Which Source Of Renewable Energy Does Not Depend On Weather
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Many people hear of the fantastical world of renewable energy through the trendiest technologies like solar and wind power.
The obvious problem with these sources of energy is that they are heavily dependent on certain weather conditions, which begs the question: are there renewable sources of energy that don’t rely on the weather?
The answer is yes! There are multiple sources of renewable energy that don’t rely on the weather to generate useful energy. Continue reading to learn about more renewable energy sources than solar and wind, how they work, and more!
Is Geothermal the Only One?
Lucky for us, geothermal energy is not the only source of renewable energy that does not depend on the weather. There are several others, including biomass, hydroelectric, and tidal power.
Some people consider nuclear power as a renewable source of energy as well, but there are arguments about how beneficial this energy source is when considering the hazardous waste it generates.
All these sources and more are being researched every day to make the technologies more efficient and applicable in a wider range of circumstances. New power options like nuclear fusion and algal power may also be on the horizon.
What Does Geothermal Energy Depend on?
Geothermal energy can operate in several different ways. Typically, a deep hole is bored into the ground, and a pump is installed to access underground water reservoirs heated by the earth’s core’s magma.
This hot water is pumped up to the surface and can be used to heat houses, roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. This is especially useful for preventing snow accumulation during the winter.
Another way geothermal can be used by using a turbine and taking advantage of underground steam. This steam rises naturally and spins the turbine and a motor to generate electricity.
How Does Biomass Energy Work?
Biomass energy, at its most basic level, involves burning dry sources of energy like wood, corn husks, and manure. The main benefit of biomass energy is that it can be compressed and stored until the energy is needed.
Obviously, when biomass is burnt, it produces heat which is useful for heating buildings or warming up water for something like showers and baths.
At an industrial level, biomass would be burnt to heat water and create steam. This steam turns a turbine into a motor and generates electricity for a grid.
Some people don’t consider this a renewable source of energy or green energy because it releases harmful greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide.
Massive areas of land are also required to grow sufficient biomass to burn. While this is true, it releases fewer pollutants than fossil fuels.
Are there any renewable energy sources that Don’t Depend on the Weather?
The short answer is yes. Other renewable energy sources that don’t depend on the weather mostly include hydroelectric and tidal power at the moment. Hydroelectric power takes advantage of the water stored in reservoirs and other bodies of water.
A passageway containing a turbine is installed, and as water rushes through it, it spins the turbine to create electricity. Recent progress means that these power stations can be installed along more rivers without damming the area or interfering with local flora and fauna.
Tidal power involves harnessing the energy of waves from oceans and large bodies of water like the Great Lakes of North America.
Can Anyone Have this Type of Energy?
Unfortunately, not all of these technologies are available across the globe, especially at the residential level. The reason is that the natural resources aren’t reasonably located nearby, so they cannot be used.
For example, most people don’t live next to a river that is compatible with hydroelectric power. Others might not live in an area where the tectonic plates allow for viable geothermal power. The size of many of these contraptions is also an issue for residential living situations.
That being said, there are strides of improvement every day, so smaller-scale operations in a wider range of locations are becoming more and more possible.
Final Thoughts on Which Source Of Renewable Energy Does Not Depend On Weather
Renewable energy sources are a wonderful alternative to the fossil fuels we have been dependent on for so long. They aren’t perfect by any means, and not everyone can take advantage of them, but it is a step in the right direction to a cleaner future.
Most people hear about and want to use popular energies like solar and wind, but the reality is that we need to use a combination of many energy sources to meet our current energy needs without being limited by things like the prevailing weather conditions.
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