Sustainable Energy Solutions: Renewable Energy & Green Technology Convergence

Sustainable Energy Solutions: Renewable Energy & Green Technology Convergence

Khalid Nafees

Mechanical Engineering Section, University Polytechnic, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025

Abstract: – The escalating global energy demand and detrimental environmental impacts of fossil fuels necessitate a swift transition to sustainable energy solutions. This paper explores the potential of renewable energy sources and green technologies to address this pressing issue. It provides an overview of the current state of renewable energy, highlighting key technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal power. The concept of green technology is also examined, emphasizing its synergy with renewable energy in achieving sustainability. The paper underscores the importance of government support, technological advancements, and public awareness in paving the way for a cleaner energy future. Additionally, it discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with the widespread adoption of these technologies, offering insights into a more sustainable energy landscape.

Keywords: Sustainable Energy; Renewable Energy; Solar Energy; Biomass; Wind Energy; Green Technology.

1. INTRODUCTION:

   The world's dependence on fossil fuels has resulted in serious environmental issues, such as resource depletion, air pollution, and climate change. When fossil fuels are burned to produce heat and electricity, a significant portion of the greenhouse gases that cover the planet and trap solar heat are produced. With over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and approximately 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions coming from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, fossil fuels are by far the biggest cause of climate change. The emissions must be cut by nearly half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 in order to prevent the worst effects of climate change [1]. In order to do this, we must stop using fossil fuels and make investments in clean, inexpensive, accessible, sustainable, and dependable alternative energy sources. A good substitute is provided by renewable energy sources, which come from naturally regenerating resources. The sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth are all abundant sources of renewable energy that are regenerated by nature and release very little in the way of pollutants or greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Although more than 80% of the world's energy is still produced from fossil fuels, greener energy alternatives are becoming more popular. Currently, renewable energy sources account for about 29% of electricity production [1]. Many researchers have projected the importance of renewable energy and green technology by focusing on energy conversion improvement, integrating IoT technologies etc. Ang et al. [2] examined current renewable energy (RE) technologies viz., solar, hydro, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and hydrogen along with hybrid systems, focusing on improving energy conversion efficiency and addressed economic and technical challenges. Kumar et al. [3] highlighted noteworthy accomplishments, opportunities, forecasts, and electricity generation as well as obstacles, investment opportunities, and job chances brought about by India's growth in renewable energy. Zhu et al. [4] explored green IoT technologies and issues, focusing on reducing IoT energy consumption. The author(s) provided an overview between IoT and green IoT, thereby studying key green ICTs, and summarizing green ICT principles. Bradu et al. [5] explored a detailed review on green technology (GT) and Industry 4.0 (IR 4.0) for a sustainable future. The author (s) discussee green innovative technologies (GTI), IoT for environmental monitoring, and initiatives like the Green New Deal, emphasizing bio-based solutions and environmental biotechnology for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals. In order to successfully integrate renewable energy, this paper contends that renewable energies resources and green technologies which include eco-friendly behaviours and innovations across multiple sectors must be developed and implemented concurrently. Also, the purpose of this paper is to give a summary of the advantages, difficulties, and potential of green technology and renewable energy as they stand today.

2. SOURCES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY:

   The present state and future prospects of several renewable energy technologies are examined in this section:

   • Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) cells directly generate power from sunshine. The energy in the form of photons is directly converted into electrical energy (Direct Current). The electricity so generated is converted into Alternating current with the help of various PV systems i.e. Inverter and Transformers (Refer Fig. 1). The excess amount of energy is stored into batteries and if

     there is insufficient generation of energy, then demand is fulfilled by taking the required energy from grid supply. Due to cost reductions and increased efficiency brought about by technological developments, solar energy is becoming more and more competitive.

     Fig. 1 Electricity generation using Solar Energy [6]

   • Wind Energy: To create electricity, wind turbines use the kinetic energy of the wind. Stronger and more reliable winds make offshore wind farms more promising (Refer Fig. 2).

     Fig. 2 Block diagram of wind turbine system [7]

   • Hydropower: A well-established and dependable renewable energy source, hydropower harnesses the energy of flowing water. Large-scale dams, however, may have a major effect on the ecosystem (Refer Fig. 3).

     Fig. 3 Block diagram of Hydropower Plant System [8]

   • Biomass Energy: Biomass power plants use crops and other vegetative byproducts to produce power. Biomass which is made from organic materials can be used to heat buildings, generate power, and fuel vehicles. In order to prevent deforestation and other environmental problems, sustainable biomass techniques are essential.

   • Geothermal Energy: This steady and dependable power source uses the heat that exists inside the Earth (Refer Fig. 4).

   • Fig. 4 Block diagram of Geothermal Energy System [9]

3. GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

   This term refers to a wide range of methods and inventions meant to reduce the negative effects on the environment. Green technology is a rapidly developing field that is producing inventions with great promise to reduce environmental impact and advance sustainability. The following cutting-edge green technology advancements are making significant progress:

   • Sustainable Materials: Making use of biodegradable, renewable, and recycled materials in building and manufacturing. According to the Global CCS Institute, there are about 26 large-scale facilities in operation that capture more than 40 million tonnes of CO2 yearly.

   • Green Cities: Green cities incorporate sustainable public transportation, green spaces, and renewable energy sources into their urban layout. According to the C40 Cities network, big cities like San Francisco and Copenhagen want to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 [10].

   • Green Building/Architecture: Using energy-efficient designs, sustainable building materials, and smart home technologies is known as "green architecture" or "building." LEED-certified buildings in the United States have lowered CO2 eissions by more than 3.3 million metric tons per year, according to the US Green Building Council [10].

   • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Electric vehicles, or EVs, lessen greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there were 10 million electric vehicles worldwide in 2020, up from over 2 million in 2016 [10].

   • Farming Vertically: Crops are grown using the vertical farming technique in layers that are piled vertically, frequently in controlled settings. Agritecture claims that vertical farming may produce up to 75 times more per square meter per year while using up to 95% less water than conventional farming.

   • Packing on the basis of Plant: Eco-friendly substitutes for plastic derived from biologically replenishable resources. The need for environmentally friendly packaging is predicted to propel a 36% growth in the world's bioplastics production capacity by 2024, according to European Bioplastics [10].

4. THE INTERACTION BETWEEN GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY:

   Green technology and renewable energy are inextricably interwoven. The effective and long-term implementation of renewable energy systems depends on green technologies. Among the examples are:

   • Smart Grids: Smart grid technologies that can control varying supply and demand are necessary for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.

   • Energy Storage: Optimizing the use of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, requires the development of economical and effective energy storage systems.

   • Sustainable Manufacturing: By employing environmentally friendly procedures and sustainable materials, renewable energy technology can be produced with a smaller total environmental impact.

5. OPPORTUNITIES AND DIFFICULTIES:

   Green technology and renewable energy do, however, also confront a number of obstacles, such as:

   • High upfront costs: For some people and businesses, the initial outlay for green technology and renewable energy systems may be unaffordable.

   • Technological Restrictions: A lot of green technologies are still in their early phases and have difficulties with technology. For example, although battery storage for renewable energy is essential for a steady supply of electricity, it is still expensive and inefficient.

   • Resource Scarcity: There may be a shortage of materials needed for green technologies. For instance, supply chains are susceptible due to the difficulty in obtaining rare earth materials needed for electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines.

   • Intermittency: Energy storage devices are necessary to guarantee a steady energy supply because renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, are erratic.

   • Infrastructure: Investing heavily in transmission lines, distribution networks, and energy storage facilities is necessary to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid.

   • Policy and regulation: Tax incentives, net metering rules, and renewable portfolio standards are just a few examples of the supportive policies and regulations needed for the development and implementation of green technology and renewable energy.

   • Consumer behaviour and market acceptability: It can take time for customer preferences to shift in favour of sustainable products. Even now, a lot of consumers are hesitant to spend more for environmentally friendly products like organic food or electric cars. Cost is the top deterrent for 38% of consumers to switch to electric vehicles, according to a Deloitte report [10].

   Notwithstanding these obstacles, green technology and renewable energy have bright futures. Costs are falling and efficiency is increasing as technology develops more. The industry is expanding and innovating as a result of the growing investments made by governments, corporations, and individuals in green technology and renewable energy.

6. CONCLUSION:

Renewable energy and green technology are essential for achieving a sustainable future. Continued research, policy support, and public engagement are crucial in overcoming barriers and maximizing the benefits of clean energy solutions. By investing in renewable energy and innovative technologies, societies can reduce environmental impact, enhance energy security, and foster economic development. The developments and difficulties in green technology are important areas of focus as we negotiate the complexity of environmental sustainability. The tremendous progress being achieved is exemplified by innovations such as smart grids, renewable energy sources, and Tesla's electric cars. Notwithstanding obstacles like exorbitant expenses and legal concerns, a bright future is fuelled by a dedication to research and development as well as encouraging laws. The collaborative efforts in green technology highlight how important these advancements are to reducing climate change and moving forward toward a more sustainable and greener future for future generations.

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