The term “sustainable energy” refers to using energy sources that can be maintained over time and do not deplete natural resources or cause harm to the environment, also frequently described as “renewable energy.” Popular sustainable energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass.
There are many benefits to using sustainable energy sources, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs, promoting economic growth, and improving public health.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most significant benefits of sustainable energy.
Eight Great Reasons We Need More Renewables
1. Sustainable Energy Is Better for the Environment
Traditional, non-renewable sources of energy, such as fossil fuels, including natural gas, oil, and coal, release emissions and pollutants into the atmosphere, leading to climate change and other environmental problems.
On the other hand, sustainable energy is typified by not releasing these pollutants and is often much more efficient in energy production. This means that it is better for the environment and can help reduce the impacts of climate change.
One sticky issue is that many renewable energy sources still have a “carbon footprint” due to their production and the transportation of raw materials and finished products. However, this is simply due to the relatively low overall adoption rate of renewable energy. As sustainable energy becomes the norm, these issues should become less substantial.
2. Sustainable Energy Means a Renewable Source of Energy
Sustainable energy is constantly replenished, unlike traditional sources of energy, which are finite. It will never run out and is a much more reliable energy source. This can help reduce dependence on other energy sources, such as fossil fuels, and help ensure a more secure energy supply in the future.
Even if fossil fuels were considerably more abundant than they are, and the end was not in sight, transitioning towards renewable energy as soon as possible means that humanity as a whole will have the option of using non-renewable resources for other purposes, such as creating plastics, medications, and the many other chemical products that rely on the same limited pool of resources as traditional energy does.
3. It Is More Cost-Effective
Sustainable energy is also generally more cost-effective than traditional sources of energy. This is because the cost of producing sustainable energy is often lower than fossil fuels. This means it can be more affordable for businesses and individuals, leading to lower energy bills.
This may seem counterintuitive given the high cost of green energy today. This is, however, simply because of the hefty past investment in fossil fuel-based energy generation and delivery infrastructure. If we transition power plants, gas stations, and other hallmarks of fossil fuels to equivalent green energy, the result is cheaper energy overall. Renewable energy is significantly more affordable in the long run without having to continually pump, transport, and process crude oil.
4. It Can Help Create Jobs and Stimulate the Economy
The production and use of sustainable energy often require skilled labor, which can create new job opportunities. It can also stimulate investment as businesses invest in renewable energy technologies. This can help create a more vibrant and prosperous economy.
Given the decentralized nature of most green energy, it also leads to a more even distribution of energy access and control of the means of energy production. Most economists feel that this is a positive for the economy.
5. Sustainable Energy Is More Efficient
This means they generally require less energy input to produce the same power output. This leads to a reduction in energy consumption and, therefore, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
6. It Can Improve Public Health
Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants into the air, hurting human health. By transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources, air pollution can be reduced, improving public health outcomes.
7. Renewables Can Help Reduce Our Dependence on Foreign Sources of Energy
By relying on renewable energy sources, we can reduce our reliance on foreign oil and other forms of energy. This can help reduce our economic and political dependence on other countries. Further, this helps to reduce reliance across state borders by decentralizing power production and allowing local grids to be largely self-powered. Is it any wonder why so many electric utilities are against solar panels?
8. It Can Create a More Distributed Energy System
This has been mentioned a few times above. Still, a decentralized, more distributed energy system involves using a network of smaller energy sources instead of relying on a few significant energy sources, such as conventional coal and nuclear power plants. This can help reduce the risk of large-scale power outages and make the electric grid more resilient to extreme weather events, which are becoming more common.
Conclusion
Sustainable energy offers several advantages for our society, both economically and environmentally. It is a clean and renewable energy source that is abundant and cost-effective. It reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, decreases our dependence on non-renewable energy sources, and can provide communities with reliable, affordable energy.
Sustainable energy is also an excellent investment in the future of our planet and our society, as it is an essential part of a sustainable future. With the right policies and investments in place, the benefits of sustainable energy can be realized in the very near future.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a sustainable energy solution, contact us at ALL Solar Energy Solutions, LLC today to learn more about residential solar energy solutions. With our solar energy solutions, you can simultaneously reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills. Call us and get ready to switch to a more sustainable lifestyle!