Which renewable energy sources will work best for your business?
For several years, businesses have needed to take climate change and the importance of reducing our collective carbon footprint seriously. As more companies choose sustainable energy alternatives, staying one step ahead of the competition is vital to building a successful and greener future.
But before planning out your futures portfolio and your stack and roll hedge, you need to understand which renewable energy sources will best suit your needs. To do that well, you must know what options you have at your disposal based on your location and energy needs. To help you find the best energy source possible, here are different renewable energy choices for you to select from.
Solar power
Solar panels rely on sunlight to turn electricity. They’re becoming more common in small to medium businesses and residential homes. While solar panels can cost a fair amount of money upfront, they’re considered a smart investment that will save your business money in the long run.
One of the main benefits of solar panels is that they don’t require much space. If your business has premises or a warehouse, installing solar panels onto the roof is likely possible. However, not every building is in the right location to make the most of solar panels. If your premises rarely get sun, you may need to consider setting up your panels elsewhere.
Hydroelectric energy
This renewable energy source is gained from the water flow stored in dams and rivers. Once released, it can power turbines to generate electricity. If the water flow isn’t sufficient to power it, there’s the option of pumping it back into the river to help generate more electricity.
Building your hydroelectric power plant can be a significant investment, so many businesses looking to use this type of energy will typically buy it from a utility company. However, some businesses build their micro-hydro systems if they can access rivers and streams in their area. You can use little turbines to generate electricity and hopefully power your business.
Biomass energy
Biomass energy comes from burning or fermenting organic matter like wood and straw. And while biomass fuels still create pollutants, they’re considered a better alternative for the planet than fossil fuels. While biomass does reduce carbon emissions compared to these fossil fuels, there are strict regulations in the Clean Air Act you’ll need to follow.
Businesses that use waste products as biomass fuel can benefit from this type of energy. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you will also be saving money and putting business waste to good use. There are a few different approaches you can take to harness biomass energy. For example, you could use a biomass boiler to generate hot steam or convert your biomass into biofuel to power your machinery.
Wind power
Wind farms are becoming more popular as people seek cleaner energy sources. However, they tend to be affected by the landscapes and the flow of air and water around them. In other words, for wind power to work well, it needs a strong wind flow.
You will need a considerable amount of space to build your wind turbine, so this type of renewable energy likely won’t be suited to businesses operating in cities. However, if you have a farm or large open space near your warehouses or factories, you could consider constructing a turbine there. Wind turbines are even more effective by the sea or in locations that are higher up, which could suit some businesses perfectly.
Hydrogen
As one of the Earth’s most readily available resources, hydrogen is an ideal alternative energy source. However, hydrogen can only be found in organic sources and not alone. Therefore, it must still be separated from that organic source before it can be burned to create renewable energy. You can use fuel cells to turn your hydrogen into power to avoid combustion. These fuel cells can be used for all kinds of things, such as powering vehicles and machinery or acting as backup power generators for your factory.
Which type of energy is right for you?
Every business will have different energy needs, so you’ll need to do some deeper research into the different types listed above and assess your circumstances. Consider carefully how much energy you’ll need, whether you want to invest much money into this initiative, and the available space.
Some businesses will invest a lot of money into renewable energy, and when they produce more than they need, they will sell the surplus to other businesses. If you’re looking for a way to become greener and generate new income streams, this approach could be for you. However, consulting with an expert before doing so may be beneficial, as they’ll have much more insight into the process than your current team.
Final thoughts
It’s not always easy to have the foresight to transition into a more sustainable business. However, with fossil fuels depleting, it’s necessary for any business planning to be around for the next few decades. Any company that hopes to be a thought leader and keep ahead of its competitors should have plans for a more sustainable future.
Taking the time to explore your above options can help set the path for where your business goes next, how others perceive it, and what part you’ve played in the planet’s future. Don’t forget to tell your customers exactly what you’re doing and why – they will see your business in a new and improved light.
