Five types of renewable energy

As most of you may know, the electricity generation segment started to shift its focus over 20 years ago. Then, the pillar sector saw the importance of welcoming a new stage centered on solutions unrelated to hydrocarbon sources. Such a great effort produced some major effects on the domestic and industrial scales. For instance, it introduced clients to a diversified market with competitive renewable solutions that are reliable and way more sustainable. And, at the same time, created an outlet to boost decarbonization and cut down CO2 emissions.?

For that reason, today, I want to talk about the five sources of renewable energy that have shown the most extensive commercial growth over this term.

? Hydro: when addressing clean energy, hydropower just reigns supreme. How does it all work? Well, in hydropower, water flows through a dam to produce the mechanical energy needed to spin a set of turbines connected to an electric generator. Last year, nearly 258 terawatt-hours—out of the 4,116 net terawatt-hours generated in the USA—came from this type of source.

? Wind: the wind flowing through turbine blades is the mechanism responsible for electricity generation in a wind farm. The blades are connected to an electric generator that produces the energy. In 2019, wind power overcame hydropower to become the largest renewable energy source across the USA. Since then, the net terawatt-hours of electricity generated have increased from ≈ 296 to ≈ 380 in 2021.???

? Solar: the generation of electricity through solar energy relies on photovoltaic cells containing semiconductor wafers that form an electric field. When the light hits, electrons move across the semiconductor and the electric field, producing electricity. Last year, almost 115 net terawatt-hours were generated in the USA from solar sources. This was an important peak, considering that in 2016 the generation stood at 36 terawatt-hours.

? Geothermal: geothermal energy is obtained by pumping hot water from underground reservoirs through a pipe to an enclosed chamber, at surface level, equipped with a turbine set. When the water enters the chamber, it boils into steam, rotating the turbine. The turbine is attached to an electric generator that produces the electricity. Geothermal power is not as widespread as wind, hydro, or solar power. Only seven states in the USA have these kinds of plants: California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. Together, they contributed 16 net terawatt-hours in 2021.???

? Biomass: there are different types of processes related to power generation from biomass. The main one involves the direct combustion of biomass in a boiler. The high-pressure steam formed causes the turbine blades to rotate, which, in turn, drives the electric generator to produce electricity. Another way is by enabling the anaerobic bacterial decomposition of organic waste material in oxygen-free tanks called digesters. The methane produced is purified to be used as a renewable gas in electricity generation. The final method involves gasification and pyrolysis to convert biomass into syngas or bio-oil, respectively. Both fluids can then boost electricity generation through a turbine. In 2021, biomass plants added 28 net terawatt-hours to electricity generation in the USA.?

It is encouraging to see these five renewable energy sources were capable of producing around 797 net terawatt-hours of electricity in 2021. They alone made up 19% of the total generation in the US. According to my resources, just ten years ago, the total contribution from all renewable sources in the country was 12%. So, overall, it is a good sign as the industry continues advancing toward net-zero goals.

Remember to contact Verdusco Consulting for anything automation-related! It’ll be a pleasure to assist you. Cheers!??