Benefits and Challenges of Renewable Energy - JSS1 Basic technology Lesson Note
Benefits:
- Environmental Protection: Renewable energy sources produce little or no greenhouse gases, reducing air pollution and combating climate change.
- Sustainability: Since renewable resources are naturally replenished, they provide a long-term energy solution that won't run out.
- Economic Growth: The renewable energy sector creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of energy systems.
- Energy Independence: Using local renewable resources reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing national energy security.
Challenges:
- Intermittency: Some renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, are not always available (e.g., solar power is not generated at night).
- High Initial Costs: Setting up renewable energy systems can require significant upfront investment in technology and infrastructure.
- Storage and Distribution: Efficiently storing and distributing renewable energy, especially in remote areas, remains a technical challenge.
- Space Requirements: Some renewable energy installations, such as wind farms and solar panels, require large areas of land or water, which can be a limiting factor.