Chapter 1: Introduction to Renewable Energy

Global Energy Consumption

Figure_1-1
  • Industrial: 54.6%
  • Transportation: 25.6%
  • Residential: 12.7%
  • Commercial: 7.1%

Global Energy Supply

Figure_1-2
Global primary energy supply
  • Fossil fuels: 82.7%
    • Coal: 27.1%
    • Oil: 33.4%
    • Natural gas: 22.2%
  • Renewable energy: 12.7%
  • Nuclear: 4.6%

Global Electricity Generation

Figure_1-3
Global electricity generation
  • Fossil fuels: 66.3%
  • Renewable energy: 23.1%
  • Nuclear: 10.6%

U.S. Electricity Generation

Figure_1-4
U.S. electricity generation
  • Coal, natural gas, nuclear: 83.9%
  • Renewables: 16.1%
    • Hydro: 6.5%
    • Wind: 5.5%
    • Others: 4.1%

Consequences of Fossil Fuel Combustion

Figure_1-6
Effects of emissions
  • CO2: Global warming
  • NOx and HC: Smog
  • CO: Toxic
  • SO2: Acid rain
  • Particulate matter: Health effects

Main Renewable Energy Sources

Figure_1-7
Renewable energy sources
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydro
  • Biomass
  • Geothermal

Renewable Energy Growth

Figure_1-5
Renewable electricity generation
  • Fastest growing: Solar and Wind
  • Largest contributor: Hydropower

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

  • Reduce energy use without reducing quality of life
  • Complement to renewable energy adoption
  • Key to reducing fossil fuel dependence

The Inevitable Transition

  • Limited fossil fuel reserves
  • Environmental concerns
  • Growing renewable technologies
  • Decreasing costs of renewables