Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. For example, sunlight or wind keep shining and blowing, even if their availability depends on time and weather.
At Orion Square, we put renewable energy at the heart of everything we do. Our ‘VONG’(Voice Of The New Generation movement) is an initiative that aims towards tackling several social issues through the voice of the youth, supporting and promoting a more sustainable world.
Initially, The Orion square conducted a digital-live event on the topic “Renewable energy” through its VONG initiative. The event was carried out by a guest speaker and a host via Instagram.
The guest speaker:
Dr Rashi Gupta- Renewable energy professional
Our speaker started to work on lithium batteries in 2015. She was always inspired by the idea that she wants to do something different. She was among the few who started using lithium-ion batteries when she began. She talks about the challenges she had to face and how did she overcome them by believing in herself. She really gave us a gist of how can we use renewable energy and how can we save resources by using renewable energy which would indirectly lead to a sustainable environment.
A few questions were asked to the guest speaker related to the topic by the live audience and our host. Here’s the summary of the discussion on “Renewable energy”.
Why Renewable energy?
Renewable energy is very efficient and important to move to a cleaner, greener and a more sustainable environment. Renewable energy is energy from sources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited; renewable resources are virtually inexhaustible in duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available per unit of time.
Renewable Energy nowadays is in the form of solar, wind and hydro.
Benefits of Renewable Energy: –
- Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution
- Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels
- Creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation
How to Harness it?
We should harness is not only efficiently but also considering that it is value for money and helps to create a sustainable environment. We should en cash this completely, so that our natural resources are saved. There should definitely be faster adoption of renewable energy. It could be used for generating electricity, hydrogen and much more. Anything sustainable is much more important to create value to the society. Renewable Energy is the next step towards sustainability.
Solar supplies a little more than 1 percent of U.S. electricity generation. But nearly a third of all new generating capacity. came from solar in 2017, second only to natural gas. Wind, which accounts for a little more than 6 percent of U.S. generation, has become the cheapest energy source in many parts of the country. Hydro power relies on water—typically fast-moving water in a large river or rapidly descending water from a high point—and converts the force of that water into electricity by spinning a generator’s turbine blades. Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and includes crops, waste wood, and trees. When biomass is burned, the chemical energy is released as heat and can generate electricity with a steam turbine. Geothermal plants typically have low emissions if they pump the steam and water they use back into the reservoir. There are ways to create geothermal plants where there are not underground reservoirs, but there are concerns that they may increase the risk of an earthquake in areas already considered geological hot spots.
For the growth of a Country, how can this effect our Country?
Currently our country depends a lot on Oil. That is going to have to change with the use of electronic vehicles (EV). Germany announced that they will going on RE by 2040. Germany aims to fulfill all its electricity needs with supplies from renewable sources by 2035. If Germany can do this why not India? We have people who want a change and this can definitely be possible in India. Production of this will create more employment which leads to more money flow and this leads to benefit our economy. It’s a complete cycle about how this benefits our economy. Production will lead to newer, cleaner and sustainable technology.
An example of auto rickshaw driver was given here stating if he using normal auto or an electric auto. An auto driver generally earns 1000-1200 INR a day. If he uses a normal auto, he only gets 300 INR of the amount to him. But if he uses an electric auto, he gets 600-700 INR to him. This states that he saves more driving about an electric vehicle.
So, in a perfect cycle, we reduce pollution, spend less and save more. When we save more it increases the money flow so it benefits our economy.
“Install once and reap the benefits for the next 20 years”
Are there any demerits to it?
Not the word itself, demerits, but a few concerns to be addresses.
If not used properly it should be over viewed if it is being recycled and reused. Our speaker strongly believes that these two terms should be known to everyone and they all should think to use it in their life. Any product after its use should be checked if it could be recycled or reused. If possible, it should go through these stages, before it is completely destroyed.
- The electricity generated is not large enough
- Sometimes can be unreliable
- They require huge capital outlay
- They need much bigger area
Some resources to adapt in day-to-day life!
- Energy Conservation:
- Basic to start at home you could switch off lights and fans when not required.
- Everyone in their household should use more and more efficient equipment’s.
- Doing this you save energy as well as money also.
- Reducing diesel or fossil fuel usage:
Try to use more and more of solar energy when there’s light out in the community.
- Create Awareness:
- Adapt renewable energy
- Purchase green energy
“Small steps play a very important role”
Article by: Sanchal Bhatia – Vongle, Orion square
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