7 Sustainable Resources: A Complete Guide
The dictionary meaning of sustainable is able to be maintained at a certain rate or level', and that is what sustainable resources mean just that they also help in the sustainability of all species on earth at the same time. In short, sustainable resources are defined as energy sources that fulfil our energy demands of today in such a way that they don't get depleted or exhausted and can be utilised over & over again. Why the entire world is moving towards using sustainable resources, even more, is it, unlike conventional energy resources like coal, natural gas, etc., is inexhaustible, widely available free of cost, and causes least to no harm to the environment.
Did you know? According to a recent report generated by New18, India is the second most polluted country in the world, and this pollution is cutting lives by 5.2 years in India. India is the World's Second Most Polluted Country. It's Cutting Lives By 5.2 Years. It's good that you have finally decided to get more aware of these sustainable resources to begin playing your part in saving the mother earth. To help you out in your mission we have come up with this short & concise guide that includes detailed information on all the most famous sustainable energies that are
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
- Geothermal Energy
- Hydro Energy
- Marine Energy
- Biomass Energy
- Hydrogen Energy
We generate these energies by harnessing a natural process, like sunlight, wind, waves, or tides. So, let's begin knowing each energy thoroughly.
1. Solar Energy
Solar energy is defined as the renewable energy that is used to produce various other energies like electrical energy, heat energy, light energy, and so on by harnessing the sunlight. Some of the most famous application of solar energy are:
- Illumination
- Water Heating
- Electricity
- Creating cooling systems
You can use Photovoltaic (PV) systems that use solar cells for converting sunlight into electricity. Also, you can make use of a solar hot water system in which water is circulated through flat-plate solar collectors for heating the buildings, and do much more through solar. Electricity is also produced by concentrating the heat of the sun through mirrored dishes for boiling water in a conventional steam generator. Commercial & industrial buildings also use solar energy for large-scale purposes like heating, cooling, and ventilation. Homeowners, governments, and businesses can employ solar energy for multiple purposes and can not only get benefitted but can also help the environment immensely.
2. Wind Energy
Wind energy is defined as the renewable energy used to produce other forms of energy like electrical energy by capturing the wind flow to move the wind turbines. People often consider wind energy as another form of solar energy as the main reason that causes the wind to blow apart from topological factors or rotation of the earth is the uneven heating & cooling of the air. Many people still use windmills to pump water to irrigate their farms. However, on a larger scale, wind-powered generating systems are used to provide renewable energy to many organisations. You can also make use of single-wind turbines for generating electricity to overcome electricity shortages. Again, on a larger scale, electricity can be produced by utility-scale wind farms.
3. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is defined as the thermal energy generated from the heat of the earth, which is further used to produce other forms of energy like electrical energy. The heat from the earth is harnessed to generate electricity in a geothermal power plant on a larger scale. However, on a smaller scale, the geothermal energy from somewhere around 10 feet under the surface is used through a geothermal heat pump system to supply heat for heating or cooling the buildings that are close to it.
Some of the primary uses of geothermal energy include:
- Heating manufacturing plants or office buildings
- Growing greenhouse plants
- Pasteurising milk and various other industrial processes
- Heating water at fish farms
4. Hydro Energy
Hydro energy is defined as the energy produced by capturing the kinetic energy generated by flowing water bodies. The power generated from hydro energy isn't something new. People in America once used to operate sawmills and gristmills through the waterwheels. These mills, however, now are adorning museums and historic sites in the US.
If not all, you must be aware of the hydroelectric power generated at the dams when the water that is released through it flows through turbines and generate electricity. Besides, hydroelectric plants, micro or macro, can be constructed nearby a reliable waterway source to supply electricity to smaller or bigger areas respectively to solve multiple purposes.
5. Marine Energy
Marine energy is defined as the energy carried by ocean waves, salinity, tides, and ocean temperature differences. It is sometimes also called ocean energy or hydrokinetic energy. The oceans are a vast reservoir of kinetic energy produced due to the moving water. This kinetic energy is harnessed to generate electricity for powering homes, industries, and transport.
About 71 per cent of the earth's surface is covered with water of which 96.5 per cent is covered with oceans, making marine energy one of those sustainable energies that has enormous potential in powering millions of homes & businesses. How Much Water is There on Earth? Mainly, there are three ways we can harness marine energy, and that is:
- Wave energy conversion
- Tidal Energy conversion
- Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)
Marine energy is also used for cooling buildings and not just for supplementing the conventional electrical energy supplies.
6. Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is defined as energy that is produced by the burning of timber, wood, landfills, and agricultural & municipal waste. The overall process of generating biomass energy does not produce harmful gases like carbon dioxide, which is mainly causing global warming. Though carbon dioxide is produced while these substances are burnt, considerable amounts of plants are grown to eliminate an equal amount of carbon dioxide that balances nature. At the same time, the landfills are also reduced.
7. Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen energy is defined as the energy derived from hydrogen as fuel. One of the most abundant elements present on earth, hydrogen gives us a zero-emission fuel. We, however, don't get hydrogen by itself in nature but from compounds that contain it. The products we get when hydrogen is consumed in fuel cells are heat, electricity as well as water.
Some of the most famous applications of hydrogen fuels are:
- Fuel cells or internal combustion engines
- Fuel cell buses
- Commercial fuel cell vehicles like passenger cars
- Fuel for the propulsion of the spacecraft
In most of its applications, hydrogen reduces greenhouse gas emissions due to its higher efficiency and zero-emission operation that makes it one of the most environmentally friendly sustainable resources.
Wrap Up
Almost all renewable energy resources are sustainable because they are not only stable but also available in plenty. As expected, we will keep getting solar energy from the sun for eons, the sun's heat will keep producing winds, the earth will keep producing heat from its crust & supposedly will not cool down in the near future, the celestial bodies like sun & moon along with earth will not stop moving and will keep producing tides and that we will keep getting energy from these sustainable resources for an everlasting period. The best part is what's beneficial for us is good for our environment too. Aforesaid were the seven most famous sustainable resources that the people can tap directly or indirectly and fight global warming by going green. The inability of all these sustainable resources to get depleted and impact the environment adversely make them the perfect choice for everyone's future energy requirements.
Also read:
1) What is sustainable business marketing?
2) How to design a business model for sustainable fashion?
3) Sustainable Development: A Win-Win Situation for Everyone
4) Textile Waste Recycling Business - A Sustainable Way to Success!