RENEWABLE ENERGY: CLEAN FACTS

RENEWABLE ENERGY: CLEAN FACTS

1. RENEWABLE ENSERGY

   • comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished.
   • EX:
     • sunlight or wind keep shining and blowing, even if their availability depends on time and weather.

2. Humanity

   • But over the past 500 years or so, humans increasingly turned to cheaper, dirtier energy sources such as coal and fracked gas.

3. SOLAR ENERGY

   • Humans have been taking profit from solar energy for thousands of years—to grow crops, stay warm, and dry foods.
   • Solar, or photovoltaic (PV), cells are made from silicon or other materials that transform sunlight directly into electricity.
   • Distributed solar systems generate electricity locally for homes and businesses, either through rooftop panels or community projects that power entire neighbourhoods.
   • Solar energy systems don’t produce air pollutants or greenhouse gases, and solar panels have few environmental impacts beyond the manufacturing process.

4. WIND ENERGY

   • Wind energy turns a turbine’s blades, which feeds an electric generator and produces electricity.
   • Wind power covers over 20,8% of the electricity consumed in Spain, becoming the second electric generator source in our Country.
     • Wind avoided the emission of 28 millions of tons of CO 2 into atmosphere in 2019.

5. HYDROELECTRIC POWER

   • Hydropower supposes the 20% of our electricity production.
   • Nationally and internationally, large hydroelectric plants—or mega-dams—are often considered to be non-renewable energy.
     • Mega-dams divert and reduce natural flows, restricting access for animal and human populations that rely on rivers.

6. BIOMASS ENERGY

   • Is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and includes crops, waste wood, and trees.
   • When biomass is burned, the chemical energy is released as heat and can generate electricity with a steam turbine.
   • Biomass is often mistakenly described as a clean, renewable fuel and a greener alternative to coal and other fossil fuels for producing electricity.
     • There are also negative consequences for biodiversity.