A FEW RENEWABLE ENERGY TERMS TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH
(Ensure you are not left behind in watercooler conversations)
There has never been a more exciting time in history when it comes to understanding the opportunities for sourcing energy without devastating our natural resources or negatively affecting our planet in other ways. It’s talked about in daily conversations. More and more solar panels are showing up on our neighbours and local businesses’ rooftops. We are sourcing energy from the wind, water and sun.
Countries, cities, companies and residences are all looking to the future of energy and the signs are clear. In bright neon, solar powered lights the words “Renewable Energy” flash across the skies.
You may have thought of investing in renewable energy yourself whether for financial, environmental or safety reasons. Or maybe you have already invested in something like solar panels and are considering taking the next step with a battery.
Wherever you are, it is becoming important to at least have a basic understanding of renewable energy. Dig into some of our easy to follow blogs to “bone up”, read through this list of common terms, and/or speak to one of the team at enewabl: the solar energy specialists, today.
BIOENERGY
Bioenergy represents nearly 10% of earth’s primary energy supply. It is the energy produced from products sourced from biomass.
BIOMASS
As defined by the International Energy Agency (IEA) biomass is “any organic matter” that is “available on a renewable basis.”
Examples include feedstock from animals and plants as well as organic waste from industrial sources.
GEOTHERMAL
Geothermal energy refers to heat from below the planet’s surface which can be utilised for producing renewable energy.
HYDROPOWER
Water power! The name makes it obvious but this is power produced by the flow of water. Massive turbines are the main mechanical components of the system. The water pushes through and drives the turbines which subsequently produce electricity.
SOLAR POWER
Sun energy! That supermassive hot globe can be harnessed through a number of methods and means including by using photovoltaic and concentrated solar power systems.
Photovoltaic is a way to convert sunlight into electricity.
CSP systems concentrate the sun’s energy by using mirrors. This concentration of energy drives engines that create electricity.
Of all the renewable energy opportunities, this is the one that presents itself as the go-to for the average homeowner. It’s easy to install, operate and has become quite affordable.
TIDAL POWER
This has nothing to do with the laundry detergent but is simply energy that is produced using ocean tides.
Maybe “simple” was the wrong word but as said by major utility EDF, tidal power uses “the differential between low and high tides to generate electricity.”
WAVE POWER
The IEA describe is as the “kinetic and potential energy associated with ocean waves.”
The European Commission is particularly excited about wave power and are looking to have it contribute at least 10% of the EU’s power by 2050.
WIND ENERGY
Believe it or not, wind is a form of solar energy.
It is caused by three things that happen simultaneously:
-the uneven heating of the atmosphere
-the earth’s rotation
-earth surface irregularities
WIND TURBINES
These contraptions are used to create mechanical power via the wind’s kinetic energy. These can be built on land or offshore.
This article was brought to you by enewabl, the renewable energy experts. If you would like a no obligation consultation, please get a hold of us now. The decision to invest in a power system is major and should not be taken lightly. The enewabl team will not push any sales, but they will present the best option to you, taking all the variables into consideration – variables such as solar size, power use, family size, solar age, power prices, location and more.
You can contact us via:
Contact form – enewabl | Battery Storage Systems
Phone – 07 3038 3047
Email – enquiries@enewabl.com.au
