.jpg)
August 7, 2023
Anyone interested in new or renewable energy resources or reading news or newspaper articles would have familiarized themselves with the word "new and renewable energy." As can be inferred from the phrase renewable energy, it means "continuous use is possible." In other words, it has the most significant characteristic of non-exhaustion. This is the biggest difference from fossil fuels, a traditional energy source, and why they are attracting attention as energy for the future. Renewable energy is eco-friendly clean energy, which is also why it is evaluated as future energy.
Perhaps most of you reading this article are familiar with solar power among new and renewable energy types. Walking down the street these days, you can easily see solar panels installed on the roof of an elementary school and the top of a parking lot. However, there are 11 more types of renewable energy besides solar power. Renewable energy is a combination of new energy and renewable energy. Solar power, which we are familiar with, belongs to renewable energy. Renewable energy is currently being actively researched and developed for commercialization worldwide, as it is eco-friendly and makes our lives sustainable as energy replaces existing fossil fuels for carbon neutrality (carbon neutral: zero carbon dioxide emissions).
The title of this article is "New + Renewable Energy 101; it is written so that those interested in new renewable energy can quickly learn the basic information about new and renewable energy. Through this article, I hope it allows you to briefly learn what each of the 12 types of new and renewable energy, including solar power, is and its advantages and disadvantages. After reading the article, I recommend doing personal research if there is anything you are more interested in.
First, let's find out the difference between the two by pointing out the exact meaning of the new and renewable energy words. New energy refers to energy used by 1) converting existing fossil fuels or 2) using electricity or heat through chemical reactions such as hydrogen or oxygen. Renewable energy refers to 'renewable' energy that uses what can be obtained from nature, such as sunlight, water, and wind, as an energy source. The difference from renewable energy is that new energy includes the types of energy used by converting existing fossil fuels.
- Hydrogen energy
- a fuel cell
- Coal Gasification and Liquefaction
- Solar power
- Wind power
- Hydro energy
- Geothermal heat
- Ocean energy
- Biomass energy
- Waste-to-energy
- Hydrothermal energy
Below are the characteristics and pros and cons of each new energy type.
Hydrogen energy is a new energy that uses technology that produces or uses hydrogen by converting water or organic matter and is attracting attention as a clean energy source in the future. In particular, hydrogen is in the spotlight as a fuel for the future because it is clean and harmless. After all, there is no emission of pollutants, and only water is discharged as a by-product; it is safe to produce, store, and transport due to its storage properties in various forms, such as gas and liquid. In addition, hydrogen accounts for 75% of space and exists in large quantities on Earth. However, more time for technology development and maintenance is needed for hydrogen energy to perform its role as fuel fully. However, if hydrogen energy is supplied, unlike fossil fuels, more equal resource distribution can be achieved without economic and regional deviations. In addition, while Korea is currently living in a carbon economy, it is necessary to pay more attention to the development and trend in that it is possible to become energy-independent by the advent of the hydrogen economy after the advancement of hydrogen energy technology.
In short, a fuel cell is a device that stores electricity using hydrogen as a raw material. Since it is made of hydrogen as a raw material, it can be said to be a partner in the hydrogen energy described above. A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that directly converts chemical energy generated by the reaction of hydrogen and chemicals into electrical power through electrochemical reactions. Unlike conventional batteries, electricity can be continuously produced without recharging as long as fuel is supplied, and heat generated during the reaction can be used for hot water supply and heating. In other words, it has a total efficiency of 70-80% in that 50% of electricity generation and 30% of thermal efficiency are achieved together during operation. In addition, it is attracting attention as an energy device of the future because there is no pollution and noise.
The advantage of coal-liquefied and -gasified energy is that it is eco-friendly, which enables high-efficiency power generation and reduces many pollutants. Above all, it attracts attention for converting low-grade fuels into high-value-added energy. The disadvantage is that the initial facility cost is high, and the configuration and control process are complicated.
Gasification of coal (heavy residual oil) refers to generating low-grade raw materials such as coal and rich residual oil by driving gas turbines and steam turbines through refining processes by making synthesis gas, mainly composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, using Integrated Gas Combined Cycle (IGCC).
Coal liquefaction is a new energy that uses technology to convert solid fuel coal into liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel oil. There are two types of coal liquefaction technology: 1) direct liquefaction technology that converts from high temperature and high pressure to solvent, and 2) indirect liquefaction technology that converts to liquid fuel on a catalyst after coal gasification.
Next are the characteristics and pros and cons of each type of renewable energy.
Solar power is currently the most popular renewable energy. It can be installed anywhere with sunlight, so it is advantageous for commercialization because there are fewer geographical conditions than other renewable energy such as wind and water power. Solar energy means converting the sun's light energy into electricity. It hasn't been long since solar power became popular in Korea at the private level, but in fact, the use of solar power began in the 1870s. The photoelectric effect, the basic principle of solar operation, was discovered in France in 1839, and later, in the 1870s, this photoelectric effect was applied to the camera's exposure system. Then, in 1954, silicon solar cells were developed, the beginning of modern solar cells. Later, solar cells were applied to satellites in space and later used in all satellites. Since the 1970s, research has been conducted for full-scale commercialization, and solar cells with an efficiency of 20% and a lifespan of more than 20 years are actively being distributed. The advantages of solar power are that it uses the sun's light as an energy source, so it is clean and unlimited, easy to maintain, and has a long lifespan of more than 20 years. However, there is a disadvantage in that the amount of insolation is not constant because the amount of power production depends on the region and season. In addition, because of the low energy density, a large installation area is required. The disadvantage is that the installation location is limited, and the initial system investment and power generation costs are high. However, various government support policies are being implemented in each country to make solar power more active at the private level. The photovoltaic power generation system comprises solar cells, junction boxes, inverters, storage batteries, and monitoring systems. Among them, solar cells, which are vital elements, are on the market in various types and can be primarily divided into Building Attached Photovoltaics (BAPV) and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). BAPV is the most common type attached to buildings; you can think of it as something easily seen around you. BIPV is a building-integrated type that acts as a building accessory and a solar cell simultaneously, so it can be considered a 2-in-1 function. We will cover the types of solar cells in more detail in the article on the subject of solar cells.
While solar power converts sunlight into electricity, solar power collects heat from the sun and uses it for hot water and heating. Solar power is being supplied as actively as solar power because it is easier to install and is provided at a relatively low cost compared to other renewable energy sources. The solar system primarily comprises a heat collection unit, a heat storage unit, and a use unit. It collects heat from the sun's light for hot water and heating. Solar systems are divided into passive and active systems depending on the presence or absence of a heat medium driving device, and the latter is generally called a solar system. The passive type is a system that does not have a separate heat medium driving device and collects solar heat by using structures in buildings such as windows and walls. The active type is a system accompanied by a heat medium driving device that separately contains solar heat by installing a collector.
Wind power generation is a method of generating electricity using wind power. The stronger the wind, the higher the power generation, so it is usually used in coastal areas where the wind blows strongly. It uses the power of the wind, but it is the beginning of the sun causing the power of the wind. What on Earth do the sun and wind have to do with it can be questioned. To briefly look at the principle, the sun's heat is not evenly applied to all areas, resulting in a temperature difference in the air, called wind, when the air moves from cold regions to hot spots. In other words, as long as there is the sun, wind naturally performs a 'motion' called 'movement,' so wind power can be considered possible anywhere. However, to produce adequate power generation, the wind must be strong enough throughout the year, and the strength must be strong enough, so it can be said that an area stronger than an area with insignificant wind strength is more suitable for using wind power. The main component of these wind power systems is the 'Blade.' The blades of the windmill are responsible for converting the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical rotational force. Blades are a significant component, but there are also a variety of wingless wind power generators due to environmental problems, such as many animals being hit and killed by wings. In Korea, wind power generation is often installed along windy mountains or seas with long shorelines. In Korea, the most significant number of wind power generators are installed in Gangwon-do, which borders the East Sea. Looking at the advantages of wind power, it is clean energy because it uses natural resources, so it is economical because it does not cost fuel and does not emit greenhouse gases. In addition, wind power generators can be used as tourism resources, which positively impacts regional economic growth. Accommodation facilities for tourists are gathered around the domestic Daegwallyeong wind power plant and the wind power plant on Jeju Island. For shortcomings, the disadvantage is that geographical conditions are more limited than solar power because wind areas are rare at a stable level throughout the year. In addition, the noise generated when the blade rotates is a disadvantage, and the death of birds due to the blade, as mentioned above, is also considered a problem.
Water power is similar to wind power. If wind power uses the kinetic energy of the wind, hydropower generates electricity using water's potential energy and kinetic energy. To explain more, when water falls from top to bottom, there is a difference in potential energy, converted into kinetic energy to generate electricity. Dam, common in Korea, is a critical element of hydroelectric power generation. Hydroelectric power is pollution-free clean energy because it uses water as a resource and does not emit greenhouse gases during power generation. Another advantage is that it can continue to generate electricity as long as water remains on Earth. In addition, once the dam is installed, it costs little to produce electricity, and it has the advantage of storing water in the dam. However, dams are likely to alter the natural waterways of water and cause marine life to move their spawning sites elsewhere. In addition, it changes the water quality, quantity, and water temperature of water flowing downstream of the dam, which can threaten the ecosystem of plants in the downstream area. The disadvantage is that the construction cost of the dam is relatively high.
Geothermal power is simply power generation that uses the temperature in the ground to use it for heating and cooling sheets above the ground. This is because underground water and underground temperature are cool in summer and warm in winter, contrary to the ground. Geothermal power generation is mainly built in areas where volcanic activity is high or hot springs are developed. Therefore, most geothermal power plants are made in the United States, Iceland, New Zealand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where volcanic or plate activities are active. Due to these geographical conditions, actively spreading in Korea is still tricky. In addition to clean energy, the most significant advantage of geothermal power generation is that the facility operation cost is meager. However, as mentioned earlier, location restrictions play a substantial role in the installation, and considerable time and cost are required for investigation for location selection. It is also a concern that holes drilled vertically deep in the ground to utilize geothermal energy can cause problems later.
Marine energy is power generation that generates electricity from the sea. It can be assumed that marine energy uses various things in the ocean as an energy resource. It comprehensively refers to the entire ocean instead of specific things in its name. Depending on what kind of ocean is used as an energy resource, there are five types of power generation. There are:
1. Wave energy using waves.
2. Seawater temperature difference power generation using the sea and surface temperature difference.
3. Tidal energy using tidal difference between high tide and low tide.
4. Tidal energy using seawater flow energy.
5. Saltwater generation using salinity difference of seawater.
In Korea, power plants using tidal and algae are representative. The disadvantage is that the system's cost is higher than that of wind or solar power because the infrastructure must be constructed in the sea. However, since the ocean exists throughout the year, as long as the Earth is not dry, it can compensate for the intermittence, a disadvantage of wind power generation that depends on solar radiation and the presence or absence of wind. In addition, it is characterized by the fact that various characteristics of the sea can be used in multiple ways for electricity generation.
Biomass energy is the generation of electricity using organic organisms(biomass). Here, organic organisms(biomass) refer to biological organisms that include plants, fungi, and animals that feed on them produced by the photosynthesis of plants and microorganisms that have received solar energy. Using wood firewood to make a fire is also a case of using bioenergy when building bioenergy. As such, bioenergy using living organisms around us has been experienced at least once in a bird we do not know. Biomass, used as fuel for bioenergy, is divided into three types: solid, liquid, and gas. Solid biomass is tree branches, waste from homes, and crops. Liquid biomass includes vegetable oil, fuel containing alcohol such as methanol and ethanol from plants such as corn, and biodiesel distilled from vegetable oil or animal fat. Gas biomass includes methane from decomposing plants, animals, fertilizers, biogas from rotting or landfill waste, and natural gas from fossil fuels. However, there are high concerns about the negative impact of biomass on the environment. Bioenergy is mainly generated using waste or life as fuel. Still, if it is used on a large scale and in large quantities, it can face the problem of resource limitations by indiscriminately burning biomass such as wood, just like coal. In addition, smoke and carbon dioxide are generated during the biomass combustion process, and there is a possibility that it may ruin the biodiversity of the surrounding environment.
Waste energy is called recycling products or household and industrial waste to make fuel or use it as energy through incineration. The most prominent feature and advantage is that biodegradable industrial and household waste can be reproduced into power through pyrolysis and recycled for industrial production activities. Now that the amount of waste is increasing exponentially around the world, waste energy is attracting attention in that it can be used to treat various wastes and simultaneously kill two birds with one stone. However, the disadvantages are the odor of environmental pollutants and wastes generated during waste incineration and the difficulty of sanitary treatment. Types of waste energy include molded solid fuel (RDF), waste oil refining oil, plastic pyrolysis fuel oil, and waste incineration heat.
Hydrothermal energy is a power generation that utilizes heat from the seawater surface layer or heat from river water for cooling and heating using a heat pump. Hydrothermal energy generation is eco-friendly because there is no combustion process. Above all, the most significant advantage is that it can utilize various water resources, including seawater and rivers, lakes, tap water, and sewage systems. Hydrothermal energy is mainly used as a large-scale heat source for large buildings, farms, and industries near rivers. The most famous use of hydrothermal energy in Korea is Lotte World Tower, which procures air conditioning and heating using a nearby metropolitan water supply. However, Korea's hydrothermal energy development is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, it is expected to be distributed in the future as the domestic government has clarified its willingness to revitalize hydrothermal energy, starting with the "Eco-friendly Hydrothermal Energy Revitalization Plan" in 2020.
이진선 그린피스 서울사무소 기후에너지 캠페이너. 02.14.2018. 신재생에너지와 재생가능에너지, 뭐가 다르지?. Greenpeace.
『나라경제』 편집실. 2021년 5월호. 수소에너지에 대해 궁금한 것 몇 가지!. KDI경제정보센터.
n.d. Wind Turbine Blade Design. Alternative Energy Tutorials.
n.d. Microhydropower Systems. Energy Saver.
n.d. Wind Energy Turbines. Alternative Energy Tutorials.
EIA. 03. 2022. Levelized Costs of New Generation Resources in the Annual Energy Outlook 2022.
n.d. Hydro Energy. Alternative Energy Tutorials.
n.d. Geothermal Energy. Alternative Energy Tutorials.
n.d. Biomass. Alternative Energy Tutorials.
n.d. Solar Power. Alternative Energy Tutorials.
안상민. 09.12.2023. "‘비주류' 해양에너지로 재생에너지 간헐성 문제 해결 가능". 전기신문.
채덕종. 05.04.2022. [특집] 에너지절감·탄소감축 다 잡는 수열에너지. 이투뉴스.
홍시현. 05.21.2019. [기획] 강력한 드라이브 걸린 ‘수열에너지’. 투데이에너지.
n.d. 신재생에너지 소개. 한국에너지공단 신재생에너지센터.
