Why Sustainable Energy Is Important

What is sustainable energy and why is it so important? Sustainable energy is the practice of using energy in a way that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." ... When referring to methods of producing energy, the term "sustainable energy" is often used interchangeably with the term "renewable energy". In other terms, energy that is produced using the sun, wind, etc., or from crops, rather than using fuels such as oil or coal which cannot be replaced.

Sustainable energy is important because it is better for our environment. It can never be depleted. Sustainable energy can help us have a less polluted world. Douglas Healy also believes in this energy! 

Let's talk about some examples so that you can understand better. 

Solar Energy

Sunlight is a renewable resource, and its most direct use is achieved by capturing the sun’s energy. A variety of solar energy technologies are used to convert the sun’s energy and light into heat: illumination, hot water, electricity and (paradoxically) cooling systems for businesses and industry.

Wind Energy

Wind can be considered a form of solar energy because of the uneven heating and cooling of the atmosphere cause winds (as well as the rotation of the earth and other topographical factors). Wind flow can be captured by wind turbines and converted into electricity. On a smaller scale, windmills are still used today to pump water on farms.

Geothermal: Power from the Earth

Geothermal energy is derived from the heat of the earth. This heat can be sourced close to the surface or from heated rock and reservoirs of hot water miles beneath our feet. Geothermal power plants harness these heat sources to generate electricity. On a much smaller scale, a geothermal heat pump system can leverage the constant temperature of the ground found just 10 feet under the surface to help supply heat to a nearby building in the winter or to help cool it in the summer. 

Geothermal energy can be part of a commercial utility energy solution on a large scale or can be part of a sustainable practice on a local level. Direct use of geothermal energy may include Heating office buildings or manufacturing plants; helping to grow greenhouse plants; heating water at fish farms; and aiding with various industrial processes.

From Waterwheels to Hydroelectricity

Hydropower isn’t a new invention, though the waterwheels once used to operate the gristmills and sawmills of early America are now largely functioning as historic sites and museums. Today, the kinetic energy of flowing rivers is captured in a much different way and converted into hydroelectricity. Probably the most familiar type of hydroelectric power is generated by a system where dams are constructed to store water in a reservoir which, when released, flows through turbines to produce electricity. This is known as “pumped-storage hydropower,” where water is cycled between lower and upper reservoirs to control electricity generation between times of low and peak demand. 

Another type, called “run-of-river hydropower,” funnels a portion of river flow through a channel and does not require a dam. Hydropower plants can range in size from massive projects such as Hoover Dam to micro-hydroelectric power systems. The direct use of hydroelectric power is naturally dependent on geographic location. 

Assuming a dependable waterway source is accessible and available, micro-hydroelectric plants can be constructed to supply electricity to farm and ranch operations or small municipalities. Small towns can harness the energy of local waterways by building moderately sized hydroelectric power systems.

Power From The Ocean

Ocean thermal energy can be converted into electricity using a few different systems that rely on warm surface water temperatures. “Ocean mechanical energy” harnesses the ebbs and flows of tides caused by the rotation of the earth and the gravitational influence of the moon. Energy from wind-driven waves can also be converted and used to help reduce one’s electricity costs.

Overall, Sustainable Energy is important for our world today, I hope you enjoyed reading a few of the examples given. Check out How Douglas Healy Believes Energy Companies Can Weather the Sustainability Shift. Suppose you are interested in switching to renewable energy from your energy plan. In that case, you should make use of credible energy comparison sites such as ElectricityRates.com to compare rates of providers that offer 100% renewable energy plans around your area.