Introduction

Switching towards renewable energy sources is quickly altering the global energy outlook. Renewable energy is being said to be the perfect two in one solution as the world struggles for climate change and saving energy. Natural sources like wind, and water play a vital role in transforming the traditional fossil fuel reserves. Besides environmental benefits, it impacts the overall global energy efficiency.

If you want to find out how renewable energy affects global energy efficiency, delve deeper into this article.

1. Renewable Energy and its Types

Natural resources are the source of renewable energy, which requires no time or effort to produce. Unlike fossil fuel reserves, which release toxic emissions when consumed, these sources do not affect the environment.

Major types of renewable energy are as follows:

1. Solar Energy

Solar energy is acquired by sunlight through solar systems and photovoltaic cells. Both of them convert sunlight into electricity.

2. Wind energy

We can work upon producing wind energy by installing wind turbines. They transform the kinetic energy — produced by the air moving — into electrical energy, or electricity, by turning the blades.

3. Hydropower

Hydropower is the production of power by the movement of water. Dams are made for this purpose. They store energy from the moving water in the reservoirs and rivers which then convert into electrical energy.

4. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is the heat within the earth. It uses the heat stored in earth’s surface for generating electricity.

Different from Fossil Fuels

Renewable energy is different from fossil fuels in several ways such as:

Impact on Environment: Compared to fossil fuels, naturally occurring renewable sources have negligible to no environmental impact. Carbon dioxide and other chemicals released from the burning of fossil fuels are bad for both the environment and human health.

Sustainability: As they can be utilised whenever needed, renewable resources are limitless. On the other hand, fossil fuels are generated over geological time and have a limited supply.

Efficiency: Renewable energy sources are less expensive and more efficient. While the extraction, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels are operations that result in energy loss.

2. Reduction in Carbon Footprint

Do you not believe that the carbon footprint should be addressed globally? The greatest substitute for conventional fossil fuels that also lessens global carbon footprint is renewable energy. It’s because the primary driver of climate change, greenhouse emissions, are emitted in extremely small amounts by renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, and dams.

Reduced Emissions

As the world moves toward less damaging modes of operation, CO2 emissions have been reduced with the help of renewable energy. According to a study, using renewable energy sources might cut global carbon emissions by 60–70% by the year 2050. Due to decreased use of fossil fuels, climate change has been under control recently. Since solar and wind energy are renewable resources, they produce no carbon dioxide.

Many countries around the world are trying to meet the standards defined in the Paris Agreement for reducing carbon footprint. Thus, some are shifting towards generating their electricity completely through renewable energy sources. Germany has reduced its dependence on fossils such as coal and natural gas to a great extent. Denmark is also in the list of reducing greenhouse emissions by using natural resources.

3. Advancements in Energy Storage Technologies

The energy that is produced by natural sources needs to be stored for later use. This is only possible by installing energy storage systems. The need for advanced energy storage technologies is becoming compelling day by day. These technologies save energy more efficiently than the traditional systems which only produce and not secure any energy. Renewable energy systems allow us to use the energy stored in challenging times when the production is low.

Some major advancements in these technologies are:

Renewable Battery Technologies

Advanced battery technologies like sodium-state, flow batteries, and lithium-ion batteries are widely in use today. Lithium batteries are famously known to be used in electric vehicles. They offer better performance and efficiency. Flow batteries use liquid electrolytes to store energy and are used on large-scale such as industries. Solid-state batteries are not much in use as they are still developing but it is said to be even better than lithium batteries.

Large-Scale Storage Systems

Hydro systems are known to be large-scale energy storage systems. These systems store large amounts of energy and power generated at peak times. Energy efficiency seems to be enhanced with energy storage technologies.

4. Impact on Energy Prices

Renewable energy resources cost much less than traditional fossil reserves. More and more businesses are installing renewable energy systems as they are a more affordable way of producing electricity.

Reduced Costs

Renewable energy resources also lowers your costs along with providing efficient energy.The cost of producing renewable energy technology such as wind turbines and solar panels keeps going down as their use grows. Costs have decreased significantly as a result of mass production and technical developments. Developments in materials science, production techniques, and efficiency enhancements have significantly reduced the cost of producing renewable energy.

Volatility and Predictability

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar do not need fuel inputs which might be costly. In comparison, the prices of fossil fuels are way more affordable. The maintenance and operating costs of renewable energy facilities are modest and relatively predictable than ongoing fuel costs.

Energy Storage and Grid management

Energy storage technologies also balances energy supply by storing and releasing energy at the required times. For example, it stores the energy during the periods of low demands while releasing it during the peak hours.

5. Energy Access in Remote Areas

As the world is developing, provision of energy to the population living in undeveloped areas is very important.

Major Problems

Infrastructure Deficiency: The infrastructure required to distribute electricity, such as transmission lines and power grids, is frequently absent from remote places.

Lack of economic means: There is a lack of economic means and energy resources like fossil fuels which makes it more difficult to live there.

Maintenance Problems: Because of accessibility concerns, it might be difficult to maintain energy systems in isolated locations.

But now, renewable energy has also made its availability possible in these areas. Now the population of remote areas can also live a life of peace.

Major Solutions

Solar Power: Installing solar panels in such areas can save electricity to a big extent.

Wind Energy: In areas where the patterns of wind are constant, wind turbines can produce power.

Micro-Hydropower: Small-scale hydroelectric systems can utilise local water sources to generate power.

Biomass energy: Energy can also be utilised by natural resources like agricultural waste.

Stand-Alones: Separate systems for particular tasks and areas such as water pumps are easy to install at homes and for infrigidation.

Government Support: Small initiatives towards renewable energy system installation can be a great source of energy efficiency in small areas.

6. Job Creation and Economic Impact

Adopting energy efficient solutions in underdeveloped areas would fulfil their need for electricity and also unfolds a significant number of job opportunities. Energy efficiency has a fundamental and positive impact on the economy and environment.

Job Creation

Installation and Maintenance: Installing and maintaining renewable energy systems call for educated and experienced labour. Introducing new projects would be helpful for the unemployed community.

Constructing Buildings: People in the field of civil engineering can benefit from building structures in remote areas.

Installing IT: Adopting IT systems in grids and hydropower plants keeps a track of energy production and thus enables us to make strategies for energy efficiency. People who have enough knowledge of computers and technology can serve here.

Economic Impact

Enhanced Productivity: Generating safe and secure energy gives businesses more to look up to. This enables increased operating hours and ultimately generates more revenue and income for the country. Energy efficiency systems store enough energy to cover up energy losses in local and agricultural regions.

Sustainable Development: Renewables reduce reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring sustainable growth in the economy.

Improved Healthcare and Education: With widespread energy efficiency in hospitals and schools, advanced technology can work smoothly and effectively. Doctors can treat patients more quickly and teachers provide better learning environments.

7. Challenges and Limitations

To improve energy efficiency, many nations are looking for innovative ways to integrate renewable energy sources. Energy grids and systems provide a number of benefits but also pose some challenges. Following are some major limitations and potential solutions:

Challenges and Limitations

Inconsistent Energy Production

• Renewable energy can be produced efficiently when there is a constant supply of sources. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight and produce less power in winters. Similarly, wind turbines rely on wind pressure and can lead to inconsistent energy production.

• The inconsistent pattern of energy sources does not ensure constant energy supply from grids and power houses.

Storage Limitations

• Storage systems have a certain space and can fall short when energy is produced in greater amounts. The existing technological systems are unable to store for longer periods and can disturb the balance of power supply.

• High end energy storage systems can cost a fortune to some and thus are not affordable.

Potential Solutions

The research for improving energy efficiency is still ongoing. However, some potential solutions can be:

Advanced Energy Storage Technologies

Developing advanced systems that can store more, cost less, and are more efficient. Experts are researching long-lasting batteries and hydro storage plants for improving energy efficiency.

Improved Forecasting and Management

Advanced weather predictions can enhance grid management by balancing supply at grids and power houses.

Government Support

Supportive incentives and policies at local and national level can integrate renewable energy adoption and improve energy efficiency.

Conclusion

The world is transforming from fossil reserves to renewable energy sources for better productivity and energy efficiency. Renewable sources like solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal energy are reducing carbon emissions that influence climate change to a great extent. Installing renewable energy systems in undeveloped areas has a beneficial impact on economic growth and human life. Despite the challenges and limitations in installing renewable systems, potential solutions and ongoing research are successfully overcoming these threats rapidly.