What Types of Renewable Energy Exist and What Role Do They Play in Society?

Electric grids play a key role in integrating renewable energy into the electrical system. Electricity generation is increasingly decentralized, and grids must have the necessary capacity to transport this energy from its various generation points to the end customer.
 

What are Renewable Energies?

Renewable energies are sources of energy obtained from inexhaustible natural resources, such as the sun, wind, and water. They are characterized by their ability to regenerate and generate minimal environmental impact, significantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against climate change.

The main goal of renewable energies is to achieve the decarbonization of the electricity sector, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.

What Types of Renewable Energies Are There?

The renewable energy sector is diverse and encompasses multiple sources that adapt to different environments and needs. These sources are inexhaustible and renew naturally, ensuring a sustainable energy supply in the long term.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is obtained by capturing the sun's radiation through specific technologies, and there are currently two modalities:

• Solar thermal energy: Uses solar collectors to absorb the sun's heat and transfer it to a fluid, generating heat that can be used for heating or producing hot water

• Photovoltaic solar energy: Converts sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic panels. This modality allows for photovoltaic self-consumption, enabling users to generate and consume their own energy.

   

Wind Energy

Wind energy is generated by harnessing the power of the wind through wind turbines that convert kinetic energy into electricity. It is classified into:
 

• Onshore wind energy: Installations located on land, commonly in areas with constant winds
• Offshore wind energy: Wind farms situated at sea, where winds are usually stronger and more constant, increasing energy efficiency.

Hydraulic Energy

Hydraulic energy is obtained by harnessing the power of moving water. It is mainly generated in hydroelectric power plants. These plants are installations where water stored in reservoirs is released to move turbines that produce electricity.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is obtained by harnessing the earth's internal heat. Through drilling, heat is extracted from the subsurface to generate electricity or provide heating.

Advantages of Renewable Energies

Renewable energies offer multiple benefits that position them at the forefront of the future of energy:
 

Reduction of CO₂ emissions

One of the most significant advantages of renewable energies is their ability to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable sources generate energy without releasing greenhouse gases, thus helping to mitigate climate change and its adverse effects. 

Innovation and sustainable development

The adoption of renewable energies in society drives technological innovation and promotes sustainable development. The transition to clean sources fosters research, economic opportunities, and improves the quality of life in communities.

Energy independence

By coming from inexhaustible sources like the sun, wind, or earth's heat, they offer a way to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. This approach not only ensures a more secure and sustainable energy supply but also protects economies from market volatility.

Competitiveness and development of new industries

The growing competitiveness of renewable energies has led to a significant decrease in their production costs. This trend, along with public policy support and investment in green infrastructure, has fostered the development of new industries and job creation in the energy sector.
 

Renewable Energies in Spain

Spain has great potential in renewable energies, leveraging various sources in different regions:

• Wind energy: Communities like Castilla y León, Galicia, and Andalusia stand out for their installed wind capacity, thanks to their favorable geographical conditions.
• Solar energy: Regions like Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha take advantage of their high solar irradiation to develop photovoltaic and solar thermal projects.
• Hydraulic energy: The north of Spain, with abundant water resources, hosts numerous hydroelectric plants that significantly contribute to the national energy mix.

   

Integration of Renewable Energies into Electrical Grids

In the transition to a more sustainable energy system, it is crucial not only to develop renewable energy sources but also to ensure that electrical grids can integrate them efficiently. Smart grids play a fundamental role in this process, allowing for more flexible and optimized management of the generated energy.

Benefits of Integrating Renewable Energies

• Management of Intermittency: Renewable energies, such as solar and wind, are naturally intermittent. Smart grids can manage this variability using energy storage technologies and demand response systems, ensuring a constant and reliable supply.
• Optimization of Energy Consumption: Smart grids enable consumers to manage their energy consumption more efficiently, maximizing the use of energy generated from renewable sources. This not only reduces energy costs but also decreases dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
• Reduction of Emissions: By facilitating the integration of clean energies, smart grids significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, supporting decarbonization goals and the fight against climate change.

The Impact of i-DE in Promoting Renewable Energies

At i-DE, as a distributor of the Iberdrola Group, we work on modernizing the grid and adopting smart solutions such as the installation of meters and advanced technologies that facilitate the integration of renewable energies and promote consumption’s electrification.

In this effort, we drive European projects like iGREENGrid, where smart digital infrastructures capable of effectively managing the variability of renewable energies are developed.

This project, along with other initiatives, allows the integration of clean energies, improves grid flexibility, and ensures efficient supply.
 

Through these actions, at i-DE we reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, working daily to integrate solutions that benefit society and the natural environment.