Energy Security and Independence Another major benefit of renewable energy is enhanced energy security. Many countries currently depend on fossil fuel imports, leaving them vulnerable to geopolitical instability, trade disruptions and price volatility. This dependence creates not only economic risks but also strategic vulnerabilities.

Less maintenance For certain types of renewable energy sources, the maintenance and maintenance costs of their infrastructure are minimal. Solar photovoltaic systems, for example, generally don’t have moving parts and can last 25 years or more with little maintenance. Hydroelectric power plants typically have low operating costs (link resides outside ibm.com) and require little maintenance as well, with long-lasting equipment that can remain in operation for decades.

Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, they do not release carbon dioxide when generating electricity. Switching to renewables helps combat global warming and climate change.

Sustainable Resource Use: Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished, meaning they are virtually inexhaustible. The sun shines every day, and the wind blows continuously in many regions. Unlike fossil fuels, which require extensive mining or drilling, renewables do not deplete natural resources or damage ecosystems.

The cost of renewable energy technologies has decreased dramatically in recent years, making them increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. Continued technological advancements, economies of scale, and supportive policies will further reduce costs.

Options for using renewable energy include: Generating renewable energy on-site using a system or device at the location where the power is used (e.g., PV panels on a state building, geothermal heat pumps, biomass-fueled combined heat and power). Purchasing green power through a green power procurement process that involves the generation of renewable energy certificates (RECs). Purchasing renewable energy from an electric utility through a green pricing or green marketing program, where buyers pay a small premium in exchange for electricity generated locally from green power resources.

Renewable energy offers numerous economic, environmental, and social advantages. These include:Reduced carbon emissions and air pollution from energy productionEnhanced reliability, security, and resilience of the power gridJob creation through the increased production and manufacturing of renewable energy technologiesIncreased U.S. energy independenceLower energy costsExpanded energy access for remote, coastal, or isolated communities.

Clean renewable energy lets us avoid the pollution and harm to our climate caused by burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and fossil gas (commonly called methane or natural gas).