This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
2.3 Summary
Renewable energy sources differ in terms of the type of energy contained within them. Each of these sources—solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass (as well as marine)—has the theoretical potential to satisfy most, if not all, primary energy requirements of society. Actual realizable technical and economic potential is, of course, considerably less than the theoretical potential for each energy form. Furthermore, the type of energy form constrains the transformations or conversions that can be accomplished with that energy. Macroscopic energy forms, such as wind and hydropower energy, are limited to conversion to electricity, whereas microscopic energy forms can additionally yield heat, and in case of biomass, chemicals as well. Technologies for the conversion of mechanical and thermal energies to electricity are well-established, and these technologies are applicable to the transformations of wind, hydropower, and geothermal energies. Transformation of solar energy into electrical energy can be accomplished through thermal systems, as well as photoelectric systems. Transformations of biomass energy into electricity, heat, and other forms of chemical energy are considerably more complex, and these transformations are discussed in the following two chapters.