Renewable energy is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but what is it?!
Wind Turbines, Co. Sligo
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are being restored all the time. These are examples of renewable energy:
- the sun (solar energy)
- moving water (hydro energy)
- the wind
- biomass (wood, waste, energy crops)
- heat below the earth's surface (geothermal energy)
The great thing about renewable energy is that it is clean! It will not cause any damage to the environment and it will never run out.
Commercial bog
Commercial bog with its own railway.
Commercial bog
Commercial bog
Commercial bog with its own railway.
In comparison, fossil fuel reserves (like peat, coal, oil or natural gas) release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when used. They are also a limited resource and will eventually become exhausted.
At the moment, we are using the planet's resources quicker than they can be renewed. This is why it is so important that we develop renewable energy instead of relying on fossil fuels for energy.
Which types of renewable energy do you think we can create in Ireland?