We are organizing a contest called “#ClimateTech Young Talents.” One of Electrum’s missions is to promote and support education on renewable energy sources. Through initiatives like internship programs, we can also engage young talents who consider the fate of the planet as important as we do.
#ClimateTech Young Talents is aimed at high school students who wish to actively contribute to combating climate change in their region. Through a creative approach, participants will have the opportunity to present their visions for utilizing renewable energy to protect the environment. The prize for the authors of the most inspiring projects is a paid internship at Electrum and modern e-book readers.
The contest involves proposing innovative solutions to significant problems in the local community, utilizing energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or water energy. Participants can enter individually or in teams of up to three people. In preparing their projects, they will be supported by experts from Electrum and the Association of Science Advocates, the substantive partner of the initiative.
To facilitate the preparation of competition entries, we have prepared a form along with details about the task and a schedule for consultations with mentors, available on the project’s website.
Let’s start a new chapter together, inspiring youth to take action for green energy!
Thanks to technological advances, renewable energy sources (RES) are becoming increasingly accessible and affordable for the industry. In Poland, a total of 357,093 RES installations will be installed in 2022, of which 356,966 are photovoltaic installations. With the increasing demand for energy and the rising cost of fossil fuels, more and more countries are choosing to invest in RES. Renewable energy is not only an environmental issue. It is also an opportunity for economic development and energy independence.
Renewable Energy Market in Poland
In Poland, the RES market is one of the fastest growing sectors. In the context of the move away from the use of fossil fuels in industry, RES represent an alternative to traditional energy sources. RES in Europe are already able to deliver around 60% of the greenhouse gas emission reductions that will be needed to meet the net-zero target by 2050.
Planned Changes and Challenges
In Poland, the government plans to increase the share of RES in the energy mix to 23.5% in 2030. However, one of the most important challenges for RES is their variable performance, which depends on weather conditions. As the technology develops, more and more companies are investing in energy storage. It allows electricity to be stored for use at a later date.
Key Role of RES for Climate Goals
In summary, RES are an alternative to traditional energy sources and their development is key to achieving climate goals. In Poland, the RES market is developing rapidly. The government plans to increase their share in the energy mix.
Alternative energy is a field that is gaining popularity as the climate crisis advances. Alternative energy systems, such as the construction of photovoltaic farms and wind farms, are becoming increasingly common to meet the demand for electrical power.
Alternative Energy
Renewable energy sources (RES) are a key component of alternative energy. Among them, photovoltaic farms and wind farms stand out. The construction of photovoltaic farms involves the installation of PV panels that convert solar energy into electrical energy. PV panels are becoming more efficient and cheaper to produce, making them increasingly popular. Wind farm construction involves the installation of wind turbines that convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Wind farms are particularly effective in regions with strong winds.
Climate Tech
Alternative energy is a crucial component of Climate Tech – technologies aimed at combating climate change. Unlike traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels, RES do not emit greenhouse gases and do not contribute to global warming. Furthermore, RES are unlimited and available worldwide.
Challenges for Alternative Energy
One of the challenges for alternative energy is the lack of stability in the energy supply. In the case of photovoltaic and wind farms, energy is only produced when weather conditions are appropriate. To address this issue, it is necessary to develop new technologies for storing electrical energy.
Alternative Energy Systems as a Solution to Problems
In summary, alternative energy is a new path in electrical energy production. Alternative energy systems, such as the construction of photovoltaic and wind farms, are a key element of this field. RES are unlimited and available worldwide, and they do not emit greenhouse gases. One of the challenges for alternative energy is the lack of stability in the energy supply, but the development of new technologies for storing electrical energy can help address this issue.
Wind power plants are one of the most popular sources of renewable energy. They contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
How Do Wind Power Plants Work?
Wind power plants harness the force of the wind to generate electrical energy. The wind drives the turbine blades, which then transfer the energy to a generator. The generator converts it into electrical energy. Wind power plants are typically constructed in areas with high wind speeds, such as coastal regions or mountains.
Advantages of Wind Power Plants
Wind power plants offer several advantages, including:
Clean Energy: Wind power plants do not emit greenhouse gases or other air pollutants.
Renewable: Wind is an infinite source of energy, meaning wind power plants can operate for many years without the need for fuel replenishment.
Low Operating Costs: After installing a wind power plant, operating costs are relatively low.
Scalability: Wind power plants can be built in various sizes, from small turbines on rooftops to large wind farms.
Disadvantages of Wind Power Plants
Wind power plants also have several disadvantages, including:
Dependence on Weather Conditions: Wind power plants require strong and consistent winds to generate electrical energy. In the absence of wind or in the presence of excessively strong winds, the power plant may cease to operate.
Environmental Impact: The construction of wind power plants can affect the natural environment, particularly if they are built in protected areas or areas inhabited by wildlife.
Alternative Energy Systems
Wind power plants are just one of many alternative energy sources. Other alternative energy systems include solar power plants, hybrid power plants, geothermal power plants, and hydroelectric power plants.
Renewable energy sources (RES) are those that harness natural processes in the environment, such as wind, sun, water, biomass, or geothermal energy. RES are increasingly popular and desired because they offer numerous advantages compared to traditional energy sources like coal, oil, or gas. Some of these advantages include:
RES are environmentally friendly as they do not emit harmful greenhouse gases or other pollutants contributing to global warming and climate change.
RES are renewable, meaning they cannot be depleted and are available independently of geopolitical situations or commodity prices.
RES are diverse and flexible, adaptable to various geographical conditions and energy needs.
RES benefit the economy by creating new jobs, stimulating technological innovations, and reducing energy import dependence.
Among various types of RES, several main categories stand out:
Wind Farms – also known as wind farms, they utilize the kinetic energy of the wind to power turbines that generate electrical current. Wind farms can be on land or at sea, depending on the location and wind conditions.
Solar Energy – it employs solar radiation to produce heat or electrical current using photovoltaic panels. Solar energy, obtained, for example, with wind farms, is one of the cheapest and fastest-growing RES sources globally.
Hydropower – it uses the potential or kinetic energy of water to power turbines or generators. Hydropower can be derived from rivers, lakes, oceans, or waves. It is one of the oldest and most reliable RES sources.
Biomass – it uses organic material of plant or animal origin to produce heat, electrical current, or biofuels. Biomass can be obtained from agricultural, forestry, municipal, or industrial waste. It is one of the most versatile and accessible RES sources.
Geothermal Energy – it harnesses the heat stored deep within the Earth to heat or cool buildings or produce electrical current. Geothermal energy is one of the cleanest and most stable RES sources as it is not weather-dependent or season-specific.
Renewable energy sources represent the direction of energy development worldwide. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the share of RES in global electricity production will increase from 29% in 2020 to 43% in 2030 and 60% in 2050. However, achieving these goals requires investments, policies, and cooperation at the local, national, and international levels.
One of the areas with significant potential for RES development is alternative energy. It encompasses various forms of energy production, distribution, and consumption that are alternatives to the traditional model based on fossil fuels and centralized energy grids. Some examples of alternative energy include:
Microgrids – these are local energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. Microgrids use RES, energy storage, and smart technologies to ensure reliable and efficient energy access for users.
Hydrogen Economy – this envisions hydrogen as the primary energy carrier, produced from RES, stored, transported, and used for various purposes such as vehicle propulsion, building heating, or industrial power.
Prosumers – these are individuals or entities that both produce and consume electrical energy. Prosumers can install their RES sources, like photovoltaic panels or wind turbines, and sell surplus energy to the grid or share it with other users.
Alternative energy offers many benefits to society and the environment, such as:
Enhanced energy security and reduced dependence on foreign energy suppliers.
Lower energy costs and a reduction in energy poverty.
Improved air quality and public health by lowering pollutant emissions.
Support for local communities and economies by creating jobs and income.
Acceleration of the energy transition and the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To fully exploit the potential of alternative energy, comprehensive RES solutions are required, integrating various technologies, services, and stakeholders into a sustainable energy system. Such solutions demand innovation on multiple levels, such as:
Technology – developing new or enhancing existing RES technologies, such as higher-efficiency photovoltaic panels, quieter wind turbines, or higher-capacity batteries.
Business – creating new or adapting existing RES business models, like equipment leasing, participation in energy communities, or offering energy management services.
Policy – introducing new or amending existing RES regulations and tax laws, such as setting energy tariffs, offering investment incentives, or issuing energy certificates.
Society – building new or strengthening existing social and cultural relationships related to RES, such as citizen engagement, education, environmental awareness, or cross-sectoral cooperation.
