Practical usage of clean and renewable energy sources is a global necessity. Fossil fuels, on which we are dependent currently, are non-renewable and finite in quantity on our planet.
The stock of fossil fuels is fading away in thin air with each passing moment because instead of using judiciously the limited resources present on our planet; we are exploiting the same and damaging the very environment in the process.
It is high time that we make a switch to renewable energy sources like sun, wind, water etc. Several renewable energy companies like Lumos Global are coming up with brilliant renewable energy usage plans and technologies. In this post, we will have a look at some of the major renewable energy technologies that exist in 2019.
What is renewable energy technology?
Simply speaking, renewable energy technologies are the ones that enable us to generate electricity, heat, and fuel from renewable sources. If you are thinking as to how is renewable energy used, the following renewable energy technology examples will provide you with the answers that you seek.
How Lumos Global is contributing to the utilization of renewable energy?
Lumos Global is an off-grid solar energy firm operating in Nigeria who is actively supplying the population living in the African continent with off-grid solar energy generation kits to meet their electricity needs.
These off-grid solar energy generation kit or Lumos Kit, in short, consists of a large 80W solar panel, indoor power unit, phone charging accessories, and two LED lights. People interested in the Lumos Kit can become a part of the service easily at their local mobile operator store by paying a one-time commitment fee.
Lumos has partnered with MTN, Nigeria’s leading mobile network operator to make solar energy reach each and every individual household that is in serious need of affordable, clean, and reliable electricity.
Major Types of Renewable Energy Technologies That Exist in 2019
As mentioned on the official website of the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, following renewable energy technologies exists under the Federal Energy Management Program:
· Photovoltaic Cells
As you might know, photovoltaic cells are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. You must have seen solar panels and solar power system installed in your vicinity especially to power street lights. These solar panels consist of an array of photovoltaic cells that produce direct current electricity. A power converter is present that converts this direct current electricity to alternating current electricity.
· Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
As clear from the name, the renewable energy technologies that work on the principle of concentrating solar power (CSP) concentrate the sun’s energy at a single point which is, usually, the receiver in this case. As a direct result of receiving concentrated sun’s energy, the temperature at the receiver, gradually, becomes very high. Heat generated from this high temperature is effective enough to power a traditional turbine to generate electricity.
· Wind Energy
You must have seen windmills with large blades. Wind is responsible for rotating these blades. When the blades rotate, an internal shaft rotates along with which is further connected to a generator. The generator is responsible for producing electricity.
· Geothermal
We all know that earth’s core is a storehouse of heat and hot water. The energy produced from this heat and hot water is geothermal energy. Systems exist which are responsible for moving heat from the geothermal locations to the places where more efficient and efficacious uses for the same are present.
· Biomass
As you might know, biomass consists of organic materials such as plants, residues, and waste from different sources, including agriculture, forestry, and urban waste etc. Usually, the biomass is lit up in order to produce heat energy. This heat energy is effective in the production of electricity. Another use of biomass is its conversion into liquid fuels.
· Hydropower
Hydropower exists since old days when running water was used to power machinery. Nowadays, the most common use of hydropower is electricity production through the medium of dams. An artificial lake exists behind the dam. Water flows at a great speed upon its release which powers up the turbines and results in the production of electricity.
· Ocean Energy
Did you know that electricity is produced from coastal tides, waves, and currents as well? The motion of the water itself during tides creates energy which is captured and later converted into electricity. Even the temperature difference between the surface and the depth of the oceans is an ideal producer of energy which can be captured and converted into electricity.
Final Words
In short, we have several renewable resources in our hand. It is time that we stop exploiting our environment by crazily using non-renewable resources. The focus of the hour must be on the judicious utilization of renewable resources of energy through the medium of renewable energy technologies.
