Introduction
Energy is one of the fundamental aspects of human life. Ranging from domestic to industrial use energy, it is in great demand. The unlimited demands for the energy has necessitated the innovative ideas to ensure that the supply is constant even in future. Several countries have devised mechanism to ensure that natural energy supply does not go to depletion. Energy renewable programs have tremendously reduced the cost of energy in terms of production as well as for domestic purposes. Some of the programs that are renewable include geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, ECTOS demonstration project, electric vehicles, wind, and sun. This essay explores on the renewable programs of such countries as Iceland, New Zealand, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland. Moreover, the paper shows how these programs have contributed to the economic growth of various nations. In addition, it has been discussed the strengths and some of the limitations of the programs implemented by these nations.
Energy renewable programs in Iceland
Geothermal energy
Iceland lies within the mid-Atlantic and has a certain technological advancement. Within the country, there are several active volcanoes and hot springs with very high temperatures of above 300 F. The country takes this opportunity for heating household water and swimming pools. The strength of this program is that it is independent of any source since it is natural. The only weakness is that it cannot be reliable for use. In addition, the cost of taping geothermal power is high. In my view, irrespective of the cost of taping geothermal power, it is the best source of electrical power.
Hydroelectric Power
Since 1904, Iceland has steadily invested in production of hydroelectric power. 7000GWh is currently produced due to this program. Most of the current incomes from Landsvirkjun are used in production industries like aluminum product manufacturing. However, despite Iceland having high potential hydro-energy production, only 17% of hydro-energy is used for production purposes. The weakness of this program is that it cannot be harnessed from all the water bodies. However, it generates electrical power than any other source. In my view, hydroelectric power provides electrical energy in a wide area hence the best source of energy.
Energy renewable programs in Canada
Canada is one of the developed nations that employ efficient way of renewable programs. Canada uses such energy sources as geothermal, wind, solar, marine biotech and hydro energy. The programs have the implementation policies that ensure not only diversity in the harness of the energy but also the protection of the environment and the society. These programs are alternative sources of energy in this country. For instance, geothermal is an epitome source that generates energy in large scale. The only weakness of this program in Canada is that it cannot serve the entire nation. In contrast, Canadian geothermal power program is the cheapest. In my view, the country should develop this program to reduce the cost of energy. Despite the sophistication of the energy technology in Canada, there are still challenges concerning improvement of geothermal source of energy. For instance, implementation of large production of geothermal energy is in place. Canada has also invested in researches that enhance innovation within the energy sector that favors the growth of geothermal sources.
Energy renewable programs in New Zealand
New Zealand has a number of sources of renewable energy. They include solar, wind and biofuels. These sources of renewable energy undergo frequent replenishment to enhance free flow of energy. Natural sources like wind and sun are the most used in the country. The nation uses renewed energy above any other state in the world. Over 70% of the energy used in New Zealand is renewable. In the south of the state, there are big rivers with waterfalls that provide water for hydroelectric power. In addition, New Zealand has hot springs that are harness steams to provide geothermal energy. In New Zealand, about 5% of the energy used in the production are generated from bioenergy. Moreover, the state uses waste wood to produce energy. The only weakness of these programs is that they cannot be implemented on a long-term basis. On the other hand, they are the cheapest sources of energy. In review, the country should improve these programs to enjoy electrical power at lower prices.
Energy renewable programs in Norway
Norway has found policies that enhance energy renewable programs. The policies ensure efficient energy supply but at the same time, they also ensure that environment is safe. Norway established an agency known as Enova that helped in achieving the target of renewable energy program. In Norway, about 127.1 terra watt comes from hydropower. This represents 96% of the energy produced in the country. However, overreliance on the hydroelectric power is a major challenge due to weather and climate changes, especially during dry season. They also trap wind energy during the windy season to supplement on the hydropower during wintertime when the demand of power is high but water supply is low. Norway is one of the countries in the world that benefits from energy renewable resources. The weakness of these programs is that they cannot serve the total population of Norway. However, these sources are readily available at lower costs. As a result, the alternative sources of energy have reduced the cost of energy in the production field.
Energy renewable programs in Switzerland
Energy renewable programs in Switzerland include sensitization, advisory services training, quality assurance, and promotion of the project that uses renewable energy programs. The programs ensure that all the parties, such as private sector and communities, are involved to ensure the efficiency in implementation. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy spearheads these programs. It is responsible for managerial activities of projects. In Swiss, different renewable energy sources are used. These sources include solar, hydropower, windmill biomass biofuel, and bio gas energy.5 In Switzerland, about 56% of the domestic energy comes from solar energy. Switzerland has a capacity of 300MW and about 1500 MCHF of which may be given for the export. By 2012, the country had installed solar panels to have capability of producing about 50 MW. Besides, only one main weakness is facing solar energy in Switzerland which is not all people can afford the cost of solar panels. However, once the solar panels are acquired, they are cheap to maintain. Therefore, the nation should come up with ways of ensuring that every citizen enjoys the power at lower cost.
Conclusion
Energy production is very vital for the drive of the economy. The world at large should diversify the sources to reduce over usage of fossil energy that is at threat of depletion. Renewable energy is cheap and can help the nation save a lot of money that can enhance economic development in many countries. Geothermal, hydroelectric powers as well as electric vehicles are some energy renewable programs that have contributed to the economic development of Iceland, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and New Zealand. Finally, it is worth noting that renewable energy is environmentally friendly.
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