People have been harnessing wind energy for centuries, and modern-day wind farms now provide energy to millions of people worldwide.
But how does wind energy compare to fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, when it comes to generating electricity?
The infographic below from Hunt Energy breaks down the pros and cons of each energy source.
Overall Comparison
When it comes to generating electricity, wind energy is a clear winner. With very little to no impact on the environment, wind energy is a perfect sustainable energy source. In addition, wind energy is relatively easy and inexpensive to harness.
On the downside, the wind does not always blow, and when it does, it can be unpredictable. This can make it difficult to generate consistent electricity without investing in expensive back up power systems.
Overall, when compared to traditional energy sources, such as coal and oil, wind energy is a clear contender. It’s an environmentally responsible source of energy that’s as dependable as the wind itself.
Solar Energy
Also known as clean energy, solar energy is another popular and sustainable energy source. Thanks to technological advances that make solar energy more affordable, it’s possible for nearly anyone to harness solar energy.
The graphic below from Hunt Energy shows just how accessible solar energy is when compared to other forms of energy, such as wind and coal. The world’s largest solar power plants are even built in such a way that they can harness the power of the sun regardless of the direction that the Sun is facing.
Despite its many advantages, solar energy has some drawbacks. The sun does not always shine, and the panels that are used to collect solar energy can become clogged after a while with dust and dirt. This can dramatically reduce the energy that is generated from solar sources. In addition, the panels that are used to collect solar energy are quite large and can produce a significant amount of heat, which needs to be actively cooled down by using a lot of water.
When compared to other traditional energy sources, such as coal and oil, solar energy is a bit more pricey. The cost of harnessing solar energy is also much higher than the cost of other, more traditional energy sources. Despite these costs, the benefits of using solar energy are worth it.
Coal Energy
Coal energy is yet another popular and sustainable energy source. In fact, almost a quarter of the world’s energy is provided by coal-fired power stations around the globe. Thanks to coal energy’s many advantages, it’s possible for even the most remote areas to have reliable electricity supplies.
Coal energy is extremely efficient in converting huge quantities of fuel into electricity. It’s relatively easy to harness and transport, and the fuel can be found practically everywhere. The only downside to coal energy is that it’s not a clean energy source; it produces greenhouse gases that cause climate change. In addition, when coal is burnt, it produces dangerous black smoke that contaminates the air. The health hazards of inhaling coal smoke are also well-known and quite serious.
Although a lot of progress has been made toward reducing the effects of climate change, it’s still an issue that’s quite relevant today. As a result, the world is looking for more sustainable energy sources with zero or minimal impact on the environment. Wind energy and solar energy are very popular and promising alternatives to fossil fuels due to their sustainability and environmental friendliness.