Electricity generated from renewable sources is known as renewable electricity. Renewable electricity is produced in ways that have a less harmful impact on the environment, and draws energy from a variety of natural sources. The American Clean Energy Leadership Act has set a renewable electricity standard that requires the United States to generate three percent of its electrical power from renewable sources by the year 2013. Often called clean energy, or green power, renewable energy is powered by wind, bio-energy sources such as plant matter and wood, heat from the earth, and wind. Some common sources of renewable energy are listed below.
Geothermal Power
Stored heat that has been extracted from the earth to use as energy is called geothermal power. Geothermal energy is originated from the evolution of earth, the solar energy being absorbed on its surface, and the radioactive deterioration of minerals. Geothermal power is environmentally friendly and cost effective. It is used in more than twenty-two countries around the world as a source of sustainable energy.
Hydropower
Hydropower is created by the energy or force of rushing water. Water power is typically used to operate sawmills, textile machines, water mills, and for irrigation. Hydroelectricity is created by the gravitational pull of flowing or falling water. There are various forms of hydro or water power that are being used to generate renewable electricity. Hydropower works without producing harmful emissions or carbon dioxide. Unlike burning fossil fuels, hydropower does not contribute to global warming.
Solar Power
Electricity that has been generated from the sun is known as solar power and may be direct, or indirect. Direct solar power is known as photovoltaics. These are multiple cells that contain solar photovoltaic material that can change solar radiation into electricity for direct current. Indirect, or concentrating solar powerÂ’ uses mirrors or lenses to direct a large amount of sunlight to a small area. Solar electricity is a sustainable renewable energy. Solar power is direct heating that can help eliminate the need to burn fossil fuels.
Wind Power
Wind power is the best known and most widely used broad-scale source of renewable energy. Large-scale wind power projects are operating all over the world. Wind power stations are used by industrial plants that participate in renewable energy programs. These companies have huge geothermal power installations that supply enough electricity to operate their factories on a day to day basis. Wind power is a cost effective source of renewable energy. Wind turbines are primary sources of renewable electricity in a large number of countries.
Interest in these and other types of renewable electricity have significantly increased through the years. Green jobs are being offered to professionals with degrees and specialized training in the field of renewable energy. Renewable energy resources are used by large manufactures to power their industrial plants, by farmers to irrigate their crops, and by green energy homeowners who are concerned about the environment. Using renewable electricity and other renewable energy resources is one of the most important steps we can take to help save the environment.
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