What are the Various Types of Renewable Energy Sources?

Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that are replenished faster than they are consumed. For instance, sunlight and wind are natural resources that are available in abundance all around us. Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, such as coal, oil, and gas, are derived from fossil fuels, which take hundreds of millions of years to form. Not to forget the harmful greenhouse gases that they release into the environment.

At a time when the world is grappling with global warming and the climate crisis, renewable energy offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. To help shape the future of renewable energy in India and worldwide, Jindal India Renewable Energy, a part of the Jindal India Group, is committed to generating renewable energy from various sources. So, let us explore some common sources of renewable energy.

1. Solar Energy

Perhaps the most abundant renewable energy source, sunlight can be harnessed to generate solar energy even in cloudy weather. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This can deliver heat, cooling, lighting, electricity, and fuels for many applications. You’ll be happy to know that among the Jindal group companies, we’re focused on leveraging solar energy to generate electricity.

2.Wind Energy

Wind energy captures the kinetic energy of moving air by using large wind turbines onshore and offshore. Although wind energy has been used for thousands of years, onshore and offshore wind energy technologies have only evolved in recent years. Even though wind speeds vary from location to location, the world’s potential for wind power exceeds global electricity production. Thus, there’s a substantial scope for generating wind energy, and Jindal group companies are harnessing these tailwinds to unlock new potential.

3. Geothermal Energy

You may associate the Jindal India Group as one of the thermal energy producers in India. However, geothermal energy is a different type of energy. It utilises the thermal energy from the Earth’s interior using geothermal reservoirs like wells. While some reservoirs are naturally hot and permeable, others need to be improved with hydraulic simulation to generate electricity. Fluids of various temperatures can be used to generate electricity.

4. Hydropower

When water moves from higher to lower elevations, the flow of the water can be used to generate hydropower. Hydropower can be generated from rivers and reservoirs. In fact, hydropower reservoirs are often used for drinking water, irrigation, flood and drought control, etc, besides energy supply. Currently, hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy in the electricity sector and relies heavily on rainfall patterns.

5. Ocean Energy

Ocean energy harnesses the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater such as waves and currents, to produce heat or electricity. Although at an early stage of development, ocean energy systems are being explored worldwide as their potential far exceeds the present energy requirements. In fact, India’s vast coastline makes ocean energy a great source of renewable energy in India.

6. Bioenergy

Bioenergy is produced from a variety of organic materials like wood, charcoal, dung, and other biomass for heat and power. In fact, rural populations in developing countries often use biomass for cooking, lighting, and space heating. Although a renewable source of energy, bioenergy does release greenhouse gas emissions, but at a lower rate than burning fossil fuels. Thus, it must be used in limited applications only.

7. Hybrid Energy

When electricity is generated using multiple renewable sources, such as wind and solar, it is called hybrid energy. Hybrid energy systems share a single connection point and optimize the use of renewable sources. This ensures more sustainable energy production and minimal waste. As a renewable energy company in India, Jinda India Renewable Energy is also developing hybrid renewable energy systems.

Final Thoughts

With energy requirements growing at unprecedented rates and energy sources fast dwindling, renewable sources of energy are no longer good to explore but a need of the hour. Found in abundance in the natural environment, these renewable resources are replenished faster than they are consumed. From solar, wind, and geothermal energy to hydropower and hybrid energy, multiple sources of renewable energy are currently being harnessed or explored. In fact, as a part of the Jindal India Group, Jindal India Renewable Energy is also dedicated to shaping the future of renewable energy in India and worldwide.