What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy generally refers to electricity supplied from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal, hydropower and various forms of biomass. These energy sources are considered renewable sources because their fuel sources are continuously replenished.>Why is renewable energy important?
Climate change and the need to manage diminishing fossil fuel reserves are today two of the biggest challenges facing the planet.
In order to secure the future for ourselves and generations to follow, we must act now to reduce energy consumption and substantially cut greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide.
World leaders have resolved to tackle global warming by signing the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty committing signatory countries to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases from 1990 levels.
Benefits of Renewable Energy
Environmental Benefits
Renewable energy technologies are clean sources of energy that have a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies.
Resource Abundance
Renewable energy will not run out ever. Other sources of energy are finite and will some day be depleted.
Jobs and the Economy
Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and workmanship to build and maintain the facilities, rather than on costly energy imports.
Energy Security
After the oil supply disruptions of the early 1970s, our nation has increased its dependence on foreign oil supplies instead of decreasing it. This increased dependence impacts more than just our national energy policy.
Clean Development Mechanism
The mechanism is seen by many as a trailblazer. It is the first global, environmental investment and credit scheme of its kind, providing standardized emissions offset instrument, CERs.
A CDM project activity might involve, for example, a rural electrification project using solar panels or the installation of more energy-efficient boilers or setting up mini hydro power projects.
The mechanism stimulates sustainable development and emission reductions, while giving industrialized countries some flexibility in how they meet their emission reduction or limitation targets.