On life cycle basis they don't, except for second generation biogas digestors, hydropower stations and perhaps vertical axis wind turbines. But these cause other environmental harms.
Meaning that if you add up everything from the mining of raw materials till the end-of-life waste treatment, manufacturing solar panels and contemporary large-scale wind turbines consume more energy than they produce during their whole life cycle. In addition, that consumption is covered from fossil energy.
Renewable energy sources are derived from natural processes that are replenished continually, making them sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. They play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing clean energy solutions. Here are some examples of renewable energy sources and how they contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions:
Solar Energy:Source: Solar energy is harnessed from the sun's radiation using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal collectors. Contribution: Solar power generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during operation. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, thereby lowering carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants.
Wind Energy:Source: Wind energy is generated by wind turbines that convert kinetic energy from wind into electricity. Contribution: Wind power is a clean energy source that produces electricity without emissions. It displaces electricity generation from fossil fuel-fired power plants, reducing CO2 and other pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Hydropower:Source: Hydropower harnesses the energy of flowing water through dams or river turbines to generate electricity. Contribution: Hydropower is a renewable and low-emission energy source. It displaces electricity generation from coal and natural gas plants, which emit CO2 and other pollutants. However, large-scale dams can have environmental impacts on river ecosystems.
Geothermal Energy:Source: Geothermal energy utilizes heat from beneath the Earth's surface for heating buildings, generating electricity, or direct use applications. Contribution: Geothermal power plants emit very low levels of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuel plants. They provide baseload electricity and heating solutions without combustion, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Biomass Energy:Source: Biomass energy is derived from organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and biofuels. Contribution: Biomass can be used for heat, electricity generation, or transportation fuels. While combustion of biomass releases CO2, it is considered carbon-neutral when managed sustainably. Biomass energy displaces fossil fuels and reduces net CO2 emissions over time.
How Renewable Energy Sources Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Zero Emissions: Most renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This contrasts with fossil fuels, which emit CO2, methane, and other pollutants when burned for energy.
Decarbonizing Electricity: By displacing fossil fuel-fired power plants, renewable energy sources reduce CO2 emissions from the electricity sector, which is a significant contributor to global emissions.
Energy Efficiency: Renewable energy technologies often have higher energy efficiency and lower emissions per unit of energy produced compared to traditional fossil fuel technologies.
Diversifying Energy Sources: Using a mix of renewable energy sources helps diversify energy supplies and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and resilience.
Mitigating Climate Change: Transitioning to renewable energy plays a critical role in mitigating climate change by reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, stabilizing global temperatures, and minimizing the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel extraction and combustion.
In conclusion, renewable energy sources provide sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. Their widespread adoption and integration into energy systems are essential for achieving global climate goals and reducing the harmful impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet.