Renewable resources
A renewable resource is a natural resource with the ability of being replaced through biological or other natural processes and replenished with the passage of time. Renewable resources are part of our natural environment and form our ecosystem. Renewable resources, in the general public means any resource which can replenish itself in a timely manner, such as medium growth forests. As long as the resource in question cannot be completely depleted, it is a renewable resource. As a source of energy, renewable resources are particularly attractive, as unlike oil, renewable resources can be exploited, potentially, forever.[1]
History of Renewable Resources
Renewable resources have been considered for a very long time. By the industrial revolution, however, it was forgotten, as there was a far more lucrative source of resources, namely coal mining, and iron mining, both non-renewable.[2] It was not until the late 20th century, that renewable resources became popular, as oil prices began to rise significantly since the advent of the oil revolution.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished). About 16% of global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 10% coming from traditional biomass, which is mainly used for heating, and 3.4% from hydroelectricity. New renewables (small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels) accounted for another 3% and are growing very rapidly. The share of renewables in electricity generation is around 19%, with 16% of global electricity coming from hydroelectricity and 3% from new renewables.[3]
References
- ↑ http://energy.gov/savings/voluntary-renewable-resources-grants.
- ↑ Sawin, Janet. "Charting a New Energy Future." State of the World 2003. By Lester R. Brown. Boston: W. W. Norton & Company, Incorporated, 2003.
- ↑ ^ REN21 (2011). "Renewables 2011: Global Status Report". p. 17.
