In today’s world it is crucial to invest in renewable energy sources and fight climate change by reducing resource consumption, like water or energy.
The ongoing energy crisis in many countries caused by political and economical reasons has led to one positive thing. World Economic Forum data shows that wind and solar powers generated more electricity in the EU last year than gas did. According to the European Electricity Review 2023, solar and wind energy produced more than a fifth (22%) of its electricity in 2022, overtaking fossil gas (20%) for the first time.
Besides solar and wind powers, there are other sustainable methods that can help you implement cleaner innovations faster. One brand that supports sustainable projects is RND. Look at some of the tips and products below to reduce your energy consumption.
1. Use batteries as they are a new way to electrify the world
Due to their capacity to keep the balance between supply and demand within the power grid, batteries are essential in the transition of the world economy. Of course, not all are sustainable, but some types, for example, lithium ion-batteries are key in e-mobility. They have replaced traditional batteries as the preferred battery type for the majority of electric vehicles because of their greater performance, efficiency, and safety compared to conventional batteries.
The other type is lead-acid battery. Lead-acid batteries are the most environmentally friendly battery technology, as they are largely composed of more than 90% recycled lead battery material. The RND sealed lead-acid batteries have a long lifespan and can withstand both slow and quick charging. They come in a variety of sizes and voltages offering excellent performance and dependability at a low cost.
To learn more about the role of batteries in the renewable energy transition, go to this article.
2. Generate self consumption with Solar PV
Solar panels are the most popular renewable source of energy, and essential part of energy transition. A lot of households invest in PV (photovoltaic) self-consumption which happens when people or businesses use the electricity generated by solar generation installations that are nearby the location in which the energy is used. It is a great way to reduce the transmission losses as you generate your own natural electricity at the place of consumption. You can save on electricity bills as you rely less on your utility company.
For use in solar-powered systems or other kinds of battery-powered systems, solar inverters are crucial as they enable safe use of solar energy to power households. Their main purpose is to change electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
Other roles of solar inverters:
- Maximising power output.
- Providing input on the generation of power.
- Synchronising with the grid.
- Ensuring that your solar PV system is operating safely.
RND inverters are suitable for use in solar-powered systems or other types of battery-powered systems. They are protected against short-circuit, over-voltage, overload and over-temperature.
Additionally, the terminal blocks can help with the photovoltaic assembling system. The RND PCB terminal blocks enable reliable and permanent connection.
3. Switch to LED lighting
LED lighting consumes far less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Compared to conventional incandescent light sources, light-emitting diodes have the benefits of very low energy usage, a very long lifespan, and are far more ecologically friendly.
In the RND portfolio you can find LED drivers, a necessary addition for LED lights to perform effectively because they transform high-voltage alternating electricity into low-voltage direct current. Consequently, a diode light driver is a self-contained power source that controls the amount of electricity utilised by an array of light-emitting diodes. To find out more about LED drivers, read our guide.
4. Use cables for the grid interconnectivity
Currently, with the sustainable advancements, such as connected grid, buildings and cities, cables play a more important role than ever before. Cables or so-called ‘cross-border cables’ allow the connection of offshore structures, located in separate countries, with one another or the electrical grid. As per Foresight Climate & Energy, Europe would benefit from lower costs and more sustainable energy if more countries would implement the interconnected transmission.
Cables are common in many areas, from power, data, control to movement, and motor feedback. They are utilised in manufacturing machinery, cleanrooms, energy chains, and robotics, likewise common in the sustainable sector.
There are also initiatives to adopt a green attitude that goes beyond regular sustainable practices, such as effective recycling and waste reduction in the cable & wire sector (green wire). Explore different types of cables from RND.
5. Invest in sustainability
Reducing energy consumption is necessary to minimise the pollution that is emitted to the ecosystem. Not only can you save money but also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and meet growing energy demand. In consequence, it can improve the overall quality of life. Also, by investing in renewable energy sources you can reduce energy bills. For example, changing your gas boiler to air source heat pumps or traditional radiators to solar panels can make a difference for the environment and your wallet.
However, any electrical installation, whether it is solar panels, clean heating or wind turbines, requires proper electrical wiring and connection to the electricity grid. Some of RND’s tools might be useful to make the connection better. In the range, there are: crimping pliers, alligator clips, and insulated ring terminals.
RND helps switching into more sustainable solutions by providing products that support sustainable projects and innovations.
