Читать книгу Energy - Группа авторов - Страница 83

Recent advances in technology, cost‐effectiveness of power production and ecological effects of all alternative sources of energy are thoroughly deliberated in the chapter. Currently, exploitation of alternative energy sources is small compared with the non‐renewable energy sources. Despite the negligible emission of GHGs, green nature and least impact on environment, renewable energy sources usage are still small. Cost of electricity generation is the main obstacle for harnessing renewable sources which could be fixed through further research. Out of all the alternative sources of energy, the solar and wind sectors are experiencing higher growth due to advances in technologies, reduction in cost and better energy conversion efficiency. Hydropower is a mature technology. New investments are taking place in small hydro plants owing to their environment‐friendly nature. EGS is an emerging technology in the geothermal sector because of developments in drilling technology. Bioenergy sector is also increasing at a consistent pace, however, growth is not rapid as this technology needs more developments with respect to cost‐effectiveness, land usage, economical pre‐treatment methods for lignocellulosic, efficiency increment and policy amendments. In the future, ocean energy can possibly diversify the renewable energy arena by addition in power generation and will become a support to the economy. Hydrogen could be a promising fuel in future as it possesses significant potential. However, its production methods from renewable energy sources are still at primary stage. Commercialization of these processes has a long journey ahead.