We derive renewable energy from natural sources that are renewed constantly on a human timescale. Some of the sources include wind, rain, sunlight, waves, geothermal heat and tides. Renewable energy is different from fossil fuels, which are lost once used. Nuclear fission reactions fuel is also limited, so they come under non-renewable sources.
Most of the renewable energy sources are sustainable i.e. they meet the needs of the present without putting the needs of the future at risk. If we take into account all the renewable sources that derive energy from the sun, directly or indirectly, then they can meet the demands of humans for the next one billion years. At that point, the increased heat from the sun would make the surface of the earth too hot to have liquid water.
If we have sources that can satisfy our needs for such a long time then why are fossil fuels still the biggest source of energy?
According to REN21's 2017 report, renewable sources provided 19.3 per cent of total human global energy consumption. Out of this 19.3 per cent, 8.9 per cent came from traditional biomass sources, 4.2 per cent as heat, 3.9 per cent from hydroelectricity and the rest 2.2 per cent is electricity produced from solar, geothermal, wind and other forms of biomass.
Why do renewable sources lag behind conventional sources?
There is still active research going on to make renewable sources cost-effective. For example, solar panels still cost a lot to be feasible for the general public. Sources like tides and waves don't have enough sites to generate electricity on a large scale and thus it is not feasible yet. Wind and hydroelectricity can be generated only in certain places, so their availability is limited.
We cannot store renewable sources unlike fossil fuels for future use. We need big batteries to store any extra electricity produced. Few governments provide subsidies for renewable sources but most governments find it easier to use conventional sources rather than investing in renewable sources. Due to this infrastructure development for renewable sources is increasing at a very slow pace.
Many people still don't know about renewable sources. Until someone has knowledge about something, he is unlikely to use it.
Conclusion
In the last few years and decades, investment from the private sector is on the rise in renewable sources. Companies like Tesla, NextEra Energy, Orsted, Siemens Gamesa are few among the many who are leading the way to the future.
It is up to us how do we want to be remembered by future generations. Do we want to be remembered as the generation who worked for a better and sustainable future or a selfish generation who used up all the sources of energy without giving a second thought about the future generation?
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