Blair Sergeant, a seasoned executive with a strong understanding of renewable energy, gives an overview of the industry and breaks down the different kinds that are available.

1. B L A I R S E R G E A N T
A N I N T R O D U C T I O N T O
R E N E W A B L E
E N E R G Y
B L A I R S E R G E A N T . N E T

2. T H E T E R M " R E N E W A B L E E N E R G Y "
gets tossed around frequently in today’s conversations, especially as more
people are growing more environmentally conscious. So what is it, exactly?
Renewable energy is natural, can’t run out, and serves as an alternative to fossil
fuels. That’s also why the terms “alternative energy” and “renewable energy” are
used interchangeably: because they serve as an alternative to energy from fossil
fuels. Overall, renewable energies are much better for the environment, given
the smaller footprint and less pollution. They’ve become so popular in recent
years, too, that renewable energy can no longer be considered “alternative.”

3. W I T H B I G C O M P A N I E S
such as Shell and BP supporting this
shift and investing in renewable energy,
countries are following their lead. The
International Renewable Energy Agency
(IRENA) elaborates:
Offshore wind investment increased
4x since 2013 @ USD 25 billion
25% share of total wind investment in
2016 and is poised for further growth
China commands more renewable
energy investment than any other
country
Renewables investment in India has
more than doubled between 2013-
2016.
Western Europe saw investment peak
in 2015 @ USD 73 billion before falling
to USD 53 billion in 2016.

4. Contractors are working to include more
eco-friendly building materials
Solar energy captures the sun’s energy,
uses it to convert energy/light through
photovoltaic systems
Energy can then be used in many
different ways: creating solar hot water
systems, electricity, cooling/heating
systems, light
S O L A R E N E R G Y
Most people have seen solar
panels on a roof somewhere

5. W I N D E N E R G Y
The uneven heating and
cooling of the
atmosphere cause
winds captured by wind
turbines, converted into
electricity
wind is free, technology
has recently advanced
so less expensive now
Exists on two scales:
single and utility

6. H Y D R O E L E C T R I C I T Y
Concept been around for a long time. Now harnessed in one of two ways:
“Pumped-storage hydropower” - water is stored in a reservoir by dams, which
flows through turbines to produce electricity
“Run of River hydropower” - doesn’t require a dam, instead funnels portion of
a river through a channel. This method dependent on geographic location.

7. B L A I R S E R G E A N T
R E A D T H E A R T I C L E A T
B L A I R S E R G E A N T . N E T