What Are Some Advantages of Renewable Energy Resources?

Renewability Advantages

• The most notable advantage of renewable energy resources is that they are, indeed, renewable, whereas the supply of fossil fuels is finite and measurable, and won't be restored once they are depleted. The renewability of any resource is of increasing importance as the Earth's population continues to grow. The growth uses fossil fuel resources at an ever-increasing rate, whereas renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, do not vanish forever with use.

Environmental Advantages

• A phrase that has emerged as societies have measured the environmental impact of energy use is "carbon footprint." The term refers to the volume of greenhouse gases produced as a result of our everyday activities, mainly through the burning of fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, such as hydro, wind, and solar, create a dramatically lower carbon footprint because of they are do not emit greenhouse gases.

Economic Advantages

• For the first decade of the 20th century, there was a notable migration from rural areas to cities as people looked for jobs. Because renewable energy resources naturally occur in abundance in rural areas, the expansion of renewable energy growth into rural communities affords new economic opportunities outside of cities. In addition, the construction of facilities to harness renewable energy resources also creates economic opportunities.

Scalability Advantages

• One of the oft-understated advantages of renewable energy resources is scalability. While traditional utilities providers need to function on a "grid" to service their customers, renewable energy resources such as solar energy can be scalable down to a level that makes it usable for individual household needs, allowing some houses to take their energy needs "off the grid."