This directorate deals with resources that can be replenished naturally over time. As a result, they are sustainable despite their consumption by humankind.
Renewable resources are considered especially important for their potential to replace non-renewable, or finite, resources in the production of energy. Additionally, renewable resources can offer cleaner energy solutions than those provided by non-renewable resources such as coal and fossil fuels.
1) Department of Solar Energy for Environmental Sustainability
This department focuses on the solar technologies that convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.
2) Department of Wind Energy for Environmental Sustainability
This department deals with the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power
3) Department of Hydro-energy for Environmental Sustainability
This department deals with the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity or to power machines. This is achieved by converting the gravitational potential or kinetic energy of a water source to produce power. Hydropower is a method of sustainable energy production.
4) Department of Geothermal Energy for Environmental Sustainability
This department deals with the thermal energy in the Earth’s crust which originates from the formation of the planet and from radioactive decay of materials. The high temperature and pressure in Earth’s interior cause some rock to melt and solid mantle to behave plastically.
5) Department of Biomass Energy for Environmental Sustainability
This department deals with energy generated or produced by living or once-living organisms. Biomass contains stored chemical energy from the sun. Plants produce biomass through photosynthesis. Biomass can be burned directly for heat or converted to renewable liquid and gaseous fuels through various processes.
6) Department of Waves Energy for Environmental Sustainability
This department directs its focus on unequal solar heating of the earth generating wind and wind blowing over the surface of water hence generating waves. So, the energy possessed by the ocean and sea waves is called the wave energy.
7) Department of Ocean Currents Energy for Environmental Sustainability
This department deals with electricity which is produced from the ocean currents. By coupling a generator to the turbine, power is transmitted back to shore via subsea cable. The primary environmental concerns associated with ocean current energy typically encompass effects of changes in flow and animal collision.