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The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources

Aaron Isac Esquivel San Juan

School of Health and Social Sciences, City University of Seattle

ENG 102: English Composition II

Faye Findlay

February 12, 2023

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The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources

I. Introduction

A. Renewable energy sources have advantages for the environment but also
drawbacks that need to be considered.

B. Renewable energy sources have both advantages and challenges, including

environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and technological limitations that must be
considered when implementing them into existing energy infrastructure.

II. Body

A. Environmental advantages of renewable energy sources

1. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and its positive impact on climate

change

2. Mitigation of air and water pollution

3. Conservation of natural resources such as water and land

B. Economic feasibility of implementing renewable energy sources

1. Initial costs of investment in renewable energy sources

2. Operational and maintenance costs

3. Long-term economic benefits, such as job creation and reduced

dependence on fossil fuels.
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C. Technological limitations and requirements for integrating renewable energy into

existing energy infrastructure.

1. Energy storage systems for renewable energy sources

2. Advanced grid infrastructure to accommodate distributed energy sources.

3. Smart technology and digitalization of energy systems to optimize energy

flow and management.

III. Conclusion
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The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources have garnered attention in recent years due to their potential to

mitigate the negative impacts of non-renewable energy sources, such as climate change and

pollution. While renewable energy sources offer environmental benefits, their implementation

also presents several challenges that must be considered to ensure their success in the long term.

In this essay, we will explore the advantages and drawbacks of renewable energy sources,

considering environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and technological limitations. By

examining these three main points, we can better understand the challenges associated with

renewable energy and how we can overcome them to realize a sustainable energy future.

One of the main advantages of renewable energy sources is their positive impact on the

environment. By harnessing the power of wind, water, and the sun, we can reduce greenhouse

gas emissions and also mitigate air and water pollution. For instance, according to a report by the

International Energy Agency (2021), renewable energy accounted for 90% of new electricity

generation capacity installed globally in 2020, leading to a reduction of 2.6 gigatons of CO2

emissions. This is a clear indication of the environmental benefits of renewable energy sources.

Additionally, renewable energy can help reduce air and water pollution associated with

traditional energy sources such as coal and oil. Finally, the use of renewable energy sources can

help conserve natural resources such as water and land that are often depleted by non-renewable

energy sources. As we can see, the environmental benefits of renewable energy sources are vast

and offer a significant opportunity to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and

pollution.
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Another critical aspect of renewable energy sources is their economic feasibility. While

the initial investment in renewable energy sources may be higher than non-renewable energy

sources, there are long-term economic benefits to consider. The operational and maintenance

costs of renewable energy sources are generally lower than non-renewable sources. Furthermore,

the implementation of renewable energy sources can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (2019), the renewable

energy sector employed over 11 million people worldwide in 2018, with the potential to increase

to nearly 29 million by 2050. This demonstrates the economic benefits of renewable energy

sources. Finally, the implementation of renewable energy sources can reduce our dependence on

fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility and supply chain disruptions. Thus, while the

economic feasibility of renewable energy sources may pose some challenges, the long-term

benefits are undeniable.

Technological limitations are another factor that must be considered when implementing

renewable energy sources. While renewable energy technologies have made significant

advancements in recent years, there are still some limitations that need to be addressed. One of

the main technological limitations of renewable energy sources is their intermittency. Solar and

wind energy are dependent on weather conditions and may not be always available. However,

advancements in energy storage technologies can help mitigate this limitation by storing excess

energy generated during peak production periods. Additionally, the integration of renewable

energy sources into existing energy infrastructure can pose technical challenges. For instance, the

grid infrastructure may need to be updated to accommodate the variable nature of renewable

energy sources. Finally, the cost of renewable energy technologies may pose a barrier to their
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widespread adoption (Seetharaman, Krishna M., Nitin P., Saravanan, Yash G., 2019).

However, as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of renewable

energy sources is expected to continue to decrease. Overall, while there are technological

limitations associated with renewable energy sources, addressing these challenges is crucial to

realizing their full potential.

In conclusion, renewable energy sources offer significant advantages and benefits, but

also pose challenges that need to be carefully considered. Through exploring the three main

aspects of renewable energy sources, their environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and

technological limitations all play a role in their implementation. While renewable energy sources

can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and promote energy security, they also

require significant upfront investments and technological advancements. Ultimately, renewable

energy sources hold great potential for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future, and

continued investments in technology and infrastructure can help unlock this potential. Therefore,

we must continue to prioritize renewable energy sources to meet the world's growing energy

needs while preserving our planet for future generations.

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References

International Energy Agency. (2021). Renewables 2021. Analysis and forecast to 2026.

https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/5ae32253-7409-4f9a-a91d-1493ffb9777a/

Renewables2021-Analysisandforecastto2026.pdf

International Renewable Energy Agency. (2019). Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review

2019.https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2019/Jun/

IRENA_RE_Jobs_2019-report.pdf?rev=58ac56eaa71242309b0278055747df68

Seetharaman, Krishna M., Nitin P., Saravanan, Yash G. (2019). Breaking barriers in

deployment of renewable energy. ScienceDirect.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844018354240