Renewables

The goal of renewable energy

To reduce the amount of CO2 emissions to net zero.

Net zero CO2 emissions

No excess CO2 is produced compared to the rate of CO2 being removed through processes like photosynthesis.

Intermittent power supply

A type of energy supply that is not consistently available due to factors like location and weather.

Cogeneration

The ability to combine heat and power generation from sources like Biomass, Geothermal, and Solar.

Biomass

Energy derived from organic material, such as wood or biofuels like ethanol.

Hydropower

Energy generated from the movement of water to turn turbines.

Geothermal energy

Energy derived from the heat of the Earth’s core.

Solar energy

Energy harnessed from the sun to generate electricity or heat.

Wind energy

Energy produced by converting the mechanical energy of the wind into electrical energy.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Specialized fuel cells that reduce the need for gasoline in transportation.

Biofuels

Liquid fuels produced from biomass, such as ethanol or biodiesel.

Ethanol

An alcohol produced by fermenting biomass, often seen as a gasoline replacement.

Biodiesel

A fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fat, used as an alternative to diesel fuels.

Cellulosic ethanol

Ethanol produced from cellulose, which is found in all plant material.

Hydropower advantages

Completely renewable, efficient with an EROI over 80:1, and emits no carbon dioxide.

Renewable energy policies

Government initiatives such as tax credits and feed-in tariffs that support the use of renewables.

Photovoltaic Cells

Devices that convert sunlight into electricity by causing electrons to move across silicon plates.

Thermal pollution

Temperature impacts caused by damming rivers, affecting downstream ecosystems.

Wind turbine EROI

Wind turbines produce 20 times more energy than they consume.

Geothermal energy limitations

Geothermal energy can be depleted if wells use heated water faster than it can recharge.

Algae for biofuels

Algae species cultivated for biodiesel, ethanol, or jet fuel production.