10 Benefits of Renewable Energy

Now that the news is full of reports on the shocking effects of climate change, it seems clear to many just how important the use of renewable energy is. If you’re still not convinced, we’ve outlined the ten benefits of renewable energy below.

1) It's… renewable!

Renewable energy never runs out: flowing water, heat from the Earth’s core, sunshine, and strong winds are inexhaustible and a major source of renewable energy. Currently, there are solar panels on 1.5 million homes in the Netherlands alone, and this number is expected to continue rising. One of the biggest advantages of renewable energy is that it significantly reduces your CO2 emissions.

2) Lower maintenance – Less risk, more profit

Another major advantage of renewable energy is that it saves money. Green energy costs less than maintaining fossil fuel systems. It may seem expensive to set up a wind farm or solar farm, but they are cheaper to operate than gas and power plants. The risk involved in generating renewable energy is also lower.

3) Renewable energy saves money in the long run

As gas prices continue to rise, new technologies and a strong sense of environmental responsibility ensure that renewable energy sources will only become more affordable. Fossil fuels will run out over the years, causing their prices to keep rising.

4) A major benefit of renewable energy: The environment

Of course, one of the most important benefits of renewable energy is its positive impact on the environment. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, which in turn helps combat global warming.
From wildfires in Australia to the unprecedented rate at which the ice caps are melting, we are confronted almost daily with the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels. It’s no surprise, then, that we in Europe have agreed to collectively reduce our emissions and seek out more climate-friendly options.

5) Less dependence on energy imports

Normally, the Netherlands imports more energy than it exports. Its energy supply is therefore heavily dependent on other countries. The last time the country exported more electricity than it imported was in 1981. Belgium, too, is heavily dependent on energy imports. As much as 95 percent comes from abroad. Both countries are thus heavily dependent on other countries, which makes them vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy demand. When energy demand is high, a country ends up paying more for its imported energy. From an economic standpoint, this puts the country in a weaker position than the countries from which it imports energy.

6) Less fracking!

Fracking involves drilling into rock to make it easier to extract oil, natural gas, or geothermal energy. This drilling is highly controversial. It can cause earthquakes in nearby areas, putting local communities at risk.

7) Better health

Fossil fuels release many harmful gases into our atmosphere. We all know that. What’s less well known—or what you might not immediately think of—is that we, of course, also live in this polluted air.  In the long term, breathing this air can lead to respiratory problems, heart attacks, neurological issues, cancer, or a combination of other potentially fatal complications. In addition to the previously mentioned environmental benefits of renewable energy, it therefore also offers a major benefit to our own health.

8) Local communities

More and more cooperatives are springing up that work together to provide green energy in their neighborhoods. Through these local projects, the community grows closer together and works toward a greener future.

9) More jobs

Because the green industry is more labor-intensive, it automatically creates more jobs. It is estimated that investing in solar energy creates one and a half times as many jobs as fossil fuel extraction.

10) The snowball effect

In addition to the jobs created directly by investments in the green industry, there will also be a ripple effect. Local businesses and industries will benefit as well. Retrofitting buildings and homes to make them more energy-efficient creates many jobs.
Would you like to learn more about climate change, sustainable solutions, or renewable energy? Feel free to contact our team.