1: What is new energy
New energy, also known as unconventional energy, refers to various forms of energy beyond traditional energy. It refers to energy that has just begun to be developed and utilized or is actively being studied and needs to be promoted. It is of great significance in solving the serious environmental pollution and resource depletion problems in the world today, especially fossil energy.
Its various forms are directly or indirectly derived from the heat energy generated by the sun or the interior of the earth. This includes solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy, hydro energy, and ocean energy, as well as the energy generated by biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable energy. The development of the new energy industry is not only an effective supplement to the entire energy supply system, but also an important measure for environmental governance and ecological protection. It is the ultimate energy choice to meet the sustainable development needs of human society.
2: The main types of new energy
1) Solar energy
Solar energy is the energy generated by the continuous nuclear fusion reaction process inside the sun, and its utilization is mainly focused on solar power generation, solar heating, and other aspects. With the advancement of technology, solar photovoltaic power generation is being widely used. Our country has abundant solar energy resources. In addition to power generation, the current utilization of solar energy includes solar collectors, solar greenhouses, solar drying, solar refrigeration, etc.
2) Wind energy
Wind energy resources are the kinetic energy generated by air flow, with the characteristics of wide distribution and low energy density, suitable for on-site development and nearby utilization. However, wind energy is greatly affected by meteorological conditions, and the power output is not stable. In windy weather, a lot of electricity can be generated, but when meteorological conditions change and wind speeds decrease, it will affect the power output.
3) Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is natural thermal energy extracted from the Earth's crust, which comes from lava inside the Earth and exists in the form of heat. It has the characteristics of clean environmental protection, wide use, good stability, and recyclability. Compared with wind energy, solar energy, etc., it is not affected by external factors such as seasons, climate, day and night changes, and is a realistic and competitive new energy.
4) Ocean energy
Ocean energy refers to renewable energy that is attached to seawater. The ocean receives, stores, and emits energy through various physical or chemical processes, which exist in the ocean in the form of waves, currents, tides, temperature differences, salinity differences, and so on. As a major marine resource country with a long coastline and numerous islands, China has abundant marine energy resources and enormous potential for marine energy development.
5) Biomass energy
Biomass energy refers to the energy stored in biomass by solar energy in the form of chemical energy, which mainly comes from the photosynthesis of green plants on Earth and can be converted into conventional solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Plants wither and flourish, and spring breeze comes back, making it an inexhaustible and renewable energy source. Many countries around the world have been actively researching and developing biomass energy for a long time, and China has abundant biomass energy resources.
6) Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy refers to the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, also known as atomic energy. Nuclear power generation is low-carbon and environmentally friendly, and the Earth has abundant nuclear energy reserves. However, the reprocessing and peaceful use of nuclear energy waste still have a long way to go.
3: Common characteristics of new energy
1) Rich in resources, renewable, and sustainable for human use;
2) Low energy density, requiring significant space for development and utilization;
3) It does not contain carbon or has very little carbon content, which has little impact on the environment;
4) Widely distributed, conducive to small-scale and dispersed utilization;
5) Intermittent supply with high volatility is unfavorable for continued energy supply;
6) Currently, apart from hydropower, the development and utilization cost of renewable energy is higher than that of fossil fuels