Energy Video Lecture | Environment & Social Studies for Super TET

Renewable energy is energy that is derived from natural resources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources, renewable energy sources can be used indefinitely without depleting the Earth's resources.

Solar energy works by capturing the sun's energy and converting it into usable electricity. This is done through the use of solar panels, which contain photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb sunlight. When sunlight hits these cells, it creates an electric field across the layers, generating direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power homes and businesses.

Wind energy has several advantages. Firstly, it is a renewable source of energy, meaning it will not run out as long as the wind keeps blowing. Additionally, wind energy does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution, making it a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Wind farms can also be built on agricultural land, allowing farmers to continue using the land for other purposes.

Hydroelectric power harnesses the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. It involves the use of a dam to store water in a reservoir. When the water is released, it flows through turbines, which spin generators to produce electricity. The amount of electricity generated depends on the volume of water and the height from which it falls, known as the head.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources presents various challenges. One challenge is the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. Their energy production depends on weather conditions, which can be unpredictable. Additionally, the infrastructure required to capture and distribute renewable energy needs to be developed and upgraded. The initial investment costs for renewable energy technologies can also be higher compared to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. However, as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, these challenges are gradually being addressed.