Unpacking the Fragile Link Between Green Energy and Climate
As the world races toward a greener future, more people are embracing sustainable habits—installing solar panels, ditching petrol cars, and learning about renewable energy. But there’s one question that often lingers in the minds of even the most eco-conscious individuals: are renewable energy sources reliable if they depend on the weather?
It’s a valid concern. As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasised, renewable energy has shifted from a niche topic to a global priority. Yet many are still unclear about how stable these sources really are, especially when the sky turns grey or the wind dies down.
The Weather-Dependent Nature of Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power
Let’s start with what most people are familiar with—solar and wind power. Solar energy relies entirely on sunlight. That means when the sun sets or clouds roll in, solar panels either stop producing energy or operate at reduced capacity. Latitude and season also play a big role. For example, a solar panel in Norway in December won’t perform like one in Spain in July. Fortunately, storage batteries are helping bridge the gap by saving up energy during sunny hours to be used later.
Wind energy faces similar unpredictability. Wind turbines work only when wind speeds fall within a specific range. Too little wind, and there’s no power. Too much, and the turbines have to be shut down to avoid damage. This makes location planning crucial—some areas simply don’t have the consistent wind speeds needed to make wind farms viable long-term.
Hydroelectric power, though often overlooked, is no less vulnerable. As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, hydro energy is deeply tied to water availability. Droughts can drastically reduce the water flow required to power turbines, while floods might destroy infrastructure. Despite these challenges, hydro remains a vital part of many national energy strategies.
Stable Alternatives and the Promise of Energy Storage
Not all renewables are at the mercy of the weather. Geothermal energy, for example, taps into the steady heat beneath the Earth’s surface. It’s a consistent, virtually endless supply that’s mostly immune to daily climate fluctuations. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, geothermal is among the most stable renewable energy sources available today, with the added benefit of low emissions and minimal surface footprint.
Biomass also stands out for its relative independence from weather, relying instead on agricultural by-products and organic waste. That said, extreme weather events—especially droughts—can impact crop yields and disrupt supply chains, making biomass somewhat indirectly vulnerable to climate conditions.
To combat the intermittent nature of many renewable sources, technology is stepping in. Advanced energy storage systems and smart grids are becoming more widespread, helping balance supply and demand. These innovations can store surplus energy during peak production times and release it when generation dips, creating a more reliable energy flow.