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Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the question to see the answer.What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is sustainable energy that is maintained or replaced by the natural environment. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, the sources of renewable energy are infinite. Renewable sources of energy include solar, wind, water, biomass, wood, waste, geothermal, wind, photovoltaic, and solar thermal energy.
How does renewable energy work?We can use the power from the sun, for example, for electricity and heat. Photovoltaic (solar electric) panels convert sunlight to electricity to operate electrical appliances. With solar thermal (heating) panels, we use the sun's energy (light, heat, ultraviolet) to heat water or air for residential, commercial and industrial use. Wind and flowing water can also be used to generate electricity. The energy from the wind can be harnessed by wind turbines and windmills to generate electricity.
Why is renewable energy important?Energy is a fundamental part of our lives. Every day we heat, cool, cook, illuminate, transport and enjoy activities that require energy. Our economy depends on energy to manufacture and transport goods, use telecommunication services and keeping businesses running. Currently we rely on nonrenewable sources of energy; sources that also produce greenhouse gasses and pollutants. Seeking clean, renewable sources of energy is not only critical for our local and global economies, it is essential for future generations to thrive.
What are the benefits of using renewable energy?Environmental:
- Reduces nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and carbon dioxide emissions·
- Minimizes air emissions, water consumption, thermal pollution, waste, noise and adverse land-use impacts
- Leaves natural resources for future generations
- Improves air quality and visibility due to decreased burning of fossil fuels
- Companies who choose renewable energy demonstrate social responsible corporate citizenship and boost their reputational capital
- Provide companies with fuel savings over their operating lives that cover some or all of their initial cost; conventional emission-abatement measures impose costs with no offsetting savings
- Help companies reduce compliance costs of current and future environmental regulation; Can strategically benefit from a first-mover advantage or a “beyond-compliance” positioning in regards to competition
- Reduce risks of a PR crisis and any “damage control” costs that come with it
- Limits the adverse effect of high and fluctuating natural gas prices
- Reduces dependence on foreign oil sources and nuclear energy
- Increases the tax base
- Projects create vibrant new industries in local communities
- Provide new avenue for rural economic development
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