As humans, we are dependent on energy for our daily lives. We use it to operate electricity, heat our homes, cook food and run transport vehicles and industrial processes. However, our dependence on fossil fuels has exacerbated climate change which threatens our very existence. The availability of renewable energies has made it possible for people to reduce their carbon footprint and make a more positive impact on the environment. Renewable energy refers to any power source that can be replenished, over and over again, without depleting its natural resources. It includes solar, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal and biomass power. The development of these sources involves a three-step process called “reconnaissance,” “exploration” and “exploitation.” Reconnaissance is when researchers determine whether or not an area has the potential to produce energy, exploration is the actual production of electricity from that resource and exploitation is when the energy produced is sold to the public.

The main advantages of renewable energy are that it does not generate greenhouse gasses, is sustainable and a viable alternative to fossil fuels for power generation. It also has the potential to create new opportunities for least developed and developing countries to achieve sustainable development in energy security, energy access, economic development, poverty reduction and climate change mitigation (Asumadu-Sarkodie & Owusu, 2016g).

Solar is the most abundant renewable energy source and it is one of the safest sources of power because there is no pollution associated with its use. It is a form of energy that is available all year round and is the cheapest to produce. Solar power plants are constructed on land or sea where the sun shines and they use solar panels that convert sunlight into electric energy. The electricity is then fed into the national grid.

Wind is the second largest producer of renewable electricity in both the UK and the United States. Wind farms consist of many wind turbines that spin as the wind blows through them, creating kinetic energy which is then converted into electric power by a drive shaft and gear box. The electricity is then passed through transformers, which raise the voltage to be fed into the national grid.

Biomass is a type of renewable energy that uses organic matter such as plant, animal or waste material to produce electrical energy. This type of energy is also considered to be renewable because it can be regrown, absorbing the same amount of CO2 that it emits during its lifetime. Using biofuels as an energy source reduces reliance on fossil fuels, reduces air pollution and helps to improve global food security. This is because it allows countries to use their indigenous resources instead of importing fossil fuels. This can reduce balance-of-payment problems and exposure to currency and fuel price fluctuations. It also provides jobs for local communities. Developing these facilities requires significant capital investment and local skills are needed to design, build, operate and maintain them. It is also a powerful economic engine that boosts rural economies by stimulating the construction of local infrastructure such as roads, transmission lines and industrial support facilities.