Renewable energy is generally defined as energy that comes from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat. Renewable energy replaces conventional fuels in four distinct areas: electricity generation, hot water/space heating, motor fuels, and rural energy services.
Based on Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century 2014 report, renewable energy sources contributed 19 percent to our energy consumption and 22 percent to our electricity generation in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Both, modern renewables, such as hydro, wind, solar and biofuels, as well as traditional biomass, contributed in about equal parts to the global energy supply. Worldwide investments in renewable technologies amounted to more than US$ 214 billion in 2013, with countries like China and the United States heavily investing in wind, hydro, solar and biofuels.
Renewable energy resources exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to other energy sources, which are concentrated in a limited number of countries. Rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency is resulting in significant energy security, climate change mitigation, and economic benefits. In international public opinion surveys there is strong support for promoting renewable sources such as solar power and wind power.
The Russian Wind Energy Association predicts that if Russia achieves its goal of having 4.5 % of its energy come from renewable sources by 2020, the country will have the total wind capacity of 7 GW. The first Russian solar plant was opened in Belgorod Oblast in November 2010. The southern parts of Russia, especially the North Caucasus, have the greatest potential for solar energy. Russia plans to set up an overall solar capacity of 150 MW by 2020.
At the national level, at least 30 nations around the world already have renewable energy contributing more than 20 percent of energy supply. National renewable energy markets are projected to grow strongly in the coming decade.
Библиографическая ссылка
Баглаев А.А., Кохан О.В. ВОЗОБНОВЛЯЕМЫЕ ИСТОЧНИКИ ЭНЕРГИИ // Международный студенческий научный вестник. – 2015. – № 5-1. ;URL: https://eduherald.ru/ru/article/view?id=12762 (дата обращения: 21.11.2024).