Header
             
Logo ALTENER    
 
 
Menu Bar Menu Bar Menu Bar Menu Bar Menu Bar Menu Bar
Space Foundation ALTENER > Alternative Energy > What Is Renewable Energy? Space  

What Is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is simply energy generated from natural resources that are almost infinite in supply, such as sunlight, wind, water, geothermal heat or biomass. Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished, which means that they don’t deplete natural resources and that they can serve as limitless energy supply for future generations. Therefore, it is a better alternative to commonly used fossil fuels like coal, petroleum or natural gas, which will eventually run out.

The advantages of renewable energy are:
Sustainability - renewable energy resources will not run out;
Minimal impact on environment - produces little or no waste products, such as carbon dioxide or chemical pollutants;
Less maintenance - renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional generators;
Independent energy supply - isolated off-grid communities can process their own energy;

However, renewable energy also faces a few challenges. One of them is an initial investment that is required to install suitable technology. The required investment makes renewable energy solutions less available for people or organizations which can’t afford the venture. Another challenge for alternative energy is the reliability of supply, as delivery of renewable energy depends on the weather. For example, for a region which receives very little wind during the year, the installation of wind turbines won’t be a suitable solution.

Space Current Projects
PAST PROJECTS

WIDECAST
Sea Turtle Conservation

ALTENER helped WIDECAST to install solar panels and supply the isolated center with electricity, to enhance the quality of sea turtle conservation work (read more).

Foundation ALTENER

 

LATEST CONTRIBUTIONS
Purasol donated $2,000 in support of foundation ALTENER
Space
Nevertheless, the perspective of overcoming these problems is optimistic. Scientists constantly work on increasing the efficiency of renewable energy technologies. While prices for fossil fuels are skyrocketing, renewable energy prices continue to drop, as the technologies become cheaper and more available to an average consumer. Renewables can be deployed nearly everywhere and without the need for expensive power lines distributing the energy, they are capable of delivering power directly to the end consumer.

The access to renewable energy sources can in fact have a great democratizing potential. Nearly every town has access to sunlight, wind or geothermal power from the earth, offering affordable and plentiful power to every corner of the globe. Harnessing these endless sources could free communities from being dependent on market's twists and nature's limited fossil fuels.

Space

 

Partners