Renewable energy is a type of energy that is derived from naturally replenishing sources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. It is considered to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Let's examine the upsides and downsides of renewable energy: (in numbers and only 3 sentences)
Upsides:
1. Renewable energy sources do not deplete natural resources and can continue to generate electricity indefinitely. As of 2020, renewably-sourced electricity accounted for 29.4% of global electricity production.
2. The expansion of renewable energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. In 2018, renewable energy sources prevented the emission of approximately 2.1 gigatons of CO2, equivalent to taking 459 million cars off the road.
3. Renewable energy can create job opportunities. In the United States alone, the industry employed over 769,000 people in 2019, and solar and wind energy jobs have been growing at a faster rate than the overall economy.
Downsides:
1. The initial set-up costs of renewable energy infrastructure can be high. While the prices have been decreasing over the years, the expenses associated with installing solar panels or wind turbines can still be considerable.
2. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are intermittent and dependent on weather conditions. This could lead to variability in power generation, requiring a balancing act with conventional power sources or energy storage.
3. The production and disposal of renewable energy infrastructure can have environmental impacts. For example, the manufacturing of solar panels requires certain materials that require mining, and their end-of-life disposal may present challenges for recycling or safe disposal.