# data[].attributes.body
https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/tidal-energy-pros-and-cons

Tidal energy works very efficiently but the main problem is that there is limited space to put these machines so there is a limit on how much energy you can get form the ocean.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With climate change becoming more and more of a threat, there has been an increased focus on renewable energy sources and the demand for clean energy. This has brought on rapid development of new ways to harness energy, like tidal power.

Tidal power is a form of hydropower that has incredible potential to power our future.

In this article, we'll dive into some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy, and what we can expect to come of this renewable energy source.

On this page

Like all energy sources, tidal power comes with it's own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are the main tidal energy pros and cons:

Tidal power is a renewable energy source that turns energy created from changing tides and currents in the ocean ocean into usable electricity. Tidal power can be captured by using different types of technologies, such as tidal barrages, tidal stream generators, and tidal fences.

All of these types of tidal energy plants make use of tidal turbines, so it's most important to understand how a turbine can capture the kinetic energy within the tides for energy production.

Tidal turbines harness tidal energy similarly to how wind turbines capture wind energy. As the currents and tides change, the moving water pushes the blades of the turbine. The turbine turns a generator that then produces electricity.

Check out our article on how tidal power works for a more in-depth explanation.

Tidal energy is a renewable source of energy, which means the energy doesn't deplete as it is used.

So, as you are harnessing energy from the changing tides, you don't decrease the amount of energy the tides can produce in the future. The gravitational pull from the sun and the moon, which controls the tides, won't cease to exist anytime soon.

In addition to being a renewable energy source, tidal power stations do not emit greenhouse gasses during electricity generation.

Because greenhouse gas emissions are one of the leading causes of climate change, finding zero-emission energy sources is more important than ever.

Tidal currents are highly predictable. Low and high tides follow well-known cycles, making it easier to know when power will be produced throughout the day.

It also makes it easy to know how much power will be produced by turbines, since the power of the tides and currents can be forecasted accurately.

Tidal power plants are able to produce high amounts of electricity. One of the main reasons for this is because water is so dense - almost 800 times more dense than air.

This means that a tidal turbine will produce substantially more energy than a wind turbine of the same size.

Plus, even when water is moving at low speeds, the density of water allows it to power a turbine. So, tidal turbines have the potential to produce large amounts of electricity even if the conditions of the water aren't ideal.

In order for a tidal power plant to be built, the potential installation site must meet very specific requirements. First, they need to be located on a coastline, which limits potential station sites to coastal states.

There are additional requirements a potential site must meet. For example, tidal power stations need to be built in places where the difference in height between high and low tide is significant enough to power turbines.

This limits where the power stations can be installed, making it difficult for tidal power to be implemented widely.

2. Expensive

One of the biggest drawbacks to tidal power is the high upfront costs. Tidal energy turbines need to be much sturdier than wind turbines, because of the high density of water. The cost of constructing a tidal power generation plant varies depending on what type of technology they use.

Most of the tidal power plants that are currently in operation are made of tidal barrages, which are essentially low-walled dams. The construction of a tidal barrage is extremely expensive, since a whole concrete structure - plus turbines - needs to be put in place.

The cost barrier is one of the main reasons why tidal power has been slow to be adopted.

3. Environmental effects

Just because tidal energy is renewable doesn't mean it is completely environmentally friendly. The construction of tidal energy power stations can have a substantial impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Tidal turbines have the same issue that wind turbines face with birds - marine life collisions. As turbines spin, fish and other sea life could swim into the blades leading to serious injury or death. Tidal turbines also create low level noise beneath the surface of the water that negatively impacts marine mammals, like seals.

Tidal barrages have an even larger impact on the local environment. Not only do they cause the same problems that turbines do on their own, they also have a similar impact that dams have. Tidal barrages prevent the migration of fish, and cause flooding of surrounding areas that forever changes the landscape.

4. Energy demand

While tidal power does have predictable power generation, it doesn't have constant power production. We can know exactly when the tidal power plant will generate electricity, but that electrical generation might not match up with the demand for energy.

For example, if high tide is at noon, the tidal electricity will be produced around noon. Peak energy demand is usually in the morning and the evenings, with the lowest energy demand in the middle of the day.

So, the tidal power plant will produce all of this electricity, but it won't be needed. So, tidal power would realistically need to be paired with battery storage to make the most out of the energy it produces.

The future of tidal power

Tidal power has huge potential, especially as new technologies, like dynamic tidal power, continue to be developed.

Currently, there are less than ten tidal power stations in operation globally. The two most popular tidal power plants, Rance Tidal Power Station and Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station, produce enough tidal energy to power 94,507 homes in the United States for an entire year. Not only is that a substantial amount of power, the power produced is predictable, and carbone-free.

However, tidal power plants can have a substantial impact on the surrounding ecosystem, high upfront costs, and there are limited suitable sites for them. Hopefully, as technology continues to improve, we will be able to take advantage of the energy stored within the tides.

In the meantime, if you want to start moving away from fossil fuels now, you should consider making the switch to solar power. A solar panel system will not only decrease your carbon footprint, it can eliminate your electric bill entirely.

Use our solar panel calculator to find out how much solar panels will cost to install on your roof.

Author: Catherine Lane | SolarReviews Blog Author

Catherine is a researcher and content specialist at SolarReviews. She has strong interests in issues related to climate and sustainability which led her to pursue a degree in environmental science at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With climate change becoming more and more of a threat, there has been an increased focus on renewable energy sources and the demand for clean energy. This has brought on rapid development of new ways to harness energy, like tidal power. Tidal power is a form of hydropower that has incredible potential to power our future.

# data[].attributes.headline
Renewable Technologies Require Less Maintenance Cost-SC

# data[].attributes.subject
Renewable Technologies Require Less Maintenance Cost-SC

# data[].attributes.body
In this article, It talks about how clean energy requires less work to repair and to keep running and I thought that that was good for places that don't have that much money so they only have to get one and it lasts a long time.

" This makes renewable energy technologies more durable, and therefore, you will spend less money on maintenance and repair."

https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2021/09/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-renewable-energy#advantages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What are the Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To what extent do you know the pros and cons of renewable energy technologies? This article lets you learn the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Efficiency of Renewable Technologies Is Low-SC

# data[].attributes.subject
The Efficiency of Renewable Technologies Is Low-SC

# data[].attributes.body
This article talks about how the technology of renewable choices to choose from is very inefficiency and it was like half as much as coal

"Unfortunately, the efficiency of renewable technologies is not that high compared with traditional energy conversion devices. "

https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2021/09/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-renewable-energy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What Exactly Is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is any form of energy available in the natural environment and can be replenished repeatedly. For example, solar energy is naturally available, and we can't run out of it by consuming it.

On the contrary, as we're burning fossil fuels like oil and coal, their resources constantly decrease. Scientists have estimated that the total remaining oil resources might last around 190 years. This estimation is up to 230 years for natural gas resources.

Unfortunately, renewable energy is supplying less than 16% of the total energy that we're currently consuming in the world. However, this share is constantly increasing, especially in advanced countries that have supportive policies. For instance, the UK has planned to increase its renewable capacity from 47.16 GW in 2019 to 86.21 GW by 2026.

7 Types of Renewable Energy Sources

Fortunately, renewable energy is available in various forms depending on the location and the season. For example, some areas have gale-force winds, but the sunlight is not enough because of cloudy weather.

Having a distributed network from different forms of energy can ensure that we have sustainable and clean energy. Here are 7 types of alternative energy sources available out there:

Solar Energy

The only type of renewable energy that you can easily harness at your home is solar energy. You just need to buy either solar water heaters or solar panels to use solar energy and reduce your energy bills. There are different types of PV panels and you can choose the best one for your home according to the price, efficiency, and some other criteria.

Wind Energy

To utilize gale-force winds, we need to build large turbines in windy areas. Wind farms can help rural and remote areas to have green electricity. For example, offshore and onshore wind in the UK is generating around 24.2% of the UK's electricity.

Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric power is somehow similar to wind energy technology except for the working liquid, which is water instead of air. Building large dams and using turbines might be expensive, but it will produce a great amount of electricity.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is another clean and renewable energy that can be regarded as a sustainable source of power. It is the heat within the planet earth that can be harnessed in some areas.

Biomass

Biomass energy is the heat we can derive from organic waste by burning them. It's regarded as a renewable energy source because we always regenerate organic materials, mostly plants.

Tidal Energy

Tidal energy, also known as ocean energy, is the hydropower energy we can get from tides. This energy is sometimes sorted under the category of hydropower, not in a separate one.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the most abundant element available on our planet, two-thirds of which in the form of water. If we can separate this element, it can be used as a zero-carbon fuel.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

First, it's good to look at the advantages of using renewable energy sources instead of burning fossil fuels. Here are several important benefits of using renewable energy:

1. Renewable Energy Sources Will Not Run Out

As it comes from the name, a renewable energy source is sustainable, meaning that it will not run out soon. For example, the sun is expected to shine every morning for at least 4.5 - 5.5 billion years to come, so we can consider it a renewable source of energy. This might be the most important difference between renewables and fossil fuels.

2. Renewable Energy Is Reliable

Despite fossil fuels that are always subject to disputes and wars between countries, we can easily and peacefully gain control of renewable energy sources.
In other words, trade laws, political instabilities, territorial claims, and markets' turmoil cannot impact the use of renewable energy sources.

Although renewable energy sources are not distributed equally, with a smart and widespread energy network, it's possible to use them as reliable means of supplying energy.

3. Renewable Energy Is Environmentally Friendly

Renewable energy sources are natural ways of energy generation, and therefore, can be considered clean. Although renewable energy technologies can cause some emissions, overall, minimum carbon and GHG will be emitted to the environment when using them.

When you compare them with fossil fuels, the difference is significant. Therefore, catastrophic environmental issues like global warming, climate change, and low air quality can be omitted if we go for renewable energy.

4. Renewable Energy Can Increase Public Health

By reducing greenhouse emissions and other polluting substances, we'll have healthier air and soil. This will definitely improve public health, and subsequently, people we'll have happier lives. Additionally, having a healthier population will cause a significant reduction in the health budget people and governments should set aside each year.

Scientists have tried to improve fossil fuel technologies to make them less polluting without reducing the efficiency. However, renewable energy technologies are still way healthier than traditional technologies.

5. Renewable Technologies Create Lots of Jobs

Apart from the environmental impact of using renewable technologies, they can have some beneficial influence on the economy. This is especially important in some unprivileged regions. In fact, this is a new and stable job market that has recently emerged and can empower people in poor areas.

With a concerted effort and prudent investment, renewable jobs can reduce poverty all over the globe. Also, it can prevent people from emigrating from the countryside to urban areas. Governments can offer them a fair share for generating renewable electricity in their farms. In advanced countries such as the UK, numerous renewable jobs have already been created in the wake of governmental grants.

6. Renewable Technologies Require Less Maintenance Cost

If you look at renewable energy technologies and compare them with fossil fuels' power stations, you see less moving or combusting parts. Although you can see turbines in wind farms or hydropower stations, solar energy systems don't need any rotating parts. This makes renewable energy technologies more durable, and therefore, you will spend less money on maintenance and repair. Overall, the operational cost of renewable energy stations is significantly less than what we see in traditional power stations.

7. Renewable Energy Can Reduce Turmoil in Energy Prices

If you usually follow the news, you must have heard of daily ups and downs in the oil prices. Renewable energy can be of great help in this regard and reduce these turmoil and make the global energy market more stable. Because using renewable energy only demands an initial investment, and you don't need any fuels.

On the contrary, using traditional technologies demands a significant budget for fossil fuels prices, which is subject to ever-existing inflations. When countries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, the prices in this market will change more smoothly.

8. Renewable Energy Can Increase Countries' Economic Independence

With a distributed network of renewable energy technologies, countries with no fossil fuel resources can reduce their energy dependence. In fact, local people can generate electricity using renewable technologies and help governments reduce oil imports. This will decrease the risk of energy crisis and has a beneficial influence on the countries' sustainable development.

9. Leftovers Can Be Used in Renewable Technologies

Landfills are among the major crises in the world. It's good to know that some sorts of renewable energy technologies can use leftovers and reduce the amount of and waste materials that are piled in landfills.

Biomass energy, for instance biomass boilers, has this beneficial aspect that can consume used organic products as fuel. This is a promising way that lets us kill two birds with a single stone.
First, reducing the size of landfills, and second, generating energy without paying for fossil fuels.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

Now, it's time to look at some disadvantages of renewable energy that make using them difficult.

1. Renewable Energy Is Not Available Round the Clock

Renewable energy sources are natural forces that are strongly dependent on the weather condition. Therefore, when you have bad weather conditions, renewable energy technologies such as solar cells will be of less use.

For example, when it rains, your PV panels can't generate electricity, and as a result, you have to get back to traditional power sources. We can consider this uncertainty the most important drawback of relying on renewable technologies.

2. The Efficiency of Renewable Technologies Is Low

Each type of energy requires a specific technology so that we can convert it into electricity. The efficiency of energy conversion devices is of great importance when it comes to prioritizing energy sources. Unfortunately, the efficiency of renewable technologies is not that high compared with traditional energy conversion devices.

For example, solar panel efficiency, that are available in the market, is between 15% and 20%. On the other hand, traditional technologies that use coal or natural gas can respectively reach efficiency levels of up to 40% and 60%.

3. The Initial Cost of Renewable Energy Is High

Considering the amount of energy we can get from renewable technologies, their initial cost is high and sometimes unaffordable. In fact, the manufacturing and installation processes of renewable energy devices like PV panels are relatively expensive. That's why governments are setting aside considerable budgets, such as solar panel grants to help these technologies grow.

4. Renewable Energy Sites Require A Lot of Space

To harness nature's energies, we need a lot of space. This will cause many problems for renewable energy sites. In comparison with traditional power stations, we have to use more land for establishing renewable energy farms.

5. Renewable Energy Devices Need Recycling

Generating electricity from renewable energy sources produces way lower levels of pollution. But renewable devices are subject to some concerns because manufacturing them and also their disposal process might emit pollution.

For example, solar cells will fail to perform well after a while, so we need to throw them away. But these devices might be toxic, and as a result, we need to think of a recycling process for them.

Why is Renewable Energy Important?

We're now facing unprecedented heatwaves, polluted air, and unbelievable health issues caused by fossil fuels. In Addition to this issue, fossil fuels are about to run out if we continue to burn them uncontrollably.

Renewable energy sources are our best chance to stop the current trend and make the world a better place to live. Therefore, governments are thinking of using renewable sources of energy to generate electric power. As a result, there is increasing usage of renewable energy for generating electricity in all countries.

For example, the share of renewable energy in global electricity generation was increased to 29% in 2020. This is a success compared with a 27% share in electricity generation in 2019.

Some advanced countries such as the UK have aimed for 100% renewable cities by 2050. Currently, around 43% of the UK's electricity is generated by renewables. In spite of many obstacles in the way towards 100% renewable energy, there are promising advantages to using renewable technologies.

Overall, the advantages of using renewable energy sources outweigh the disadvantages. Although the initial cost of establishing a network of renewable technologies might be higher, over time, the expenses will be offset. Considering the lateral influencers of using renewable energy, postponing the process of shifting toward 100% renewable is not a wise course of action.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What are the Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy? | GreenMatch

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To what extent do you know the pros and cons of renewable energy technologies? This article lets you learn the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.

# data[].attributes.body
"Burning natural gas for electricity releases between 0.6 and 2 pounds of carbon dioxide, coal emits between 1.4 and 3.6 pounds of Co2.  Wind, on the other hand, is responsible for only 0.02 to 0.04 pounds of Co2,  solar 0.07 to 0.2; geothermal 0.1 to 0.2; and hydroelectric between 0.1 and 0.5. pounds.

When burning coal for power you u out 10 times the amount of Co2 into the air than what you get from a wind turbine

https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/benefits-renewable-energy-use

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Renewable energy-wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass-provides substantial benefits for our climate, our health, and our economy.

# data[].attributes.body
This claim is very interesting because it is like grabbing at straws to have a counter claim

"The towers are visually displeasing to some people."

https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2015/10/10/renewable-energy-sources/73611806/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here's a rundown of pros and cons of some of the state's renewable energy sources:

turbines turn the breeze into electricity. Pros: No pollution, limited maintenance, relatively inexpensive to build. Cons: No energy when the wind isn't blowing. The towers are visually displeasing to some people. It creates noise, and can be harmful to birds and wildlife. It also requires a lot of land.

Biomass power comes from plants, trees and other organic material that is burned. Pros: It is abundant, and can be used without interruption, cleaner than fossil fuel. Cons: Can result in air pollution, takes a lot of energy to produce, can be seasonable and competes with food production.

Landfill gas, solid waste energy comes from harnessing the decomposition of organic material. Pros: Efficient use of waste, reduces methane emissions. Cons: Large areas of landfill are required, compared to plants powered by fossil fuel. Pollution. Recycling reduces landfills.

Hydroelectric power is generated from flowing water, which turns turbines and generates electricity. Pros: It's clean; abundant, where there are bodies of water. Cons: Dams can create environmental concerns, and it is restricted to where there is water.

Solar power uses cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Pros: Unlimited supply of sunlight and no pollution. Cons: It relies on sunlight, so it doesn't generate electricity at night or when overcast. It's more expensive than other sources. It takes a large geographical footprint to generate a significant amount of energy. Panels can cause glare.

Read or Share this story: http://on.freep.com/1LoEwp8

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here's a rundown of pros and cons of some of the state's renewable energy sources: turbines turn the breeze into electricity. Pros: No pollution, limited maintenance, relatively inexpensive to build. Cons: No energy when the wind isn't blowing. The towers are visually displeasing to some people.

# data[].attributes.headline
People don't like the look of turbines - DP

# data[].attributes.subject
People don't like the look of turbines - DP

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/why-do-people-hate-wind-turbines/

Some people like the look of turbines and some hate them, they hate them because of there huge size and unlike the soler panel that hides on the ground it stands up for all to see.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Over recent years the polarising impact of wind turbines seems to have become an every day occurrence in the media.

But why are people so against wind turbines? And why is the UK so hell-bent on persevering with it as a technology?

In the following blog I am going to look at some of the issues that people have with them and whether they do have a future in our energy mix - but first I am going to provide a quick recap on what they are and why we have them.

What is a wind turbine?

On a very basic level a wind turbine comprises of rotor blades positioned at the top of very high towers. They spin as wind hits them, which produces electricity.

The rotor blades are much like the propellers of aeroplanes, however in the case of commercial wind turbines they tend to be much much larger. Blade Dynamics, a company that specialises in making the rotors of wind turbines has recently announced the D49 - with a rotor diameter of 100m, so technology is always advancing and units are getting bigger and more efficient.

The reason for maximising the length of the blades, is that the larger the swept area of a turbine (this is the circle that the turbine produces while spinning) the more wind it will catch and therefore this increases the energy it can create.

The reason for situating the turbines atop high towers, is that wind speeds tend to be higher at altitude and the power contained in the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, so for example if a the wind speed is 3mph then the power is calculated as such 3 x 3 x 3 = 27. If the wind speed doubles to 6mph then the power is 6 x 6 x 6 = 216.

So since wind turbines catch more wind if they are bigger and there is more power in the wind at higher altitudes, companies looking to take advantage of wind energy make their wind turbines huge, for example the one proposed by Blade Dynamics will be 270m tall.

Why are wind farms built in the first place?

Wind farms are just a collection of wind turbines - they are now pretty common across the UK. They are being built as a result of the Government trying to decarbonise our energy industry. In the past we have relied on fossil fuels and nuclear energy to meet our energy demand, and to be honest this is still the case.

But as part of the Kyoto agreement that was signed in 1997, the UK agreed legally binding targets to lower our carbon emissions as part of an effort to combat climate change. I think this then brings the discussion to the first issue that some people feel pretty strongly about!

Why All the Hate?!

Reason 1 - People think that Climate Change doesn't even exist

In my opinion it probably does - we can see changes in our climate - across the world there are extreme weather situations happening all the time. But climate change still remains one of the most polarising subjects of our time. There are people who will argue till they are blue in the face that the changes in weather are just a natural cyclical event and not the result of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. So these people are obviously questioning the need to decarbonise the energy industry and therefore the reason for having wind turbines in the first place.

This unfortunately is not something I can counter - it is true that you can use science to allegedly prove anything - I once read that men with beards are statistically more likely to get cancer - obviously complete rubbish. This issue is however that even though decent scientists have all written publications on their findings, these scientists sit in both camps - believers and non-believers - so actually how do we know who to believe!

Reason 2 - The landscape gets scarred

I think another major reason that people hate wind turbines is that as I mentioned before they are huge. The wind companies are looking to maximise the energy they can produce so they build them big and people in the vicinity feel that they are a blot on the landscape.

I can't sit here and argue that they don't change the way an area looks. I think it is more the issue that people are ingrained to hate change. As a child growing up now, they must see wind turbines when they travel across the country and so these things must now be normal to them. I think this is where we will see a step change in acceptance. As our youth grow up, there will be generational acceptance of wind farms - they are the norm, just as a big coal power plant or nuclear power plant have been for us growing up.

Reason 3 - They are just sat there not spinning

This is the nature of the beast unfortunately - if the wind ain't blowing, then the turbines ain't going to be spinning. Therefore people assume they are useless and don't contribute to our energy mix. This is a bit like a coal or gas power plant having no access to their required fuels - now I know this is ridiculous since we have always had a steady supply of coal and gas, but what if this were to change, the supply was interrupted - we need to have some capacity in our grid that we can use that doesn't rely on a tangible fuel (e.g. gas, coal or uranium). This means that if everything dropped through the floor - at least there would be some means of making electricity on a commercial scale.

So yes sometimes wind turbines aren't going to be spinning, but most of the time they are at least contributing something to our energy mix, and let me be quite clear I am not saying get rid of all energy from fossil fuels, I think we need a sensible energy mix and wind in my opinion has an important role to play.

But just for the record in June this year, wind accounted for over 5GW of power - more than 10% of our energy demand - and that number can't be sniffed at.

Reason 4 - Wind energy is expensive to produce

Currently producing energy from wind costs more than producing it from traditional fuels. This is mainly due to Government grants being paid when the wind turbines are in operation.

The thing is though, in theory once a wind turbine is up, the electricity it produces only requires the wind to blow. If we could introduce economies of scale to drive down the cost of installing the turbines - then surely we are on to a winner - the problem is that to get there we need to increase production to drive down prices so at the moment we are going to have to suck it up and pay higher prices.

On another note, we currently import much of our gas and coal from the world market, but the proportion that we import is going to increase significantly over the next 5 years. As we saw in our extended winter this year, our gas reserves ran dangerously low and we had to spend big to secure additional supplies.

The way it has played out with North Sea Gas in that everyone pretty much now has a gas central heating system. Unfortunately North Sea Gas isn't there anymore, now you have probably heard about the potential of shale. I think I can say with some certainty that this isn't an immediate fix. Even if we can access large amounts of gas and the alleged environmental impacts are unfounded, this supply of gas is not going to become plentiful for the next 5-10 years.

Now fuel prices are already ludicrous in my opinion, rising at 10% a year for the last 8 years, and if you think fuel prices are coming down then I think you are probably living in dream world. So how long before the tipping point is reached. Not necessarily by the cost of wind installation coming down (although naturally this will) but rather the price of producing energy from traditional other fuels rising.

As a final thought....

Google recently acquired Makani power, a Californian start up wind Power Company that is trying to harness wind speeds thousands of meters up in the air by tethering 'wind kites' to the ground. The theory being: that if these wind turbines sit at such altitude then they can be much smaller in size, because they would then utilise higher and more consistent wind speeds. The Google bods tend to make fairly sensible investment decisions - so it must point to wind having a future, it just might be in a much more evolved form!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why do people hate wind turbines? - TheGreenAge

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Over recent years the polarising impact of wind turbines seems to have become an every day occurrence in the media. But why are people so against wind turbines? And why is the UK so hell-bent on persevering with it as a technology?

# data[].attributes.body
https://regenpower.com/articles/what-are-the-problems-faced-by-renewable-energy/

We cant fully go to renewable energy because they do not make enough power for the rush times in the day so there will be massive power outs without coal and other power sources. batteries cant store the power efficiently enough and they are too big are too expensive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What are the problems faced by renewable energy? - Regen Power

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The challenges faced by the renewable energy industry are many. Political pressures, government policies, corporate influence, etc

# data[].attributes.body
"Renewable resources won’t run out, which cannot be said for many types of fossil fuels"

In this article, it says that cleaner energy won't run out and I just realized that that is a very true point

https://news.energysage.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-renewable-energy/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wind power, geothermal energy, solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, hydrogen, and other renewable technologies are a widely popular source of energy throughout the world today as we move toward a zero-carbon future. Countries, corporations, and individuals are adopting clean energy for a number of great benefits, from reduced air pollution to financial savings. In this article, we'll dive into some of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.

Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy

Here are some of the most important pros and cons of using clean, renewable energy:

Advantages of renewable energy

Renewable energy has multiple advantages over fossil fuels. Here are some of the top benefits of using an alternative energy source:

Renewable energy won't run out

Renewable energy has lower maintenance requirements

Renewables save money

Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits

Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources

Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air

Renewable energy creates jobs

Renewable energy can cut down on waste

1. Renewable energy won't run out

Renewable energy technologies use resources straight from the environment to generate power. These energy sources include sunshine, wind, tides, and biomass, to name some of the more popular options. Renewable resources won't run out, which cannot be said for many types of fossil fuels - as we use fossil fuel resources, they will be increasingly difficult to obtain, likely driving up both the cost and environmental impact of extraction.

2. Maintenance requirements are lower for renewable energy

In most cases, renewable energy systems require less overall maintenance than generators that use traditional fuel sources. This is because generating technology like solar panels and wind turbines either have few or no moving parts and don't rely on flammable, combustible fuel sources to operate. Fewer maintenance requirements translate to more time and money saved.

3. Renewables save money

Using renewable energy can help you save money long term. Not only will you save on maintenance costs, but on operating costs as well. When you're using a technology that generates power from the sun, wind, steam, or natural processes, you don't have to pay to refuel. The amount of money you will save using renewable energy can vary depending on a number of factors, including the technology itself. In most cases, transitioning to renewable energy means anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in savings-find out how much you can save by switching to solar energy.

4. Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits

Renewable energy generation sources lead to low to zero greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuel sources like natural gas. This means a smaller carbon footprint and an overall positive impact on the natural environment. During the combustion process, fossil fuels emit high amounts of greenhouse gases, which have been proven to exacerbate climate change, which in turn causes rising global temperatures and higher frequencies of extreme weather events.

The use of fossil fuels not only emits greenhouse gases but other harmful pollutants as well that lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues. With renewable energy, you're helping decrease the prevalence of these pollutants and contributing to an overall healthier atmosphere.

5. Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources

With renewable energy technologies, you can produce energy locally. The higher the amount of our energy use is renewable, the less we'll rely on imported energy, and the more we'll contribute to U.S. energy independence as a whole. Renewable energy sources can help us minimize the geo-political risks associated with fossil fuels, from trade disputes to political instability to pricing wars, all of which are often rooted in access to oil.

6. Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air

When you burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, it contaminates the air and water we use. For example, coal power stations release high volumes of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, as well as harmful toxins like mercury, lead, and sulfur dioxide. Health problems from ingesting these elements can be dangerous, and even fatal in some cases. Investing in renewable energy is a great way to work against these risks, as renewables have a far lower negative impact on our air and water.

The use of fossil fuels not only emits greenhouse gases but other harmful pollutants as well that lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues. With renewable energy, you're helping decrease the prevalence of these pollutants and contributing to an overall healthier environment.

7. Renewable energy creates new jobs

While the U.S. shifts its focus to combat global warming, we're setting ambitious carbon-reduction goals that require labor to get the job done. Today, the renewable energy sector employs three times as many people as fossil fuels do in the U.S. That number is expected to rise over the next few years-and as a plus, these jobs tend to pay above average wages, making it a very attractive career option and an overall economic boom.

8. Renewable energy can help solve our waste problem

Specifically, biomass energy can offer a big benefit in this way. Biomass generators consume used organic products like vegetable oil, corn and soybean byproducts, and even algae to generate energy. Because of this, using biomass as an energy source can reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which helps cut down on carbon emissions and environmental contamination.

Disadvantages of renewable energy

Renewable energy has many benefits, but it's not always sunny when it comes to renewable energy. Here are some cons of renewable energy when compared to traditional fuel sources:

Renewable energy has high upfront costs

Renewable energy is intermittent

Renewables have storage capabilities

Renewable energy sources have geographic limitations

Renewables aren't always 100% carbon-free

1. Higher upfront cost

While you can save money by using renewable energy, the technologies are typically more expensive upfront than traditional energy generators. To combat this, there are often financial incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, available to help alleviate your initial costs of renewable technology.

2. Intermittency

Though renewable energy resources are available around the world, many of these resources aren't available 24/7, year-round. Some days may be windier than others, the sun doesn't shine at night, and droughts may occur for periods of time. There can be unpredictable weather events that disrupt these technologies, and the amount of energy we can get from renewable power sources can be inconsistent. Fossil fuels are not intermittent and power plants can be turned on or off at any given time to provide an energy supply. Wondering if you should make the switch to renewables? Find out if an energy source like solar power is a good fit for you.

3. Storage capabilities

Because of the intermittency of some renewable energy sources, there's a high need for energy storage. While there are storage technologies available today, they can be expensive, especially for large-scale renewable energy plants. It's worth noting that energy storage capacity is growing as the technology progresses, and batteries are becoming more affordable as time goes on.

4. Geographic limitations

The United States has a diverse geography with varying climates, topographies, vegetation, and more. This creates a beautiful melting pot of landscapes but also means that there are some geographies that are more suitable for renewable technologies than others. For example, a large property in a rural area with open space may be a great place for a residential wind farm or a large-scale solar farm, while a townhome in a city covered in shade from taller buildings wouldn't be able to reap the benefits of either technology. If your property isn't suitable for a personal renewable energy technology, there are other options. If you're interested in solar but don't have a sunny property, you can often still benefit from renewable energy by purchasing green power or enrolling in a community solar option.

5. Not 100% carbon-free

Although solar panels and other forms of renewable energy drastically reduce carbon emissions, these resources aren't always completely clean. The manufacturing, transportation, and installation of renewable energy, like wind turbines, can create a carbon footprint since they're usually produced in factories that are powered by fossil fuels -not to mention the diesel and gasoline needed to fuel the transport trucks. As the U.S. becomes more and more electrified - from solar panels on factories, to electric transport trucks - carbon emissions associated with solar will continue to decrease.

6. Supply chain constraints

Renewables must have an effective distribution network created to transfer the energy where it's needed on a large scale. These networks need non-renewable energies to be generated, which offsets the benefits of renewable energy for a bit until it's paid back. Additionally, politics can play a factor in installing renewable energy if it's not a priority among local governments.

Types of renewable energy sources

There are a few types of renewable sources we can use for energy production:

Wind energy leverages the power of wind motion to generate electricity, created by the uneven heating of Earth's surface.

Solar power uses energy from the sun to generate electricity and heat

Hydropower utilizes fast-moving water to spin turbines and generate electricity. This is also known as hydroelectric power, or hydroelectricity.

Biomass generates electricity from organic plant matter

Geothermal energy leverages heat from inside the earth to generate electricity

Tidal produces electricity with special generators that leverage the surges of the ocean created during rising and falling tides.Hydrogen: utilized as fuel and electricity when separated from other elements like oxygen.

Nuclear energy, while not technically renewable, is often lumped in with the sources mentioned above. Nuclear power has the potential to provide electricity generation on a massive scale with zero emissions, making it an intriguing part of our energy future.

Renewable energy has more benefits than drawbacks

When it comes to renewable energy, the positives outweigh the negatives. Transitioning to renewables on a personal, corporate, or governmental level will not only help you save money but also promote a cleaner, healthier environment for the future.

Installing solar panels is one of the easiest ways to go green. By signing up on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, you can compare multiple quotes from local, pre-screened installers to see what solar costs and savings for your property. The quotes will also include estimates of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions you will offset over 20 years, and what this equates to in both trees planted and gallons of gasoline burned.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy | EnergySage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wind power, geothermal energy, solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, hydrogen, and other renewable technologies are a widely popular source of energy throughout the world today as we move toward a zero-carbon future. Countries, corporations, and individuals are adopting clean energy for a number of great benefits, from reduced air pollution to financial savings.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/barriers-renewable-energy-technologies

The problem with investors helping fund energy farms is the cost per kilowatt, for the initial cost it is almost double coal plants costs for the energy created, Now they are seeing that the free fuel and the very little maintenance it will be worth it after a few years of working.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Barriers to Renewable Energy Technologies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Renewables face major obstacles. Some are inherent with all new technologies; others are the result of a skewed regulatory framework and marketplace.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.inspirecleanenergy.com/blog/clean-energy-101/why-dont-we-use-more-renewable-energy

It is also hard to start large scale renewable because there is no infrastructure to support the structures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
category: Clean Energy 101

Looking at why isn't renewable energy used more

When it comes to renewable energy sources, it is becoming more widely known that they are far better for the environment in many ways than their non-renewable, fossil fuel counterparts. They don't require the same level of extraction as fossil fuels, if at all, and some are considered "clean," which essentially means they have little to no impact on the planet when being converted to electricity.

If clean energy is so beneficial, why haven't we all made the switch to renewable energy sources? Why don't we use more renewable energy? Let's find out.

Why don't we use more renewable sources of energy?

As far as individual countries are concerned, making the switch from one energy source to another will undoubtedly take some time as new power plants and infrastructure are introduced.

Switching to renewable energy doesn't simply mean a group of individuals choose a new way to power their homes-it means entire companies need to reevaluate how they make money and from where they source their energy. It would require millions of homes, schools, businesses, public buildings, and transport centers to adjust how they are run-and this doesn't happen overnight.

Currently, renewable energy sources only account for around 8% of the U.S.'s energy consumption and about 14% of the world's energy needs. This is primarily because the technology has taken time to develop in order to produce large amounts of clean energy, and most of our engines and systems were developed to run off of fossil fuels.

Why don't we make better use of solar energy?

Solar power may be healthier for the planet, but that doesn't mean it is entirely reliable. While that can sound crazy-the sun shines in some form every day, right?-it's because the solar panels we have can only generate electricity when it's a clear sunny day.

In order for a home or business to rely entirely on solar power, the owners would need to live in a sunny area and use batteries to store excess energy for cloudy and rainy days. While technology is advancing quickly and some scientists are having success with panels that can generate energy even on overcast days, this obviously is not sustainable enough yet to fuel a nation.

Installing solar panels on our homes -and anywhere else-is also a costly exercise, so while we will likely see more new buildings go up with solar panels on their roofs, it will be a while before there are enough to contribute significantly to the power grid.

What we can do in the meantime, though, is take a closer look at our individual efforts. Companies such as Inspire are committed to creating a world powered by renewable energy and making the switch as easy as possible. Learn more about Inspire and how we're a renewable energy company dedicated to providing clean energy in homes.

Where do most forms of renewable energy come from?

Renewable energy sources are typically derived from natural resources that will not deplete over time. They offer a more sustainable option but are newer and typically more expensive to install than fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and tidal energy come from the wind, the sun, and the sea, respectively.

Other less-green renewable sources are also used, such as biomass fuel. This is made by farming byproducts and natural materials that we throw away. While burning these still creates harmful gases, sourcing them is easy and there will always be more of it.

What are the advantages of using renewable energy more often?

While difficult to generate in our homes on our own, especially in urban areas, renewable energy has a huge number of advantages for all of us:

- Protects the environment: Using energy from sources like wind, solar, and geothermal helps to reduce the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.

- Protects our health: Not only is it better for the environment, but it is also beneficial to our health. With fewer gases being released, we are at a lower risk of developing pollution-based respiratory problems such as asthma.

- Reduces water waste: Renewable energy sources prevent a huge amount of water waste every year and are far less threatening to areas of the world that are prone to flooding and droughts.

- Creates jobs: Energy sources like solar power and wind energy are significant job creators. Wind turbine technician is the fastest growing job in the U.S. and solar photovoltaic installers are currently in third place. This will only grow as we turn more to renewable energy sources to slow environmental damage and find alternatives to dwindling fossil fuels.

- Fossil fuels are running out: Experts forecast we may only have 50-150 years of fossil fuels left to use, so we need to find alternatives soon and use them to power our daily lives before there are shortages.

There are also other contributions we can make individually. Learn about the benefits of renewable energy and how you can make the switch to Inspire.

If you're interested in doing more for the environment, consider switching to clean energy.

What are the disadvantages of using renewable energy more often?

- It can be costly: As with any technology that has already been established for some time, fossil fuels are much cheaper to fund. When adding up the cost of installing solar panels, for example, one must take into account the cost of purchasing each piece of equipment, transporting it to the site, and maintaining it once it has been installed. Some countries' governments are currently offering subsidies to incentivize people to invest in renewable energy, but sadly this is not yet the case worldwide.

- It still causes pollution indirectly: The equipment and parts required to construct wind turbines or solar panels often have to be shipped across the country, or even the world. This use of long-distance transportation is certainly a culprit for more pollution, though far less when compared to the long-term impact caused by extracting fossil fuels.

- Some geographic limitations: Wind energy can only be harnessed in areas that get a lot of wind. Wind farms are most often seen on the tops of hills or offshore, but consistent high-speed winds can't be guaranteed, even in these areas. Hydroelectric dams and wave turbines can only be built in specific areas, and current solar panels can only harness energy when placed in direct sunlight.

- Biomass is still harmful: Biomass requires a significant amount of vegetation waste in order to be viable, rendering it nearly impossible to generate energy from in dry countries with large desert areas. Burning our trash to generate energy obviously helps reduce landfill waste but still releases harmful gases.

- It's not easy to store renewable energy: Fossil fuels are harmful to the environment and will eventually run out, but they can cater to the demand for a consistent energy supply. Fossil fuels can also be stored to generate electricity at a later date, whereas renewable energy sources require large batteries to save any additional electricity they produce.

- Requires space: Renewable energy requires the use of significant amounts of land. Wind turbines must be spaced out evenly across farms, which means they cannot be tucked into small spaces. The same goes for solar plants; they take up far more space than traditional power plants and are not as efficient.

- People don't know much about renewable sources: There is a lack of education surrounding sustainable energy. As with all new technological advancements, renewable energy is not as commonly used as fossil fuels simply because people don't know about it. People are much less likely to use green energy sources in their own homes if they don't even know they exist, or that they can choose to harness them. This lack of education is becoming less of a problem as we learn more about ways to protect the environment. Still, most people aren't aware of the difference that could be made if everyone switched to utility companies that supplied clean energy.

Why don't we use more renewable energy? It all comes down to cost and infrastructure

Ultimately, the biggest hindrance to the development of renewable energy is its cost and logistical barriers. Once the infrastructure for renewable energy sources grows, we will see it take off in popularity and use.

While there are far more sustainable energy options than there are environmentally damaging options, the fact remains that fossil fuels are cheaper, more reliable, and have been around for longer. Many environmental scientists hope that green energy will become more commonly used and thus more accessible in the future. This will require a huge boost in awareness around renewable energy sources and a global willingness to invest.

An ideal scenario is one in which renewable energy sources are as affordable and reliable as their less environmentally friendly counterparts. Until such a change is made, the most environmentally responsible choice we can make is to make use of renewable energy through energy companies. As more people opt for such companies, the demand for wind power, geothermal energy, and solar power will be driven up, and the amount of clean energy on the grid will increase.

How you can make the switch to renewable energy

The good news is, you don't have to wait for renewable energy to come to you. Inspire is passionate about providing our customers with access to clean energy that is good for the environment, our health, and our future.

If you're ready to take control of your energy and gain access to 100% clean energy, you can sign up for our unlimited clean energy membership. For a fixed affordable monthly price, you can use unlimited clean energy and know that every time you flip a light switch, you're driving us all toward a better future. We believe clean energy should be reliable and good for the planet, so help us to drive up the demand for healthy and sustainable energy sources by making the switch today. Click here to find out more about how to switch to renewable energy.

Not sure if renewable energy is right for you? Read the latest Inspire Energy reviews to see how we've helped customers make the switch.

We're on a mission to transform the way people access clean energy and accelerate a net-zero carbon future.
Learn more about Inspire →

Explore more

Recent Posts

Top Articles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Don't We Use More Renewable Energy? | Inspire Clean Energy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why is renewable energy not widely used? Why is it hard to switch to renewable energy? If clean energy is so beneficial, why haven't we made the switch to renwable resources?

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-renewable-energy.php

The main problem with renewable energy is that it is very inefficient and very high initial cost even if there is next to no maintenance required.

# data[].attributes.body
"Local governments can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing or directly generating electricity from clean, renewable sources."

Some pros with clean energy are Renewable energy, a better economy, and giving jobs to people

https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-renewable-energy-benefits-and- resources