Renewable vs. conventional energy: A race in costs & sustainability – Renewable energy is often cheaper than conventional
Published on: September 20, 2023 / Update from: September 20, 2023 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
🌍 Renewable vs. Conventional Energy: A Race in Costs and Sustainability 🏭
🌟 The economics of renewable energies
The market for renewable energies is on the upswing, and studies by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE show that renewable energies can in many cases be more economical than conventional energy sources. Gas turbines and hard coal-fired power plants in particular have high production costs of 11 to 29 cents per kilowatt hour.
In contrast, onshore wind turbines and photovoltaic systems are often much cheaper. It is interesting that there is a considerable range in the costs of photovoltaic systems. This is mainly due to the different battery systems and their costs.
🌿 Renewable energies and their carbon footprint
It's not just about costs. Renewable energy is also significantly more environmentally friendly than its conventional counterparts. Conventional power plants produce significantly more CO2 over their lifetime than wind or solar systems.
With rising costs for CO2 certificates, renewable energies will become even more competitive in the coming years. For conventional power plants in Germany, the electricity production costs could exceed 7.8 cents per kilowatt hour due to higher CO2 costs.
📊 A look at the technology comparison
The study by the Fraunhofer Institute also compared various renewable energy technologies, such as photovoltaics, wind, biogas and solid biomass. Conventional power plants and various assumptions for the construction and operation of these power plants were also considered.
⛽ Fossil fuels today
Despite the advantages of renewable energies, the majority of energy worldwide is still generated from fossil fuels such as petroleum. But the tide is slowly turning.
While in Europe only around 4% of total energy comes from renewable energies, Africa produces almost half of its energy from renewable sources.
📣 Similar topics
- 🌬️ Wind power: the future of energy?
- 🌞 Solar vs. Wind: Which technology dominates the market?
- 🏭 CO2 emissions: How conventional power plants affect the environment
- 💡 Energy costs: A comparison between renewable and conventional sources
- 🔋 Battery systems in photovoltaic systems: A cost factor
- 🌍 Africa: A role model when it comes to renewable energy?
- 🌾 Biogas and solid biomass: How sustainable are they really?
- ⚖️ Technology comparison: How do different energy sources compare?
- 🛢️ Fossil Fuels: The End of an Era?
- 🌍 Global energy landscape: Where does the road lead?
#️⃣ Hashtags #RenewableEnergy #ConventionalEnergy #CO2Bilanz #TechnologyComparison #FossileFuels
📣 Energy-related renovation and new construction, consulting, planning and implementation for industry, retail and municipalities
Our experienced team will support you in optimizing your buildings to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable energy use with photovoltaics. We analyze your individual needs and create tailor-made concepts that make sense both economically and ecologically. Regardless of whether it is about the energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings or the construction of new energy-efficient structures, we are at your side. Industrial facilities, retail buildings and municipal facilities can reduce their energy costs and reduce environmental impact while improving the comfort and efficiency of their buildings through our tailored solutions.
👨🏻 👩🏻 👴🏻 👵🏻 Energy-saving renovation and new construction, advice, planning and implementation for private households
We offer comprehensive support for private households in the energy-efficient renovation and construction of new buildings with photovoltaics. Our experienced team is at your side to help you advise, plan and implement your sustainable energy solutions. We analyze your energy consumption, identify savings potential and develop tailor-made concepts to improve your energy efficiency. From improving building insulation to installing energy-efficient windows and doors to installing photovoltaic and solar systems - we accompany you step by step to make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Trust in our expertise and benefit from the numerous advantages that energy renovation and the use of renewable energies offer you. Together we will create a sustainable future for your home.
Plan your solar system for the most common applications conveniently online with our solar system planner!
With our user-friendly solar system planner you can plan your individual solar system online. Whether you need a solar system for your home, your business or for agricultural purposes, our planner offers you the opportunity to take your specific requirements into account and develop a tailor-made solution.
The planning process is simple and intuitive. You simply enter relevant information. Our planner takes this information into account and creates a tailor-made solar system that meets your needs. You can try out different options and configurations to find the optimal solar system for your application.
Additionally, you can save your plan to review later or share with others. Our customer service team is also available to answer your questions and provide support to ensure your solar system is optimally planned.
Use our solar system planner to plan your individual solar system for the most common applications and advance the transition to clean energy. Start now and take an important step towards sustainability and energy independence!
More about it here:
🗒️ Technology comparison: How do different energy sources compare?
When we talk about renewable energy sources, we need to look at a variety of technologies to determine the best mix for our future. The different energy sources have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview:
1. ☀️ Solar energy
Solar energy is generated by converting sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics or indirectly using concentrated solar energy.
Advantages
Unlimited energy source, clean energy, low maintenance cost.
Disadvantages
High initial costs, weather-dependent energy production, space requirements.
2. 💨 Wind energy
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.
Advantages
Renewable energy source, cost effective, can be used in many parts of the world.
Disadvantages
Unpredictable wind speeds, noise pollution, impact on birds and other animal species.
3. 💧 Hydropower
This uses the energy of falling or flowing water to generate electricity.
Advantages
Constant energy source, no emissions, long service life of the systems.
Disadvantages
Environmental impacts such as fish deaths, high construction costs, weather dependent.
4. 🌱 Biomass
Biomass refers to organic materials that are burned to produce energy or converted into biofuels.
Advantages
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, uses waste products, can be constantly reproduced.
Disadvantages
Can lead to deforestation, competition with food production, CO2 emissions from combustion.
5. 🌋 Geothermal energy
Here the heat from within the earth is used to generate electricity.
Advantages
Continuous energy source, small space requirement, low CO2 emissions.
Disadvantages
Location dependent, can trigger earthquakes, high initial costs.
6. 🌊 Ocean energy
The energy of ocean waves, tides and ocean currents is used.
Advantages
Renewable energy source, high energy yield, potentially continuous production.
Disadvantages
Affects marine ecosystems, high installation costs, location dependent.
📈 Expert opinions on energy sources
🤓 Consultants and analysts
Most experts agree that a combination of different energy sources is necessary to meet global energy needs and minimize environmental impacts.
🌍 Environmental impact
Taking environmental aspects into account is crucial. Factors such as emissions, land use and impacts on ecosystems play a role here.
📉 Economic considerations
The costs of installing and maintaining energy systems are a significant factor. Investments and government funding are crucial here.
🚀 Technological developments
As technology advances, some of the current disadvantages of renewable energy sources could be minimized.
📣 Similar topics
- ☀️ How does photovoltaics work?
- 💨 Wind turbines: The technology behind them!
- 💧 The history of hydropower.
- 🌱 Biomass: advantages and disadvantages.
- 🌋 Geothermal energy: heating power from the earth.
- 🌊 Ocean Energy: The Potential of the Ocean.
- 🌍 The environmental impact of renewable energy.
- 📉 Economic viability of renewable energies.
- 🚀 Latest technology developments in the energy sector.
- 🤓 Expert Interviews: Future of Energy.
#️⃣ Hashtags: #RenewableEnergy #TechnologyComparison #EnvironmentalAwareness #FutureofEnergy #Sustainability
Overall, all of these technologies offer opportunities to meet our growing energy needs while minimizing environmental impact. The optimal combination depends on regional conditions, economic factors and technological developments.
🗒️ Energy costs: A comparison between renewable and conventional sources 🌿⚡
The world is at a crucial point in terms of energy use. The comparison between renewable and conventional energy sources is a hot topic. Let's delve deep into the details and analyze which source proves to be the better one.
🌏 Environmental impact
1. Renewable energy sources
These, such as solar, wind and hydropower, have minimal to no negative impact on the environment as they do not release harmful emissions.
2. Conventional energy sources
In contrast, conventional energy sources such as coal and natural gas release large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
💰 Economic aspects
1. Renewable energy sources
Although the initial investment can be high, ongoing costs are relatively low. The energy sources are also inexhaustible, making them a sustainable choice.
2. Conventional energy sources
These tend to have lower initial costs, but operating costs can increase over time due to fuel costs and environmental charges.
🛠 Technological developments
1. Renewable energy sources
In recent years there have been significant advances in renewable energy technology, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective solutions.
2. Conventional energy sources
Although progress has been made here, opportunities to reduce environmental impacts are limited.
🏭 Industrial applications
1. Renewable energy sources
These are ideal for use in various industries as they offer a clean and sustainable energy option.
2. Conventional energy sources
These remain a dominant choice in the industry, primarily because of their high energy yield and reliability.
📣 Similar topics
- 🌞 The Solar Energy Revolution: A New Dawn for Renewables
- 💨 Wind power: A green alternative to fossil fuels
- 💧 Hydropower: A clean way into the future
- ⚡ Electromobility and renewable energies: A harmonious symbiosis
- 🌿 Sustainable development: The path to a green economy
- 🛑 The true cost of coal and natural gas
- 🔍 Technological advances in the renewable energy industry
- 🌎 Environmental awareness: The way to save our planet
- 💼 Renewable energies: An opportunity for economic growth
- 👷♂️ The role of industry in the transition to renewable energies”
#️⃣ Hashtags: #RenewableEnergy #ClimateProtection #SustainableDevelopment #GreenEconomy #TechnologicalProgress
🗒️ CO2 emissions: How conventional power plants affect the environment
Power plants have long been a central part of our energy infrastructure. While they provide us with the energy we need, they are also major contributors to CO2 emissions, which have a significant impact on our environment. Let's dive deep into this topic.
1. 💡 Basics of CO2 emissions
What is CO2
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere. However, it is human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, that has led to a significant increase in this gas in the atmosphere.
Why is it problematic?
An excess of CO2 in the atmosphere leads to the greenhouse effect, causing the Earth's temperature to rise, which in turn causes climate change and a range of environmental impacts.
2. 🏭 Conventional power plants and their role
How do they work?
Conventional power plants burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas to produce energy. This combustion process releases CO2 into the atmosphere.
The high price of energy
While they can provide energy efficiently, the environmental impact is significant. Burning coal is particularly harmful because it releases not only CO2 but also other harmful emissions such as sulfur dioxide.
3. 🌍 Global impacts of CO2
Increase in global temperatures
The main consequence of the greenhouse effect. This leads to melting glaciers, rising sea levels and more extreme weather events.
Impact on biodiversity
Many animal and plant species cannot adapt quickly enough to changing conditions, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
4. 🌳 Possible solutions and alternatives
Renewable energy
Solar and wind energy are clean energy sources that do not produce the same harmful emissions as conventional power plants.
Energy efficiency
More efficient energy consumption can help reduce the need for conventional power plants.
Reforestation
Trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen, reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
5. 💭 Final Thoughts
It is up to us to make more conscious choices about energy sources and support technologies that reduce carbon footprints. Each of us can do our part to protect the planet for future generations.
🌍🍃 The environmental impact of conventional power plants 🍃🌍
💡 Interesting facts about CO2
Carbon dioxide is an essential factor in the balance of our planet. But an excess of it causes climate changes that are dangerous for both nature and humans.
🏭 The dark side of energy
Energy production has its price. The burning of fossil fuels in conventional power plants is one of the main reasons for the increase in CO2 emissions worldwide.
🌍 A planet in danger
Global warming threatens our existence. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers and extreme weather events are just some of the consequences.
🌳 Hope on the horizon
Fortunately, there are alternatives. By using renewable energy and using resources more consciously, we can make a difference.
📣 Similar topics
- 🍀 Renewable energies: The future of electricity generation
- 🌍 Climate change: causes, consequences and solutions
- 🌬️ Wind energy vs. conventional power plants: A comparison
- 🌊 The role of sea level in climate change
- 🏭 Technologies to reduce CO2 emissions
- 🌡️ How do global temperatures affect our planet?
- 🌳 Reforestation: A natural remedy against CO2
- 💭 Sustainability: Why every contribution counts
- ⚡ The electrification of the world and its effects
- 💡 Energy efficiency: Saves money and protects the environment
#️⃣ Hashtags: #climate change #CO2 emissions #renewableenergies #power plants #environmental protection
Top ten tips and what you should know: Lower production costs of renewable energy are a competitive advantage
What impact will the carbon tax have on companies in the next few years if they do not reduce carbon emissions?
More about it here:
We are there for you - advice - planning - implementation - project management
☑️ Expert advice on energy-efficient renovation and new construction
☑️ with solar solutions and heat pumps/air conditioning systems
I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.
You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 157 30 44 9 555 .
I'm looking forward to our joint project.
Xpert.Digital - Konrad Wolfenstein
Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.
With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.
Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.
You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus