Electricity Generation from Hydro, Wind, Solar and the Environment

Towoju, Olumide A.; Oladele, Oluwatoyin A.

doi:10.30684/etj.v39i9.2145

	Electricity Generation from Hydro, Wind, Solar and the Environment
Engineering and Technology Journal
Article 8, Volume 39, Issue 9, September 2021, Pages 1392-1398 PDF (662.46 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.30684/etj.v39i9.2145
Authors
Olumide A. Towoju^* ¹; Oluwatoyin A. Oladele²
¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lead City University, Nigeria
²Operations Department, Pacific Energy Company Limited, Olorunshogo, Nigeria.
Abstract
Human actions such as electricity generation are contributory causes of climate change. In a quest to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases associated with electricity generation from fossil fuels, the world is turning to renewables. Renewable sources, however, also do have an impact on the environment. Likewise, renewable electricity generation is also dependent on the climate. Hydro, Wind, and Solar are the popular renewable energy sources for the generation of electricity. This work reviews the impact of these renewables in electricity generation on the environment. It also considers the effect of climate change on its use. The construction of renewable electricity generating plants leads to habitat disruptions and can also cause fatalities. Climate change weighs an enormous impact on the performance of renewable electricity generating plants. The recent blackout experienced in Texas as a result of the cold weather is a good example. The end of extreme weather conditions is not yet, and the need to start preparing to prevent a blackout re-occurrence. A possible solution for sustainable renewable electricity generation in extreme weather conditions lies in synthetic fuel availability.
Highlights
Electricity generation pose an impact on the environment. The use of fossils for electricity generation contributes to GHG emissions. Reducing GHG emissions requires a shift to electricity generation from renewables. Climate change can affect the efficiency of renewable electricity generation. Renewable electricity generated synthetic fuels can be used during harsh conditions.
Keywords
Climate change; Greenhouse gas; Hydropower; Solar energy; Wind Energy

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