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Renewable energy facts: 8 facts that will amaze you

facts about renewable energy

At myenergi, we believe that learning about the benefits of renewable energy is a step towards a more sustainable future. But who says learning is boring? We've gathered some facts about renewable energy that will amaze and inspire you.

1. One wind turbine can generate enough energy for 1,400 homes

Wind power is a highly efficient source of energy: just one wind turbine can generate enough electricity to supply 1,400 households with their annual energy needs. That's the same as making 230 million cups of tea or running an average computer for 2,000 years.

2. Solar energy can be stored in salt

Solar energy is a well-known source of energy. But one of the lesser known facts about this renewable energy is that it can be stored in salt. A power plant in Spain generates solar energy during the day and pumps 7 hours of power around the area at night. The energy is stored in a ton of salt over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The salt is used to produce steam to generate energy.

3. Google, Apple, and Facebook are working on a 'green internet'

Tech giants are increasingly using green energy for their services. Apple currently tops the list in this regard, having the highest green energy score by 83%.
Facebook is in second place with 67%. Mark Zuckerberg promised that they will use 100% green energy in every new data center. In this way, the tech giants are working toward making the Internet run entirely on renewable energy.
Renewable energy sources

4. According to WWF, by 2050 all energy can be renewable

Stanford researchers have found that the planet could transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. This study analyzed data from 139 countries, which account for 99% of global emissions.
The biggest benefit of this extraordinary fact about renewable energy is that it could give our energy efficiency a huge boost. We will no longer depend on fossil fuels and exhaustible resources. However, WWF does emphasize that this is only possible if the right political, financial and social decisions are made quickly.

5. Renewable energy has been around for millions of years

Before we burned coal as a fossil fuel in the 19th century, all the energy we used was renewable. More than a million years ago, we were already using biomass for energy. In addition, the Romans were the first to use geothermal energy to heat their homes. They used the warm air under their floors and in their walls for heating.
Another amazing fact about renewable energy: The first recorded windmill was discovered in Persia and was invented around 700 to 900 B.C.

6. Materials for renewable energy grow faster than expected

Developments are moving fast. The International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that solar, wind and hydroelectric projects have grown tremendously in the last four years. Technical developments are rapid and current products are constantly being improved to be even more efficient.

7. There are already countries using fully renewable energy

Costa Rica already uses renewable energy almost entirely in 2016. Its 4.9 million inhabitants use electricity from hydropower plants near rivers. Other countries leading the way include Albania, Iceland and Paraguay.

8. In 1873, the return to renewable energy was already predicted

Already during the Industrial Revolution, experts predicted the end of fossil fuels. In 1873, Professor Augustin Mouchot wrote:
"The time will arrive when the industry of Europe will cease to find those natural resources, so necessary for it. Petroleum springs and coal mines are not inexhaustible but are rapidly diminishing in many places. Will man, then, return to the power of water and wind?"

Frequently asked questions:

What are the benefits of renewable energy?

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, emit almost no greenhouse gases, so they contribute positively to the climate. Would you like to know more? Then also read our blogs 10 benefits of renewable energy and the most frequently asked questions about renewable energy sources.

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from natural sources, such as sunlight, wind, water and the earth itself. There are five well-known forms that we would like to discuss in this article: 5 types of renewable energy. In addition, we also like to tell you about the difference between renewable, green and clean energy.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy comes from the sun. Solar panels are used to convert the heat from solar rays into electricity. You can read more here: Everything you want to know about solar energy.

How does wind energy work?

Wind power is generated by wind turbines. The power of the wind is converted into electricity. You can read more here: Everything you want to know about wind energy.

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