Elucidation of the Impact of Renewable Energy Power Plants on the Environment

Abstract

Rapid expansion of renewable energy production can be directly attributed to two factors: The exponential growth of the
world's population, and the shrinking supply of fossil fuels. Similarly, impact of greenhouse gas emission is at the forefront
from such attributes. As a result, indulge in study aiming at decarbonizing the energy sectors and electrical power plants
particularly that are based on renewable energy sources (RES). RES are generally regarded as a clean and environmentally
friendly, beside significant number of studies concluded that its expansion has a detrimental effect in preserving natural
world. This article provides a comprehensive study on the impacts of RES on the preservation of the natural world and the
environment. The research offers an in-depth analysis taking cognizant of the RES that are in use today. To gain a better
understanding of the problem, a literature survey on the relevant government and non-profit organizations, were conducted
to perform comparative environmental impact analyses and discussions for a variety of attributes on currently operational
RES-based. Similarly, impact on human health, noise, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, the depletion of the ozone layer,
toxification, flooding, eutrophication, dried-up rivers, and deforestation was equally attributed as the potential impact
recorded. According to the analysis, the impact was manifested in the form of environmental pollution, the loss of
biodiversity, the fragmentation of habitat, and the extinction of wildlife. Therefore, as a priority for sustainable development,
renewable energy will need to overcome some obstacles.