7 Fun Facts About Renewable Energy You Never Knew

The Thanksgiving dinner table talk can be fraught with conversational landmines. But if you're looking for a topic to get even your most fossil-fuel-loving family members oohing and aahing rather than yelling and death-staring, here are some fun conversation starters on renewable energy for you!

Here are some lesser-known facts about renewables.

1. Paving the Future: The Rise of Solar Roads

When we think of bringing sustainability to our roads, our minds often leap to electric and hydrogen vehicles. While these technologies do cut down on emissions, why stop there?

Here's a fact that'll really get your engines revving about renewables: Imagine driving on a road that not only gets you from point A to point B, but also generates clean energy along the way.

Countries, such as the U.S., France and the Netherlands, are experimenting with the concept of embedding solar panels into their roadways. This innovative concept could turn miles of pavement into paths of power seamlessly blending transportation with renewable energy.

The first solar road actually already opened in 2016: The Tourouvre-au-Perche, in France. They are not as efficient as straight solar panels due to the lack of an optimal tilt following the sun and their inability to vent air when they overheat. Despite Normany's cloudy disposition, the over 600 mile long solar road produced 150,000 kWh/yr which is still enough to power nearly 400 refrigerators year round. Imagine the amazing outputs that these roads could have in sunny areas. Who said there's no room for renewable infrastructure when we've got all these roads?

2. Scoopin' Up the Wind

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream has always been a whirlwind of innovative flavor, but now that phrase takes on more meaning. Dairy is a large contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and for this ice cream shop it accounts for 53% of their emissions. To mitigate this they have turned to renewable energy. Their main factory in the Netherlands, has been sourcing all of their power from wind turbines since 2011, allowing customers to enjoy their treats with much less guilt!

3. Fish Need Ladders

In the world of hydropower, not all heroes wear capes - some have steps. To ensure that aquatic life can thrive despite the presence of dams, some hydroelectric plants have installed fish ladders, essentially creating staircases for fish to navigate the dam's walls.

This innovation addresses one of the major concerns surrounding hydropower: the potential harm it can bring to wildlife. Dams can significantly disrupt migration patterns and are the main reason fish population has declined 81% since 1970. But fish ladders save the day!

These ingenious structures allow fish to migrate upstream to spawn, preserving delicate ecosystems while still generating energy. By blending technology with nature, fish ladders demonstrate that sustainable practices can coexist with energy production.

4. Iceland's Geothermal Wonderland

Despite its chilling name, Iceland has got something hot, hot, hot! Can you believe that 90% of the country's homes are heated using geothermal energy? This renewable resource not only heats homes but also powers hot springs, allowing residents and visitors alike to relax in naturally heated water.

In fact, Iceland gets all of its electricity from renewable energy sources, 25% of that being geothermal. Its unique geology has allowed the nation to take the lead in renewables.

The Earth's heat is giving them stunning natural hot tubs outdoors as well as allowing them to take hot showers indoors. It's a win-win!

5. Soaring High: The Solar-Powered Airplanes

Buckle up for this solar technology! The Solar Impulse 2 made history as the first aircraft to fly around the world powered entirely by solar energy. Completing its epic journey in 2016 with wings adorned with solar panels, it flew without burning a single drop of fossil fuel, proving that aviation could one day be "clean."

6. Dance to the Whoosh of the Wind Turbine

Who needs music when you have wind turbines? The Denmark Dance Company held a workshop and performed at the Denmark Community Windfarm in January, celebrating the beautiful synergy between the arts and renewable energy. This "turbine tuneup" sounds like an absolute hoot!

7. Underwater Kites or Sea Monsters?

When you hear "Sea Dragons," you probably don't picture underwater kites. But that's exactly what they are in the Faroe Islands. These unique creations represent a fascinating blend of nature and technology, designed to harness the power of the ocean.

These fascinating five-meter long kites dance with the tides 40 meters below the surface. With their big wings, they glide in a figure-eight, generating enough energy to power 50-70 homes each! With just 50,000 residents, the islands already rely on hydroelectric power for over 40% of their energy, and now they're adding these amazing tidal kites to fill the gap.

This innovative technology is a key component of the island's plan to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. As of 2023, they had already achieved 50% of their energy coming from renewables. These tidal kites are set to push them to the finish line.

They're super low-impact and don't take up any land, making them perfect for the island lifestyle. These kites even have the potential to supply power to half of all homes in the Faroes.

This is the perfect opportunity to introduce your family to EARTHDAY.ORG's theme for 2025, Our Power, Our Planet™ which calls for a triple in renewable energy generation by 2030.

Renewable energy is all about embracing the innovative and often unexpected ways we can harness nature's power. Who said renewable energy can't be fun and exciting?

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