Renewable energy is essential for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. While solar and wind power are the most well-known sources of renewable energy, there are many other unorthodox sources that are gaining attention. In this blog, we will explore some of these unconventional renewable energy sources.
One promising technology is piezoelectricity, which generates electricity from pressure or vibration. Piezoelectric materials, such as crystals or ceramics, produce an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress. This technology has been used in a variety of applications, including generating electricity from footsteps on a sidewalk or vibrations in a car engine.
Another unorthodox source of renewable energy is harnessing body heat. Researchers have developed wearable thermoelectric generators that can generate electricity from body heat. These devices can be used to power wearable electronics or medical devices.
Sand dunes are also being explored as a potential source of renewable energy. The kinetic energy from the movement of sand dunes can be harnessed to generate electricity. Researchers are exploring ways to capture this energy and convert it into electricity.
Finally, space bubbles are a new technology being developed by researchers at MIT. These bubbles are designed to capture and convert sunlight into electricity in space, which can then be transmitted back to Earth via microwave radiation.
While these technologies are still in the experimental stage, they have the potential to play a significant role in our future energy mix. By exploring unorthodox sources of renewable energy, we can continue to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and work towards a more sustainable future.
Sources:
- “Piezoelectricity – The Renewable Energy We’ve Been Waiting For?” The Happy Neuron, https://thehappyneuron.com/2021/07/piez
