Unlike traditional energy which is usually totally consumed during energy creation, renewable energy uses power sources like hydro, solar, and biogas that creates energy using a natural source and it is continually replenished without the source getting depleted.
In Australia today, we have several forms of renewable energy which continue to alleviate our dependency on fossil fuels as the main source of non-renewable energy. We will carefully consider some of the alternative sources of energy.
- Solar power: This is the most abundant alternative energy source in Australia with a limitless supply for use. The country is remarkably known for its rooftop solar system readily available in over a million homes. The energy is generated when solar photons generate DC current and are stored in an inverter where it is converted into usable electricity – AC current.
- Hydropower: Over many decades, hydroelectricity has become a very prominent way of generating renewable energy and the largest supplier of energy. Energy is obtained as a result of the action of the water force on the rotating shaft propellers, which is connected to a power generating system.
- Wind energy: This is an incredible form of energy generation because energy is literally generated from “invisible air.” Energy is generated using wind turbines, which is similar in operation to hydropower generation where the wind force spins the turbine’s shaft large blade connected to an electricity generating system. This method of energy generation is quite expensive to set-up and maintain. The wind force must not be too little, then energy would not be generated, and if the force is too much, it could damage the turbine.
- Biomass energy: This is the energy generated from synthesised organic matter (plants). While the traditional fuels consume fossils for energy, the biomass energy consumes hydrocarbon called biofuel. A common example is ethanol, which was synthesised from starches, corn, and wheat.
Adopting the use of renewable energy in place of the fossil has a huge benefit to the continent at large. Here are a few advantages:
- Abundant supply: Since the sources are naturally occurring elements like wind, water, and sunlight, we can be sure that they would not run out. Unlike traditional fuel is becoming more difficult to access.
- Save money: Over the long run, because we do not have to pay for refuelling, we have the opportunity to save money on both maintenance and operating cost.
- Health and safety of the environment: The amount of pollution generated using renewable energy sources is almost non-existent, which in turn allows for a safer environment. With the combustion of fossil fuels, a large amount of greenhouse gases are emitted, which negatively impact the environment and other pollutant, causing health issues for the people in such areas.