Fossil fuels in the forms of petroleum, coal or natural gas have no doubt been the most used sources of energy in modern history. They have been used to produce in today’s world the commodities that most would consider basic needs.
Energy from fossil fuels provides us with electricity in our homes, fuel for transportation, and power in our production industries. Energy from fossil fuels is certainly a demand, but just how much of this resource, hidden deep under the Earth’s surface, do we have left? The fact is that not a lot is left. Fossil fuels are becoming harder and harder to find, and are considered a non-renewable resource. More so, this source of energy has been associated with having a negative impact on the health of the environment; and, more specifically, has significantly contributed to human-induced climate change.
It is no wonder, then, that great effort is made to utilize other sources of energy, which, when compared to fossil fuels, have a minimal environmental impact. Such alternative energy sources are being obtained from the natural elements in the environment, such as the sun (solar), wind, water (hydropower), steam (geothermal) and even tidal action (wave).
The alternatives to fossil fuels all have one very important feature in common – they are all renewable sources of energy. Renewable energy is far more beneficial for the environment than fossil fuels, and the use of renewable sources such as solar panels and wind turbines would lead to cost savings, a healthier environment, and can be utilized at both the domestic and commercial levels.
In keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, Guyana is making significant strides to wean itself from the substantial use of fossil fuels by implementing renewable energy projects across the country in both the private and public sectors. The installation of solar panels on homes, especially in the interior regions such as Mahdia – Installation of 0.65 MW Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System; Leguan – Installation of 0.6 MW Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System; Bartica – Construction/Installation of a Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System at Dogg Point; are examples of Government-funded projects.
Hydro-power projects include investment in the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric Project, and the Kato Installation of 150 kW Micro Hydropower Plant.
Meanwhile, we can all make a conscious effort to conserve energy in our daily activities by better managing our consumption of electricity in our homes and work places.
Here are some tips for energy conservation
that we can easily adopt:
– Switch to using energy-saving bulbs;
– Purchase appliances with the Energy Star Logo;
– Turn off and unplug appliances that are not being used;
– Collect rainwater for use;
– Open windows and make use of natural light.
These simple actions can certainly help you to contribute to protecting the environment while reducing energy expenses.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
