future as they are depleting. Harnessing sustainable energy can reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels and save our planet from climate change.
For that, you need innovative solutions. For instance, traditional solar plants require a large area of land, which may not be feasible in some countries. An alternative to it is the floating solar power plant and offshore wind power.
Renewable energy is inexhaustible
With nonrenewable energy sources, which will run out, you will not be able to meet the increasing energy demands. For the growing population to have dependable, affordable, and sustainable energy, countries should invest in developing infrastructure to use renewable sources like sunlight, wind, and water for sustainable energy.
Helps protect the environment
Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy resources do not produce greenhouse gases, which helps protect our health and environment. Most countries spend a lot of money on healthcare, which can be used for something else if the place is clean, safe, and healthy to live in.
Sustainable energy is the best solution for meeting the increasing energy needs without causing any harm to their availability in the future. Harnessing it by developing hybrid systems and floating solar and onshore wind projects requires significant investment.
