RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Renewable Energy Sources

Wind energy produces no emissions—a very attractive advantage. However, although much advancement in wind energy technology has been made in recent years, power generated by offshore wind farms is expensive—when compared to other renewal resources. Wind energy is also dependent on weather patterns and is therefore may be too inconsistent for large-scale use. Offshore wind must also content with major meteorological events such as storms /hurricanes.

Biomass Energy

Trees are an abundant, renewable natural resource when properly managed as part of a balanced energy program. Processing wood as biomass is considered carbon-neutral since the resultant emissions equal the carbon dioxide absorbed by the trees as they matured. Replacing coal with wood reduces emissions of mercury, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. 

Landfill Gas

Landfill gas is a type of biomass energy categorized as "waste energy." The process of decomposition—when organic material is broken down by microorganisms—generates methane gas. Methane is a major contributor to global warming and can be hazardous. Most landfills simply burn off this gas, but through innovative Green Energy initiatives, this clean, renewable energy can be harnessed to generate electricity. To produce power, gas wells slowly draw methane from the landfill and pipe it to a facility where it's burned to turn engines or turbines and create electricity..

Hydro Power

Flowing water referred to as hydro power is the most widely used renewable energy source in the world. With the advent of the electrical generator, hydroelectric power plants in the world have grown manifold.  Although hydro power energy generation is small compared to the  demand, it's still vitally important to energy mix.

Hydro power has several benefits over other forms of energy, but can also present some ecological challenges. By and large, it is one of the most affordable and environmentally neutral power sources, both directly beneficial to Georgia consumers.

BIO-FUELS

Bio-fuels include a wide range of fuels which are derived from biomass. The term covers solid biomass, liquid fuels and various bio gases.  Liquid bio-fuels include bio-alcohols, such as bio-ethanol, and oils, such as bio-diesel. Gaseous bio-fuels include bio gas, landfill gas and synthetic gas.

Bio ethanol is an alcohol made by fermenting the sugar components of plant materials and it is made mostly from sugar and starch crops. With advanced technology being developed, cellulite biomass, such as trees and grasses, are also used as feed stocks for ethanol production. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions. Bio ethanol is widely used in the USA and in Brazil. However, according to the European Environment Agency, bio fuels do not address global warming concerns.

Bio diesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled greases. Bio diesel can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel-powered vehicles.