Renewable energy is a term used to describe several different types of energy sources that are constantly replenished. These include solar, water, wind, geothermal, and biomass energies. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal and oil, which are finite resources that will eventually be depleted, renewable energy sources are constantly renewed or replaced.
The use of renewable energy has increased significantly in recent years due to advances in technology and a growing awareness of the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use. Renewable energy now accounts for approximately 17% of global primary energy consumption. Hydroelectric power is the largest source of renewable electricity, followed by wind power, solar photovoltaics (PV), and bioenergy.
There are many reasons why society is increasingly turning to renewable energy sources. One key reason is climate change: the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise. This poses a serious threat to our planet and its inhabitants, as rising temperatures can lead to extreme weather events, sea level rise, and other devastating impacts. Additionally, using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels reduces pollution and helps preserve our natural resources for future generations.
The switch to renewables is also driven by economics: as traditional energy sources become more expensive due to scarce supplies and costly extraction methods, renewables become increasingly cost-competitive. In many cases they are already cheaper than fossil fuels; for example, unsubsidized onshore wind power is cheaper than new coal plants in Europe and China . And as technology improves and costs continue to fall , renewables are expected to become even more affordable in the coming years . Finally , switching from fossil fuels to renewables also creates jobs : according to one estimate , the global clean energy sector employed 9 million people in 2016 – a number that’s expected to grow to 24 million by 2030 .