The 4 Primary Types of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is becoming more and more prevalent around the world, but it is still not the dominant energy resource.  The primary 4 types of renewable energy are biofuels, biomass, hydro power and geothermal.  Each of these renewable energy sources provides an alternative to traditional energy generation and can be reproduced, reducing our footprint on the environment.

With so much dependency placed upon our natural resources to produce our much needed energy, scientists have been evaluating and producing renewable energy as an alternative to traditional energy sources.  Renewable energy is energy that can be reproduced in a short period of time.  The most prevalent forms of renewable energy are biofuels, biomass, geothermal and hydro power.

Biofuels

Biofuels are a form of renewable energy derived from burning plant or animal substances, otherwise called combustion. One of the challenges to biofuels has been that it is not easily transferred into a liquid form which is the primary method used to fuel most cars and homes. Two of the most common strategies that are sed to produce biofuels includes: growing crops to produce ethanol and growing plants that produce biofuel oils. While these methods are effective sources of renewable energy, they are challenging to produce and maintain on a large scale.

Biomass

Biomass energy is produced from organic materials such as plants and animals, but the energy that is produced in this fashion is originally provided by the sun.  For example, plants absorb the sun’s energy through a process called photosynthesies.  This energy is then passed on through the organism that eats the plant, creating biomass energy.  The most common forms used to generate biomass energy are wood, crops, manure and some rubbish.

When these substances are burned, they give off energy as heat.  For example, if you have a wood burning boiler, you are generating renewable biomass energy.  This is not the only method of generating biomass energy; you can also create biomass energy by converting these substances into methane gases, ethanol and biodiesel fuels which can be translated more easily into our current methods of energy use.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy comes from the original Greek word “Geo” which means sun. Geothermal energy is derived from the heat that is given off by the Earth.  For example, steam energy or hot water that is generated by the Earth can be used to generate energy.  It is considered to be a renewable source of energy as the water in the Earth is replenished by regular rainfall and the heat used is regularly produced by the planet.

Hydro Power

Hydro energy is derived from the movement of water.  One form of hydro power is generated through the movement of water through turbines, such as water running through turbines in a Dam.  Hydro power is considered a renewable energy source as the water is continuously cycled back through the plant or into nature.

If you have ever wondered what consumers are referring to when they talk about renewable energy, we have provided you with the answers.

Renewable energy sources include Hydro power, Biomasses, Biofuels and Geothermal energy. Each of these energy sources provides consumers with an alternative source of energy and is taking a much needed step towards creating a more green environment.