Ways to Generate Power Sustainably

One of the main contributors to the emission of greenhouse gasses is the generation of power through fossil fuels. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 73 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels. With that said, there is a movement toward generating power sustainably.

For example, solar power is energy that comes from the sun and is then turned into usable energy that can provide electricity and heat. Although there are downsides to this, as it can be costly, the benefits would ultimately outweigh the costs as it would help to improve environmental conditions. While there is only a small percentage of solar energy that is currently generated, reliance on this form of energy is continuing to grow and is a great alternative to fossil fuels.

Another source of renewable energy is the use of wind energy. Wind energy is captured through wind turbines that convert the energy into electricity. It does not release or expel harmful products into the air that cause environmental degradation.

In addition to solar and wind energy, hydropower is another fantastic renewable energy source. Hydropower uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity; currently, 31.5 percent of renewable energy generation is from hydropower. A well-known hydropower source is the Hoover Dam in Nevada which, on average, generates close to four billion kilowatt-hours of hydropower each year, earning the title of the country’s largest hydropower installation.

Finally, geothermal energy uses the thermal energy from the Earth’s interior as a source of power according to the United Nations. Although it is not as common as the other sources of renewable energy, geothermal energy leaves very little footprint on land, considering it can be built underground. Additionally, it can be naturally replenished, avoiding the risk of depletion.

There are plentiful ways to go about using and generating energy that are not harmful to the environment. Whether it be solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, or geothermal energy, there are many great and sustainable alternatives to the burning of fossil fuels. Fortunately, companies and the energy industry are slowly starting to make a shift towards renewable energy, leading to a better future for the environment.