Renewable Energy vs. Alternative Energy: Is There a Difference?
The terms “renewable energy” and “alternative energy” are frequently used interchangeably to refer to cleaner energy sources that can replace fossil fuels. Some may argue that they are interchangeable. However, this is not entirely true.
Renewable Energy
Power generated from renewable sources is replenished spontaneously, without human intervention. Solar, geothermal, biomass, wind, and hydro resources are all types of renewable energy. Solar power is the most accessible option here. Since the sun shines on all landmasses at some time every day, it is the most accessible energy source. Solar Energy has fewer adverse consequences on air quality, animals, and ecosystems.
The renewable energy market is divided into submarkets based on product type (hydro, solar, wind, etc.) and region (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran, Israel, Jordan, and the rest of the Middle East).
The International Renewable Energy Agency predicts that by 2030, Middle Eastern nations will have met 92% of their renewable energy production goal via initiatives such as the Pan-Arab Clean Energy program. Some may have unfavourable environmental effects because of their intermittent production, geographical constraints, and lesser amounts of energy generated.
Alternative Energy
An alternative energy source does not rely on burning fossil fuels to generate power. Sources of alternative energy sources include natural gas, natural gas cogeneration, fuel cells, or waste energy that generates reduced carbon emissions.
With the supply of fossil fuels depleting, we should embrace any viable alternatives. In addition, most of it is already accessible to us on the surface, so there’s no need to resort to the same harmful and expensive extraction methods.
imilarities
By reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, renewable and alternative energy sources contribute to efforts to combat global warming. The most cost-effective strategy is using renewable and alternative energy sources.
Differences
All types of renewable energy fall under alternative energy, but alternative energy is not a type of renewable energy. This is because renewable energy comes from the sun, wind, and water, all of which replenish themselves naturally. Natural replenishment means that these resources can never be used up.
Renewable energy has a limitless supply, but it may be harmful to the environment if it is the only kind of energy available. Renewable wind power, for instance, has several drawbacks, such as the dangers it poses to flying animals and the large amount of land that must be dedicated to wind farms.
If the energy source is alternative but not renewable, then there is no emission of greenhouse gases or damage to the environment during production, but there is a limited amount of this energy available. For example, even though nuclear power plants don’t release greenhouse gases or hurt the environment, there is a limited supply of the element uranium needed to generate nuclear energy.
Conclusion
“Renewable energy” and the term “alternative energy” are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. Renewable energy sources may also be considered alternate sources, but not vice versa. It is best to understand and take note of the differences, especially when discussing efforts to combat global warming.
