RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (or RES)

Include all sources of energy that are captured from on-going natural processes, such as solar power, wind power, hydro power, biomass, biodiesel, tidal power, and geothermal heat flows. Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and tidal power, come from the Sun. The solar energy contained in biomass (organic material) is accumulated over a period of months, as in straw, or through many years as in wood. Fossil fuels, while theoretically renewable over a very long time-scale, are being exploited at rates that will deplete these resources in the near future (Wikipedia Encyclopedia re Renewable Energy).

Renewable energy resources may be used directly, or used to create other more convenient forms of energy. Examples of Direct Energy Use are: solar ovens; geothermal heating; and water-mills & windmills. Examples of Indirect Energy Use which require energy harvesting are: electricity generation through wind turbines or photovoltaic cells; and, production of fuels such as ethanol from biomass (see alcohol as a fuel). Pico Hydro plants are mini-generators installed within rural community minor irrigation and storm water channels to generate small amounts of electric current for single or cluster home consumption.

INDEPENDENT & “GRID-CONNECTED” WIND TURBINES

The wind industry is very advanced in Europe, Denmark being the world leader. In 1999, about 55% of wind power equipment in the world was of Danish origin. Wind power generates over 15% of Denmark’s electricity. Using wind energy to supplement diesel generation (wind/diesel hybrid system) is economically attractive for many remote communities around the world, especially in the developing world.

India is the fifth largest producer of wind power, with 2,110 megawatts of installed capacity in 2003 (representing 5.4% of world capacity), just below Demark’s 3,110 MW. China possesses 560MW capacity. China and India are currently the fastest growing markets for wind power.

SOLAR ELECTRICITY

Mobile solar generators and small-scale generators are a viable option for urban and rural settings. Solar electricity is produced by photovoltaic (PV) panels which capture and convert solar radiation into storable and transportable energy. PV panels convert about 10% of radiated solar energy into usable electricity. This electricity can be utilized immediately, or stored in batteries.

When larger amounts of electricity are required, PV power is usually more expensive than wind power. Examples of practical solar technology include: well-designed sunrooms; the addition of solar water heaters; and, solar cookers, dryers, and hydroponic greenhouses. Solar electricity is used where fairly small amounts of electricity are needed, and where access to the electricity power grid is unavailable or costly.

RECYCLING & LANDFILL (METHANE) GAS RECOVERY

Reductions in emissions from non-energy sources include methane from city dumps or waste landfills. Landfill gas can be cost-effectively trapped, and used as a fuel for electricity generation. Capturing landfill methane gas can contribute to an improved environment, safer health conditions for community residents, and local revenue and employment generation.

Landfill emissions can be avoided altogether by systematically separating and composting the organic material from the waste stream, a process HRM is famous for.

NATURAL GAS


Natural gas emits the lowest CO2 of the three major fossil fuels (oil, diesel, gas). This is because natural gas is methane (CH4), which contains a lot of hydrogen. These hydrogens (H) combine with oxygen (O2) during combustion to form water vapor (H2O). The use of cleaner fuels such as natural gas needs to be encouraged, while non-fossil fuel climate-friendly alternatives are prioritized and introduced.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Energy Conservation: Is the wise use and careful management of energy resources: by reducing wasteful energy use; using energy more efficiently; or reducing energy use altogether. In HRM, xxx.

In the developing world, examples of energy conservation and efficiency include: efficiency improvements in manufacturing plants for fertilizer (Yugoslavia, Turkey, Indonesia, and China), pulp and paper (Turkey), textiles (Philippines, Turkey), cement (India), and metals (Egypt and Guyana). One of the highest potential energy savings in the South may come from improving the energy efficiency of refrigerators. For example, improvements to Thai refrigerator insulation and compressors were expected to reduce electrical consumption from 400 kWh to below 200 kWh per unit, per year. With lighting, Cuba is promoting an island-wide campaign to replace incandescent lighting in its manufacturing plants with fluorescent bulbs.

BIOMASS & IMPROVED (BIOMASS) STOVES

Biomass is created when wood is burned for heat. Generally, burning does not contribute to net greenhouse gas emissions because the Carbon (CO2) stored in the wood was taken from the atmosphere during the growth of the tree, and then is released back into the atmosphere when the wood is burned. If not cut down, the tree would have eventually fallen and decomposed, producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) anyway.

However, if more wood is being cut down and burned than re-grows each year, technically there is a net emission of carbon dioxide from burning wood. As well, reduced forest stands consume less (CO2) from the atmosphere, and generate less oxygen for us to breath. As important, trees clean the air and reduce harmful particulate matter (PM) and harmful chemicals contained in wood smoke, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog and acid rain.

The modern efficient biomass stove is an important step toward self-sufficiency and a higher standard of living for the millions of people who have access to low-cost, readily available biomass fuels. Fuel savings from improved stoves can reduce cash outlays, diminish walking time to collect fuel, reduce air pollution released into the environment, and alleviate local pressure on wood resources.

The Estufa Justa (image) and EcoStove are examples of energy efficient wood burning cooking systems widely used throughout the Americas.