Facts on Sustainable energy

Sustainable energy sources help to reduce pollution and preserve the Earth. It is different from low carbon energy. There are two components in sustainable energy- renewable power and energy efficiency. Sustainable energy is that which is derived from renewable sources like sun, wind, rain, geothermal heat, bio energy, wave power and tides. Technologies that help to improve effectiveness of energy are also included in the group of sustainable energy.

Renewable energy sources help to a certain extent in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. It helps to mitigate the effect of green house gases. There are three classifications: first generation, second generation and third generation. The first generation includes geothermal power, bio mass combustion, heat and hydro power. The second generation includes wind energy, solar energy, developments in bio energy and solar photovoltaic. The third generation sustainable energy sources include bio refinery technologies, biomass gasification, solar thermal power concentration, ocean energy, hot dry rock geothermal energy and possible advances in nano technology. The third generation techniques are still in the stage of development and hold a great deal of promise.

Studies have proved that wind energy and battery electric vehicles are the best in cost efficiency and issues related to global warming. The others are solar energy, tidal power, geothermal power, tidal energy, wave energy, coal, nuclear power and bio fuels. Hydro electric plants among the first generation have proved to be enduring. The emissions are low as compared to other forms. The energy from these plants is sustainable, clean and cost efficient.

Geo thermal power is limited to certain geographical areas but the costs have dropped considerably over the years. Use of bio mass briquettes is being encouraged to avoid the use of charcoal in developing countries. People are becoming increasingly aware of solar and wind power and continuous developments are being made to improve the techniques used to tap this power. Governments and private enterprises are taking steps to develop the third generation sustainable energy sources so that the dependence on fossil fuels is reduced.