The Future of Solar and Wind Energy
According to NASA, human activities increased greenhouse gas emissions in our planet’s atmosphere because of fossil fuels, thereby warming the earth. The world faces climate change, and its inhabitants are already beginning to recognize its adverse effects, such as extreme droughts, rising sea levels, stronger typhoons, and lesser ice caps.
For the world to take a turn from climate change, renewable sources like solar and wind are the best options for governments, businesses, and homes.
Wind Energy
Wind energy, which is kinetic energy, can transform into a different form of energy, whether electrical or mechanical. Today, energy applications use turbines to harness wind and spin generators to create an electrical current. The good thing about wind energy is it does not release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Since the world’s creation, the wind has always been there, but people have only seen the superficiality of its great potential. The United States Department of Energy reported that in 2020, there was about 14.7 GW of wind capacity added. Note that 1 GW is equal to:
- 110 million light bulbs (LED)
- 3 million hp (horsepower)
- 125 million PV (photovoltaic) panels
- 375 wind turbines
That is a significant amount of power. When it comes to CO2 emissions, the DOE states that 0.92 lbs of gas emissions are created per kWh of energy from fossil fuels. That is equivalent to a total of 920,000 lbs of greenhouse emissions being sequestered for 1GW of installed wind capacity.
Solar Energy
Solar energy comes from the sun and is similar to the wind that does not produce CO2 emissions. Solar panels obtain energy from the sun to create electricity. According to the DOE, a capacity of 16GW will be added by 2022. Note that 1 GW is also equal to roughly 3 million PV solar panels.
The fact remains that coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels contribute to increasing CO2 emissions every day, warming the earth. Therefore, wind, solar, and other green energy sources are critical parts in obtaining a sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants.