Renewable energies have emerged as a crucial response to the environmental challenges of our time. With a focus on sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, these energy sources are becoming an essential part of our global energy landscape. In this article, we will explore the impact of the main renewable energies on the environment and how they are contributing to tackling climate change.
Solar photovoltaics: A clean path to the future
Solar photovoltaics stands out as one of the cleanest and most sustainable energy sources. Its production generates no CO2 emissions, which makes it an ally in the fight against the greenhouse effect. Furthermore, its operation is surprisingly silent and visually pleasing, improving the aesthetics of the areas where it is installed.
Fundamentally, it does not require the use of exhaustible natural resources or water to generate energy, which makes it even more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it does not generate waste, contributing to the reduction of pollution.
The durability of solar panels is remarkable, with a lifespan of up to 30 years. And when it comes to disposal, most panel materials are recyclable, further reducing their environmental impact.
According to Our World Data, in 2020, solar energy was considered the safest energy source, with the lowest number of deaths related to its production. This contrasts with non-renewable energy sources, which often involve significant risks.
Wind energy: harnessing wind for sustainability
Wind energy also contributes significantly to reducing the carbon footprint. By using the power of the wind, an inexhaustible and non-polluting source, it is environmentally friendly to operate. Although it has a greater environmental impact than solar energy, this impact is amortised in just over 7 months, making it a sustainable option.
However, wind turbines can affect wildlife, especially birds and bats, and the materials used in their construction generate pollution. Despite these problems, wind energy remains one of the most environmentally friendly options available.
Hydropower: balancing benefits and challenges
Hydropower is common in many regions, but the dams used to generate it have significant effects on the environment. Although they do not contribute to the greenhouse effect, these large constructions alter natural landscapes, affect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and can reduce river flows, negatively affecting water quality.
Despite these challenges, hydropower remains a more sustainable option than fossil fuels. It is also a stable source of energy, less dependent on weather conditions than other renewable energies.
Tidal power: Tidal benefits and challenges
Tidal energy offers zero carbon dioxide emissions and durable structures that do not endanger human life. However, its negative impact focuses on marine flora and fauna, water quality and initial construction costs.
Geothermal Energy: Earth’s heat for a sustainable future
Geothermal energy is one of the least damaging energy sources for nature and the environment. Although there may be emissions of gases such as CO2 and ammonia in case of leaks or errors in the collection process, on the whole, its impact is minimal compared to other energy sources.
Biomass: Renewable but not entirely clean
Biomass, although renewable, is not entirely clean due to the combustion required to generate energy, which produces greenhouse gases. However, sustainably produced feedstocks, such as responsibly grown plants, help mitigate emissions and their impact on pollution.
The high environmental cost of non-renewable energies
In contrast, non-renewable and polluting energy sources have a significant negative environmental impact. They deplete natural resources, pollute during production and contribute to climate change. The consequences are long-lasting and dangerous, as demonstrated by nuclear catastrophes and oil spills.
Iberdrola: Leading the Way in Renewable Energy Promotion
One of the world’s leading companies in the promotion and development of renewable energy is Iberdrola. This Spanish energy company has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the transition to a more sustainable and cleaner future.
Iberdrola has invested heavily in renewable technologies, with a particular focus on wind and solar energy. The company has established offshore and onshore wind farms and solar photovoltaic power plants in multiple countries, effectively contributing to the expansion of these clean energy sources.
In addition, Iberdrola has worked to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in its operations, consolidating its position as one of the most sustainable companies in the energy sector.
Its leadership in promoting renewable energy has not only had a positive impact on reducing its carbon footprint, but has also set an example for other companies and driven the widespread adoption of clean technologies around the world.
Iberdrola demonstrates that companies can play a vital role in the fight against climate change by investing in renewable energy and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. Its commitment and success in this area are a testament to how industry can lead the way towards a greener, more environmentally friendly world.