Green Energy

Books

Investing in the Era of Climate Change Book Cover
Climate Capitalism by Akshat Rathi Book Cover

The Basics

What is renewable energy?
  • Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed.
  • Renewables differ from fossil fuels, which take hundreds of millions of year to form. 
What are the most common sources of renewable energy?
  • The most common source of renewable electricity generation globally is hydropower.
  • The 7,468 TWh generated from renewable hydro accounted for 58% of total renewable generation.
  • Wind (21%) and Solar (11.3%) are expected to contribute a majority of renewable capacity growth in the next decade.
  • Other sources include Bioenergy (7.8%), Geothermal (1.3%), and Marine Energy (.01%).

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency.

Is nuclear power considered renewable?
  • Nuclear power is typically not classified as a renewable energy source for two main reasons:
      • Nuclear power relies on Uranium, which has a finite supply.
      • Nuclear power plants release radioactive waste which can last for thousands of years
  • Nevertheless, there are many advicates for a large role for nuclear power in the energy transition given the fact that nuclear power generation does not release carbon into the atmosphere
Is hydro power considered renewable?
  • Yes, hydro power is considered a renewable energy source.
  • Hydro power utilizes the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity.
  • This process is sustainable as water is naturally replenished through the water cycle.
  • As a clean and dispatchable energy source, hydro power plays a critical role in decarbonizing power grids.
What is Bio-mass?
  • Biomass refers to organic materials derived from plants, animals, or their byproducts.
  • It can include wood, agricultural residues, energy crops, and organic waste.
  • Biomass is used as a renewable energy source through processes like combustion, gasification, or fermentation to produce heat, electricity, or biofuels.
What is Enhanced Geothermal?
  • Enhanced geothermal, also known as engineered geothermal systems (EGS), involves creating and manipulating geothermal reservoirs to extract heat from the Earth's subsurface.
  • It utilizes techniques like hydraulic fracturing and injection of fluids to enhance permeability and increase heat extraction.
  • Enhanced geothermal has the potential to expand geothermal energy generation in areas with lower natural permeability.

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