Renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, hydro (water), geothermal, and biomass energy, are ones that are readily available and often in unlimited supply (or replenished at a rate that is faster than its demand).

Many of these sources are considered “clean” or “green” energy because harnessing them does not involve releasing an abundance of additional gasses into the atmosphere as a by-product. One of the disadvantages to these sources is that a lot of input is required to produce not a great amount of return on power, some renewables require large amounts of land, and there can be some disruption of the environment and habitats for living things.

Non-renewable energy involves using sources of energy that will eventually run out and can’t be replaced fast enough to keep up with the demand. These are sources like burning fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, and oil) and nuclear fission (which involves the splitting of uranium atoms that are found in mined ore).

These sources will not only run out, but they also have dangerous and harmful effects on the environment. They disrupt the balance of gasses in our Earth’s atmosphere and directly contribute to global warming and climate change.

The advantages to these sources is that these systems have already been up and running effectively for many years. They supply mass amounts of electricity to large areas, and currently, fossil fuels are readily available. All of these advantages make non-renewables a cost-effective energy option.

Ontario is demonstrating leadership by developing what it calls the “Smart Grid.” Our grid is now connected to sensors and computer chips that help to detect and fix outages quickly and that will also help citizens manage their personal energy use better.

The Smart Grid Fund was launched in 2011 with 50 million dollars in funding. The funds are being used by 11 different energy organizations that are using improved or new innovative technologies to modernize their grids. For instance, they might be tracking energy use better, balancing voltage more automatically, and/or integrating new technology.

As well, this fund helps to bring clean energy to remote communities that rely on burning diesel fuel to generate electricity. This funding is helping these communities to have their own small distribution grid that uses electricity that comes from cleaner options, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric resources as well.

The Green Button is a technology that allows households and businesses to connect their energy data use to a third-party app of their choice. Users can easily access and analyze their energy use to help them conserve energy and save money. These apps can also help individuals plan energy-efficient improvements to their home or business that could reduce user costs and potentially supply power.

Ontario is currently exploring ways that it can store unused electricity. Finding ways to store this electricity could revolutionize the electricity system. Potentially, we could be more efficient in making electricity, lower costs for everyone, and make the system more reliable. For example, it could be stored during times of low usage and used later during times of high usage.

Energy storage has been identified as a key to reducing the effects of climate change. Currently, globally only 3% of the power generated is being stored. To limit global warming, energy storage capacity needs to triple by 2050. Through energy storage, we can use energy more effectively, minimizing carbon emissions.

Often, the process of storing energy involves transforming it into other forms of energy which can be stored or changed back into electricity on demand.

Access this video entitled “Climate Watch Shorts” to learn more about breakthroughs in energy storage in Ontario.