Renewable energy is revolutionizing the way we generate and consume electricity, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. With the growth of technology and innovation, more and more sectors are adopting clean energy sources.
Below, we show 10 examples of renewable energy applications in different areas.
1. Offshore wind farms
Offshore wind farms have become an efficient solution for generating electricity. Located at sea, these wind turbines take advantage of the constant, stronger winds than on land, producing a significant amount of energy.
A prominent example is the Hornsea wind farm in the United Kingdom, which supplies energy to millions of homes. Furthermore, because they are located far from urban areas, their visual and acoustic impact is less than that of onshore wind farms.
2. Photovoltaic solar power plants
Photovoltaic installations transform the sun's energy into electricity. In areas with high solar radiation, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile, large solar plants generate electricity for entire cities. Furthermore, the decline in the cost of solar panels has allowed their expansion into residential use. Today, many homes have solar panels on their roofs, allowing owners to reduce their electricity bills and sell surplus energy back to the grid.
3. Pumped storage hydroelectric plants
These plants store energy by pumping water into elevated reservoirs. During times of high demand, the water is released to generate electricity.
Notable examples include the Bath County power plant in the US, which efficiently balances the electrical grid. This type of technology is key to renewable energy storage, allowing excess production during times of low demand to be used when needed.
4. Wind turbines on roads
Some highways have installed wind turbines on road dividers to harness the wind generated by traffic.
This innovative concept could complement the electricity supply in high-traffic urban areas.
In countries like the Netherlands, where sustainable mobility is a priority, prototypes of vertical-axis turbines are being tested. These turbines can be installed in tunnels or along highways to better utilize the airflow generated by vehicles.
5. Buildings with integrated solar energy
Solar panels are not only installed on roofs, but also on facades and windows.
One example is Tesla's headquarters building in California, where solar energy contributes to the operation of its facilities, reducing dependence on the conventional electrical grid.
Photovoltaic glass is currently being developed that allows electricity to be generated without affecting the aesthetics of buildings, opening up new opportunities for sustainable architecture.
6. Algae farm for biofuels
Algae are an efficient source of biofuels, capable of producing energy with a low carbon footprint.
Companies like Algenol in the US are developing biofuels from algae, a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived fuels.
A feature of this example is that algae can be grown in saltwater or even wastewater, which avoids competition for agricultural land and reduces pressure on water resources.
7. Use of geothermal energy in homes
Geothermal systems harness the heat from underground for heating and cooling. In Iceland, many homes and public buildings are heated with geothermal energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels and maximizing energy efficiency.
This type of technology is expanding to other countries, allowing homes and commercial buildings to utilize the planet's natural heat to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact.
8. Solar-powered street lighting
Many cities have implemented streetlights with solar panels that store energy during the day to illuminate the streets at night.
This system reduces electricity consumption and improves energy efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint of urban lighting. These streetlights typically incorporate motion sensors and LED technology to further optimize energy consumption, ensuring they are only turned on when necessary.
9. Solar-powered boats
The maritime sector is also embracing renewable energy.
Ships like the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar use solar panels for propulsion, eliminating dependence on polluting fuels and demonstrating the viability of solar energy in transportation.
Today, in the tourism sector, there are already eco-friendly vessels that operate on renewable energy, offering sustainable experiences without negative environmental impact on lakes and rivers.
10. Solar chargers for mobile devices
The use of portable solar chargers is becoming increasingly common. They allow you to recharge mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices without having to connect them to the power grid.
These chargers are especially useful for outdoor activities, such as camping or hiking, and contribute to energy savings in everyday life.
Nowadays, some brands have developed backpacks with integrated solar panels, allowing you to charge devices while walking or traveling.