Renewable Energy – Page 3 – Visualizing Energy

Watch the history of solar power in the United States

October 9, 2023

In 2022, the United States saw a significant rise in solar power generation, with 5730 utility-scale solar PV plants and 13 solar thermal plants producing 146 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, equal to 3.4% of total utility-scale generation. This growth traces back to the 2000s, marked by falling solar system costs, enhanced efficiency, and government incentives like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Is wind energy a major threat to birds?

October 9, 2023

Concerns about wind turbines causing bird deaths are often exaggerated. Data shows that bird fatalities from wind turbines are relatively low compared to other causes like domestic cats and building collisions. When assessing the relative impact on bird mortality, wind energy appears less harmful than many other forms of electricity generation.

Where are new hydropower plants being built?

August 28, 2023

Hydropower’s history traces back to 1882 when the first facility began supplying electricity in Wisconsin. Its adoption surged across North America, Europe, and beyond, with China notably driving expansion in recent decades. Hydropower now contributes 17% of global electricity, surpassing nuclear, wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal combined.

What fuels are used in bioenergy power plants?

August 14, 2023

Biopower is electricity generated from renewable organic materials, such as plants and animals. Different countries rely on various biomass sources, including sugarcane, trees, and municipal waste, to produce biopower. However, the impact of biopower on climate change is complex. Despite being initially perceived as carbon neutral, the use of fossil fuels in bioenergy systems and the land requirements for biomass production can have significant environmental consequences.

Explore the world’s bioenergy power plants in 2022

August 14, 2023

The use of biomass by humans can be traced back at least 1 million years to the controlled use of fire. However, the generation of electricity from biomass, known as biopower, is a more recent development. One of the earliest biopower plants was the São José da Estiva power station in Brazil, which began operating in 1900.

What do public expenditures say about a country’s energy priorities?

May 22, 2023

The world energy system is experiencing seismic shifts, with a rapid expansion of low-carbon fuels and energy efficiency. However, fossil fuels still dominate investments despite the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Different countries prioritize energy RD&D in diverse ways, and state-owned enterprises play a significant role.

Explore world solar power capacity added in 2020

May 1, 2023

In 2020, 437 new solar electricity projects worldwide added a total capacity of 38,941 MW. The largest project was the 1348 MW Karapınar YEKA-1 solar farm in Turkey. Asia, North America, and Europe were the main contributors to solar capacity, with China leading with 23% of the global additions.

What is the status of women in the global solar PV industry?

March 7, 2023

Women represent 40% of the global solar photovoltaic (PV) workforce, double the share in the wind industry and oil and gas sector. However, they are mainly in administrative and non-STEM technical positions, with underrepresentation in STEM and senior management roles. Gender bias and barriers to recruitment, advancement, and work-life balance exist in the industry, with women reporting higher perception of pay gaps and barriers.

Explore world wind power capacity added in 2020

March 6, 2023

In 2020, 938 new global wind projects added 75,812 MW, with the largest being the 1200 MW Hornsea offshore wind farm. Over 90% of new capacity came from onshore wind farms (76 MW average), while offshore farms averaged 283 MW.

What is the status of women in the global wind energy industry?

February 27, 2023

The global wind energy industry has seen substantial growth, but women make up only 21% of its workforce, lagging behind other renewable energy sectors. Barriers to gender equity include cultural norms, limited awareness of opportunities, and lack of support policies. Companies can promote change by prioritizing fairness, transparency, and work-life balance.

Tag: Renewable Energy