Energy costs are among the top three business operating expenses in 35% of U.S. small businesses, amounting to over $60 billion annually. Businesses rely on energy to support mission-critical operations such as running machinery and vehicles, heating and cooling, and lighting. 

While these are must-have uses, they contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to a report by energystar.gov, U.S. commercial buildings are responsible for 20% of the country’s annual GHG emissions. 

Such substantial cost and environmental ramifications emphasize the need for implementing energy management strategies. One hugely impactful strategy is tapping renewable energy sources to power buildings and significantly reduce carbon footprints.

Understanding Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy is derived from natural resources such as wind, sun, and water that replenish naturally. Renewable energy sources are in infinite supply, unlike non-renewable energy sources such as oil, natural gas, and coal, which gradually deplete with time. 

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy accounts for over 20% of all U.S. electricity, distributed as follows:

• Geothermal (0.4%): Thermal energy is extracted from hydrothermal reservoirs in the earth’s interior.

• Biomass (1.1%): Bioenergy is extracted from various organic materials such as dung, charcoal, agricultural residue, and wood. 

• Solar (5.6%): Panels with photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electrical energy.

• Hydropower (5.6%): Electricity is produced through kinetic energy as water moves from a higher to a lower elevation, spinning turbines at high speed.

• Wind (10%): Large wind turbines onshore and offshore leverage the kinetic energy of moving air to produce electricity.

Top Benefits of Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy can enhance your business or home and impacts the global ecosystem positively in the following ways:

• Promotes sustainability: Renewable energy enhances energy security independence, supporting sustainable operations throughout the year without unpredictable fluctuations in energy supply.

• Reduces GHG emissions: Generating renewable energy, such as wind and solar, doesn’t emit toxic GHG such as methane or carbon dioxide.   

• Enhances long-term cost-effectiveness: Generating renewable energy is much cheaper than non-renewable energy. A 2022 IRENA report found that two-thirds of renewable power installed in 2021 was more cost-effective than the globe’s cheapest coal-fired plant. 

With such remarkable benefits of renewable energy, it’s no surprise that many emerging trends are advancing the production and utility of these green energy sources. Technological advancements such as improved solar photovoltaic technology and government policy changes supporting clean energy tap into many of these trends. 

The Role of Renewables in Modern Energy Management

Energy management is all about optimizing energy resources to achieve maximum efficiency. On a small scale, it entails implementing modest energy-conscious actions such as switching to energy-saving bulbs or a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system. However, investing in renewable energy is the more impactful and long-term energy management strategy.

Fortunately, technology elevates renewables’ role in making modern energy management more efficient and to operate in real-time. The top technologies facilitating this trend include:

• Smart grids: Modern smart grids use sensors installed across the grid that track electrical flow in real-time. This allows renewable energy grids to collect first-hand data on electricity supply and demand, empowering them to manage energy production and distribution better.

• Internet of Things (IoT): IoT helps maximize efficiency in renewable energy production and management. For instance, IoT systems are deployed to remotely control dual-axis trackers on solar panels to ensure they continually receive maximum solar radiation.

• Smart lighting systems: The digitalized systems automatically adjust their light intensity based on available natural light. This significantly cuts down energy wastage. 

Integrating Renewables with Existing Energy Systems

While renewables are the future of energy production, there aren’t enough dedicated energy systems and storage solutions for renewable energy. This makes hybrid systems the most convenient option before a transition to clean energy systems actualizes.

Hybrid energy systems support generating, storing, and distributing renewable and non-renewable energy. Features of these hybrid energy systems include:

• Energy measurement systems

• Distributed generation

• Transmission network

• Hybrid energy generation technologies

• Energy storage systems

• Renewable energy systems

Hybrid energy systems expedite the integration of renewables into the existing energy systems. Beyond convenience, these systems are also cost-effective as they facilitate the utilization of renewables without starting from scratch and building dedicated renewable energy systems. 

The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Renewables

Considering renewals through the lens of economic and environmental benefits can lead us to a more robust understanding. Cost benefits of using renewables include:

• Reduced operational costs since renewables are more affordable and readily available

• Generation of renewables, which can create more job opportunities in the local and global economy 

• More predictable prices due to enhanced energy security and independence

Eco-benefits include:

• Reduced carbon emissions, which aligns with the net-zero agreement as per the Paris Agreement

• Sustained and enhanced public health since there’s less production of harmful gasses 

The Future of Energy Management with Renewables

Thanks to rapid tech advancements and favorable policies, renewables may dominate future energy landscapes. Crucial renewable innovations facilitating energy management include offshore wind farms, better energy storage solutions, and more efficient solar panels. 

Transitioning to renewable energy is a critical strategy for future-proofing your building or home. Call ULE Group today, and let us help you smoothly transition to renewables.

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---