Looking At Renewable Energy Around The World
While many people may think that the United States is always the leader in technology and other inventions, but that isn’t always so. In fact, the U.S. is still working to catch up to some other countries when it comes to renewable energies, like wind power and solar power.
The U.S. has come a long way, and some states, like California, are leading the country in certain alternative power resources, but they still have some work to do to catch up to some other countries. Renewable energy is a great way for individuals, and companies, to save on energy costs, so why aren’t more places using them?
photo Stefan Krause, Germany
Wind Energy
Denmark and the UK are a couple of the leaders when it comes to wind energy. In fact, in 2014 Denmark got 39.1 percent of its electrical power from wind energy usage. There may be other countries in the lead when it comes to wind energy, but if you have ever driven through the U.S. you’ve likely seen fields of wind turbines in many states, including Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and even more as you head west.
There are still many controversies over wind power, and some towns and cities fight the turbines coming in claiming they harm wildlife and even people. Like all newer things, even foods and medications, people are unsure of what they don’t know about and sometimes even the best things for them seem scary.
Solar Energy
Solar energy may face less news when it comes to worries about what it might do to the environment. It is another renewable energy source that is growing, and even individuals can find many ways to incorporate solar energy into their lives. Yard lights work off solar energy, as well as backpacks and other items created with solar energy to charge gadgets.
In 2014, it appeared that Germany was the biggest leader in solar energy, followed by China, most of Europe, and Japan. The United States was right behind Italy after the the aforementioned countries.
Even the smallest towns in the U.S. are adopting more renewable and alternative energy sources, as you may see. Some towns are home to solar powered phone and gadget charging stations. You may also notice schools and other institutions using both solar and wind power to cut down on utility and energy costs.
Do you use any renewable energies at your home? Some people do, even if it’s something as simple as outdoor lighting. If you are a farmer you may have implemented even more, from a yard of solar panels to your own wind turbine. The more research that goes into renewable energy, and the more savings people see, you will find that it is adopted in more and more areas.
Guest Author: Lolita Di
photo Alyson Jones
