Renewable energy sources are energy sources that don’t deplete when they are used. Renewable energy sources include solar power, wind power, biomass (wood and other plant-based material), geothermal power, tidal power and wave power.
New sources of renewable energy in 2022
In 2022, new renewable energy sources will likely become more popular and accessible to the general public. These include:
- Hydrogen fuel cells: The use of hydrogen as an energy source is growing in popularity for cars and houses. Hydrogen fuel cells use electricity to split water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The hydrogen gas is then used to create a reaction with oxygen that creates electricity to power a vehicle or house.
- Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels: PV solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials. PV solar panels can be installed on rooftops or on the ground directly above the sun’s rays for maximum efficiency.
- Wind turbines: Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity through a mechanical system called a wind turbine generator. Wind turbines can be built on roofs or in open spaces to capture wind through blades connected to a generator at the base of the turbine tower for maximum efficiency.
Biomass is the energy that plants use to create food. It's a renewable energy source that is both clean and cost-effective.
Why use biomass as a renewable energy source?
Biomass is the most abundant resource on Earth and can be found everywhere, including in your own backyard. If you think about it, plants are already doing the job of generating electricity for us every day. Biomass is made up of organic material, which includes cellulose, starch, proteins and oils, all of which can be converted into fuel for a variety of uses.
Benefits of using biomass as a renewable energy source
Biomass is a clean energy source that emits no pollutants or greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. It also doesn't require any land or water resources to produce. Using biomass in your home can also save you money over time because it reduces your dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power sources that are more expensive to operate than biomass.
What kinds of houses are designed with biomass as a renewable energy source?
Many types of houses have been designed using biomass as a renewable energy source including:
- homes with passive solar designs that reduce the need for heating or cooling systems;
- houses that collect rainwater for drinking water; and
- homes with geothermal heating systems that tap into the Earth's natural heat to keep warm air inside during cold months or cool air during hot months.