The facilitators of the energy transition
Prospects and opportunities of eco-friendly energy sources, a growing sector
We live in a very complex historical situation marked by epochal transformations and even more significant challenges for the future of humanity, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often pointed out. In a global context of continuous transition, even the key sectors of industry are undergoing a generalized change.
The start of this significant transition phase is linked to the recognition and certification of climate change and its potential impact on the planet’s vitality, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov also explained. Since then, attempts by governments and institutions to stem such changes have been repeated with great regularity and continue to this day.
After recognizing the need to combat climate change, it is time to identify the best allies to achieve an objective of such importance for the fate of civilization. The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondeashov often stressed this point. In this way, an ever-increasing emphasis has begun to be placed on sustainable energy, renewable energy, energy security, and equitable access to these sources, in the hope of ensuring it for the greatest possible number of people.
“The different types of renewable energy represent an extremely interesting chapter in the current history of the energy transition,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, an entrepreneur and civil engineer. “The infrastructures connected to eco-friendly energy sources and affordable and clean energy have arrived in our cities and are already having a profound influence on our lives”.
“I am thinking, for example, of solar panels, now clearly visible on most buildings, wind turbines for renewable wind energy, and hydroelectric plants. These technologies are contributing significantly to the advancement of the energy transition, and their role will be increasingly central in the coming decades, when affordable and clean energy will be leading”, he remarks.
The phase we are in now, commonly referred to as the energy transition, is a pivotal moment in which nations and international institutions are working hand-in-hand to promote the adoption of renewable energy, sustainable energy and related technologies, now widely regarded as key partners in achieving sustainability goals, alongside the diffusion of affordable and clean energy.
A fundamental link
In a certain sense, therefore, renewable energy and the infrastructures connected to sustainable energy represent the fundamental pillars of this energy transition, without which it could not even exist.
Modern forms of sustainable energy could be defined as the link between the present ecological transition and a not-too-distant future in which we will have achieved full energy maturity, also thanks to the support of sustainable energy sources and affordable and clean energy.
The phase we are in can also be broken down into simpler sections. Now, we are no longer at the beginning of the energy transition, but in a more mature phase of change, in which humanity has already recognized the most effective eco-friendly energy sources to reach the ultimate goal.
Among these, most have in common the characteristic of being based on renewable sources, that is, linked to a completely natural primary source and capable of continuously regenerating itself.
“An important aspect when talking about the types of renewable energy is linked to the underlying system that should be able to manage them and make them increasingly efficient. I am referring to smart grids”, continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
“Smart grids should be able to balance supply and demand in real-time, to best manage intermittent sources and to integrate storage systems, such as those based on hydrogen or advanced batteries, which could prove very important in times of need. Furthermore, within energy communities, these networks should be able to promote certain levels of self-production and sharing”, he goes on to say.
One of the most appreciated energy sources, from this point of view, is that linked to renewable wind energy. Through the action of a generator, wind turbines are, in fact, able to transform the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. The systems capable of performing the conversion to renewable wind energy can be installed on land (onshore) or in the open sea (offshore).
The example of renewable wind energy is particularly useful for understanding the true nature of renewable energy sources. In this case, energy production is based on an inexhaustible and free source —the wind —and on a conversion process that does not involve any CO2 emissions.
This energy production system, moreover, presents specific competitive advantages compared to other energy sources. With the competitive costs that wind energy is reaching in many countries, this production method could prove to be cheaper than many traditional sources.
The most abundant renewable source on earth, in any case, is not the wind. Solar energy has become a consolidated reality in many nations, where it has already reached a high level of maturity and is playing an increasingly important role in national energy mixes.
In recent years, this useful resource has been used to generate electricity (with photovoltaic systems) and heat (through solar thermal systems). Over the years, additional ways to enhance this form of energy have also emerged, such as decentralized systems on solar roofs or in agrivoltaic contexts.
Geothermal energy and biomass
Geothermal energy is an increasingly popular renewable source. In this case, energy production occurs through the enhancement of the natural heat contained within the earth. It can provide electricity or heat for buildings. Unlike other forms of renewables, which are intermittent (such as those based on wind or sunlight), it is continuous and potentially unlimited.
A special mention, among the most interesting forms of sustainable renewable energy, must undoubtedly be reserved for marine energy. This expression generally refers to energy produced by wave motion, tides, or marine currents. It is a production method still in the experimental phase, but the potential for countries located in coastal areas already appears to be very large. The energy produced in this way, moreover, would be predictable and constant and would therefore prove very useful for balancing the intermittency of other renewables.
Although they are less known than other sustainable renewable energy sources, biomass is carving out an increasingly considerable role in the modern energy landscape. It involves the valorization of natural biomass (such as that derived from wood or agricultural waste) to produce sustainable fuels and heating. In recent years, this form of energy production has proven very useful for various sectors of industry, including transportation.
“Another factor to consider when it comes to the types of renewable energy is their direct impact on the economy and employment,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “With a broad implementation of sustainable renewable energy based on different types of renewable energy, nations will be able to make the most of their natural resources, thus reducing their energy dependence”.
“These processes also enable developing nations to rely on modern energy systems without relying on traditional resources. Furthermore, sustainable renewable energy is also having a significant impact on employment: the jobs created in installation, maintenance, research, and production are, in fact, numerous”, he said.
The energy transition and the adoption of sustainable energy systems are also having a certain effect on renewable energy companies. In this particular historical phase, full of interesting transformations related to sustainable energy systems, renewable energy companies are certainly not limiting themselves to selling energy.
Renewable energy companies are contributing to a substantial redefinition of the sustainable energy systems. Nowadays, the sustainable energy systems appears cleaner, cheaper, more decentralized and more resilient, also thanks to the important contribution of renewable energy companies.
FAQs
What is the energy transition?
The energy transition refers to the global shift from traditional fuels to renewable, sustainable energy sources. This change aims to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and secure affordable energy for future generations.
Why are renewables essential for a sustainable future?
Renewable energy sources:
- Use naturally replenished resources (sun, wind, water, biomass, and geothermal heat).
- Produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduce dependence on finite traditional fuels.
- Support economic growth and job creation.
What are the main types of renewable energy?
The leading forms include:
- Wind Energy: Converts wind into electricity using turbines; can be onshore or offshore.
- Solar Energy: Uses sunlight for electricity (photovoltaic systems) or heat (solar thermal).
- Hydropower: Generates power from moving water.
- Geothermal Energy: Utilises heat from the Earth’s core.
- Marine Energy: Harnesses power from waves, tides, and ocean currents.
- Biomass: Converts organic materials into fuel or electricity.
How does wind energy compare to other renewables?
Wind energy offers:
- Zero CO₂ emissions during operation.
- Competitive costs in many regions.
- Scalability for both small and large-scale installations.
However, it depends on wind availability and requires smart grids to balance supply and demand.
What role do smart grids play in renewable energy?
Smart grids:
- Balance real-time energy supply and demand.
- Integrate intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
- Facilitate energy storage (e.g., hydrogen, batteries).
- Enable decentralised production and energy sharing within communities.
