What Are The 6 Main Types Of Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished. Unlike non-renewable sources, such as fossil fuels, renewable energy is not harmful to the planet, and will not run out. There are a wide range of renewable energy sources that we can utilise in our daily lives in order to protect the environment. These are the main types of renewable energy sources that exist:
Solar
Sunlight is one of the most abundant energy sources on earth, making it an incredibly sustainable option. The amount of solar power that we can harness will depend on the season and the time of day. Solar farms can be used to supply power to multiple buildings across a wide geographic area, whilst solar panels can be placed on rooftops to harness power for individual homes.
Wind
Wind farms have become a familiar sight across Ireland and with good reason too… Wind is free and won’t run out! Power is harnessed from wind using turbines. These turbines are used to drive generators which then create electricity to be used for different purposes. Wind farms are the most common use of this renewable energy source, however you can also install domestic wind turbines in some homes.
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric power is most commonly used as a renewable energy source for commercial purposes. A dam or barrier is built in a large reservoir to create a controlled flow of water that then drives turbines in order to generate electricity. This is often a more reliable source than wind or solar power and can store up energy to be used in periods of high demand.
Tidal
Tidal energy works in a very similar way to hydroelectric power, however the two do have their differences. Tidal energy is less constant than hydroelectric power as it uses the tidal currents to drive turbine generators, rather than providing a constant flow of power. This is a predictable form of renewable energy that has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy is heat that comes from the sub-surface of the earth. It’s contained in rocks and fluids beneath the earth’s crust and is found as deep down as the earth’s magma level. This type of renewable energy can be used to generate electricity for various purposes or to heat properties directly.
Biomass
Biomass energy is energy that is produced by living or once-living organisms such as plants or agricultural waste. These materials can be burned to create electricity. Although this renewable energy source involves burning the materials, the process has been developed into an incredibly clean process, and is much greener than using non-renewable sources.
Renewable Heating Solutions From Pipelife Eco
It’s essential that we’re using renewable energy in order to protect the planet. This shouldn’t stop at how we choose to heat our homes. One of the best methods for heating your home sustainably is via an air to water heat pump. An air to water heat pump works by transforming energy from the outside air into usable heat. They can extract heat from the outside air even when the temperature is as low as -15 °C. Since air to water heat pumps rely on nothing other than the outside air, they offer a reliable and sustainable way to heat your home, that’s also incredibly cost effective.
To discuss the possibility of installing an air to water heat pump in your home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team today.