CC BY
4POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF USING RENEWABLE ENERGY
SOURCES
SAFAROVA MUNAVVAR AJDAR
Odlar Yurdu University, Baku
Summary. The use of alternative energy sources has emerged as a critical response to the pressing challenges posed by conventional energy sources, including environmental degradation, climate change, and energy security. Alternative energy includes various renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass energy. These sources offer a sustainable and environmentally efficient alternative to fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Renewable energy technologies have witnessed rapid advances in recent decades, making them increasingly cost-effective and efficient. For example, solar energy has become more accessible with the widespread adoption of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal systems. Wind energy has also experienced significant growth with the development of large-scale wind farms that use the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity. In addition, hydropower, geothermal and biomass energy systems have proven to be reliable sources of clean energy, further diversifying the global energy mix.
Keywords: energy, resource, wind, economic, solar
The use of alternative energy sources provides both economic and environmental advantages. Economically, these sources often provide long-term cost savings compared to traditional fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower typically have lower operating and maintenance costs once the infrastructure is in place. In addition, they can reduce dependence on imported fuels, thereby enhancing energy security and reducing vulnerability to price volatility in global energy markets.
Alternative energy sources often provide long-term cost savings. Although the initial investment for infrastructure such as solar panels or wind turbines may be higher, operation and maintenance costs are typically lower than for traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources. Once installed, renewable energy systems can produce electricity at a fixed cost throughout their lifetime, thereby protecting consumers from fluctuating fuel prices. The transition to alternative energy sources creates job opportunities in various sectors such as manufacturing, installation, maintenance, research and development. It stimulates economic growth and supports local communities. Alternative energy sources reduce dependence on imported fuels and increase energy security of countries. By diversifying the energy mix and using local renewable sources, countries can reduce their vulnerability to supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The transition to alternative energy sources is fueling technological innovation and advancements. Research and development in renewable energy technologies is leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and advances in energy storage solutions.
From an environmental perspective, alternative energy sources offer significant benefits. They produce low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, which helps mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, they also contribute to improved air and water quality, as well as habitat destruction associated with resource extraction. In addition, alternative energy sources have a minimal impact on ecosystems, protect biodiversity and support ecological balance.
Alternative energy sources produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy production does not emit carbon dioxide or other pollutants that cause climate change. By replacing fossil fuel-based energy production, these sources help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Unlike burning fossil fuels, which release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, renewable energy sources have minimal air emissions. Alternative energy sources contribute to improved public
ОФ "Международный научно-исследовательский центр "Endless Light in Science"
health and lower health care costs by reducing air pollution. Hydropower and some other renewable energy technologies use significantly less water to produce electricity than traditional thermal power plants. This helps conserve water resources, especially in water-scarce or drought-prone regions. Renewable energy infrastructure occupies relatively small land areas compared to fossil fuel extraction and power generation facilities. Additionally, renewable energy projects can be designed and located to minimize environmental impacts and protect habitats, biodiversity and ecosystems.
Alternative energy sources are derived from naturally renewable resources such as sunlight, wind, water and heat from the Earth's interior. Unlike finite fossil fuel resources, renewable resources are abundant and sustainable in the long term, supporting a more robust and sustainable energy future. By harnessing the economic and environmental benefits of alternative energy sources, societies can transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems that meet current and future energy needs while protecting the planet for future generations.
The use of alternative energy sources is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the world due to the need to solve environmental problems, strengthen energy security and promote economic development. Azerbaijan, like many other countries, is actively exploring the potential of alternative energy to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels.
Initiatives such as the development of wind and solar energy projects in Azerbaijan highlight the country's commitment to the implementation of renewable energy technologies. For example, partnerships with international companies such as China Gezhouba Group Overseas Investment demonstrate Azerbaijan's commitment to using renewable energy potential through large-scale projects.
In the Detailed Action Plan for 2023-2024 of the "State Program for Socio-Economic Development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in 2023-2027", significant attention has been paid to the creation of the "Green Energy Zone". This initiative involves the development of a comprehensive Concept and Action Plan aimed at promoting the development of renewable energy projects in the region. As part of these efforts, agreements have been formalized with well-known companies in the field, such as "Nobel Energy Management", "TotalEnergies" and "AZ Czech Engineering". These agreements represent a joint effort to implement various green energy projects with a total capacity of more than 1,000 MW.
On the global stage, countries around the world are switching to alternative energy sources to sustainably meet their energy needs. The adoption of solar and wind energy has increased in recent years, with countries such as China, the United States and Germany leading the way in installing renewable energy capacity.
Switching to alternative energy sources offers numerous economic advantages. By reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, countries can strengthen energy security and reduce vulnerability to price volatility in global energy markets. In addition, investments in renewable energy infrastructure stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities in sectors ranging from manufacturing and construction to research and development. The renewable energy sector has emerged as an important driver of innovation and entrepreneurship promoting the transition to a more sustainable and sustainable economy.
From an environmental point of view, alternative energy sources offer significant benefits for environmental protection and ecosystem protection. By using renewable resources such as sunlight, wind and water, these technologies minimize greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the effects of climate change. The application of solar and wind energy systems reduces dependence on fossil fuels, thereby reducing air pollution and improving air quality in urban areas. In addition, hydropower and biomass energy systems offer opportunities for sustainable land use and ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and promoting ecosystem health.
In conclusion, the adoption of alternative energy sources represents a transformative transition towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. By harnessing the economic potential and environmental benefits of renewable resources, societies can mitigate the negative effects of climate change, strengthen energy security and promote socio-economic development. Through sustained
ОФ "Международный научно-исследовательский центр "Endless Light in Science"
investment, innovation and policy support, the transition to alternative energy sources provides a path
to building sustainable, prosperous and inclusive communities for present and future generations.
LIST OF LITERATURE
1. Barreto, R. A. (2018). Fossil fuels, alternative energy and economic growth. Economic Modelling, 75, 196-220.
2. Direct Solar Energy. In IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation, IPCC, 2011.
3. Dyatlov, S. A., Didenko, N. I., Ivanova, E. A., Soshneva, E. B., & Kulik, S. V. (2020). Prospects for alternative energy sources in global energy sector. In IOP conference series: Earth and environmental science (Vol. 434, No. 1, p. 012014). IOP Publishing.
4. Flaksman, A. S., Mozgovoy, A. I., Lopatkin, D. S., Dikikh, V. A., Shamsov, I. S., Romanova, J. A., ... & Bovtrikova, E. V. (2021, March). Prospects for the development of alternative energy sources in the world energy. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 723, No. 5, p. 052040). IOP Publishing.
5. Hodge, B. K. (2017). Alternative energy systems and applications. John Wiley & Sons.
6. Honcharuk, I., & Babyna, O. (2020). Dominant trends of innovation and investment activities in the development of alternative energy sources. Wschodnioeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe (East European Scientific Journal). 2020.-№ 2 (54). P. 6-12.
7. Khakimov, S. I., & Magomedov, I. A. (2021). Alternative sources of energy. The world in the era of globalization of the economy and the legal sphere: the role of biotechnology and digital technologies, 266.
8. Mustafakulov, A. A., & Jumanov A. (2020). The use of alternative sources of energy in mountainous areas of the Dzhizak region of Uzbekistan. Internauka, (41-1), 73-76.
9. Porfiriev, B. N., & Roginko, C. A. (2016). Problems and perspectives of the development of alternative energy at the modern stage of modernization of the world and Russian economy. In Alternative energy as a factor of modernization of the Russian economy: tendencies and perspectives (pp. 10-37).
10. Shekikhachev, Yu. A., Batyrov, V. H., & Shekikhachev L. Z. (2019). Use of biofuel as an alternative source of energy in agriculture. Izvestia of the Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian University. VM Kokova, (2 (24)), 99-104.
11. Solar PV (2023), International Energy Agency.
12. Tsepkovskaya, T. A. (2019). Possibilities of using alternative sources of energy. In Innovation Methods of Design of Buildings and Structures (pp. 282-284).
ОФ "Международный научно-исследовательский центр "Endless Light in Science"
