Renewable energy is energy that is obtained from naturally occurring and renewable sources that are not depleted during use. These sources include sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, geothermal heat and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), which are finite and contribute to environmental problems such as air pollution and climate change, renewable energy sources offer a cleaner and more sustainable way to meet our energy needs.

Types of renewable energy sources

Solar energy: Solar energy is obtained from solar radiation by using photovoltaic cells or solar cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity. It can also be used for solar thermal applications to generate heat for space heating, water heating and industrial processes.

Wind energy: Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy of moving air and convert it into electricity. Wind energy is highly scalable and can be used both for large-scale electricity generation and for decentralized energy systems.

Hydropower: Hydropower uses flowing water, e.g. in rivers or dams, to drive turbines and generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widespread renewable energy sources.

Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy comes from the earth's heat, which is stored in rocks and fluids beneath the earth's surface. It is used in geothermal power plants to generate electricity and for direct applications such as heating and cooling.

Biomass: Energy from biomass is obtained from organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues and waste. It can be burned directly to generate heat or converted into biofuels such as biogas, biodiesel and bioethanol.

Ocean energy: Ocean energy includes tidal and wave energy as well as the conversion of thermal ocean energy. These technologies utilize the energy from the movement of tides and waves as well as the temperature difference between warm surface water and colder deep water. Renewable energy plays a central role in the global transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system. With growing concerns about climate change, energy security and environmental sustainability, countries and regions around the world are increasingly prioritizing the introduction of renewable energy sources. They are seen as an important solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing environmental impact and creating a more resilient and decentralized energy infrastructure.

Renewable energy encompasses a range of naturally renewable sources, including solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass and ocean energy. These sources offer numerous benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy security and sustainable economic growth. While there are challenges such as energy supply disruption and energy storage, the transition to renewable energy is essential to meeting the global energy and environmental challenges of the 21st century.