**The Evolution of Renewable Energy: From Ancient Origins to Modern Technologies**

**Summary:**
The history of renewable energy dates back to ancient times, and the way the world has harnessed power from resources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy, and bioenergy has evolved over time. This article delves into the evolution of these renewable power sources, from early applications to their modern-day use, and explores the impact of these energy sources on combatting climate change and global warming.

Renewable energy is vital in addressing the concerns of climate change and global warming. Throughout history, humans have tapped into renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy, and bioenergy. These sources have evolved and diversified to meet the world’s energy needs. Here’s a substantial look at the development of different forms of renewable power generation that have diversified the global energy sector and the world’s energy supply.

**Solar energy**

The endeavor to harness the sun’s power has ancient roots, dating back to the Greeks and Romans who used burning mirrors to concentrate the sun’s rays. The history of solar energy progressed with the invention of the world’s first solar collector in 1767, the advent of the first commercial solar water heater in the late 1800s, and the development of the first solar cell. In the 1950s, modern research in solar energy began, leading to increased efficiency and wider use of solar thermal energy and solar cells. The energy crisis of the 1970s further accelerated the development of solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. Today, solar power plays a significant role in electricity generation and is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The demand for solar energy is driven by various companies seeking to transition to renewable energy sources to meet their ESG goals.

**Wind energy**

Humans have utilized wind energy for mechanical purposes for centuries. The use of wind energy evolved from mechanical applications to electricity generation in the late 19th century. It wasn’t until the energy crises of the 1970s that significant progress was made in commercial-scale wind power generation. Today, wind turbines globally produce over 2,100 terawatt hours of electricity annually, with offshore wind farms playing an increasing role in global electricity generation.

**Hydropower**

The use of hydropower to generate electricity became prominent in the late 1800s, with the invention of the Francis turbine. Today, hydroelectric projects are widespread worldwide, with the development of pumped storage hydropower providing a means of storing energy and filling gaps during peak demand.

**Geothermal energy**

Geothermal energy, derived from heat within the Earth, has been harnessed since ancient times, with modern commercial use taking place in the 19th century. Geothermal energy systems help meet a significant portion of energy demand globally and are utilized by companies as a part of the mix of renewable energy sources to meet their ESG goals.

**Bioenergy**

Biomass has been historically used for heat and light, and bioenergy has evolved with the development of biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel, which have seen increased demand in recent years.

**The future: technology for renewable energy transitions**

As more companies transition to renewable energy to meet regulatory requirements and ESG goals, data management is crucial to ensure sustainability efforts stay on track. ESG reporting software like IBM Envizi™ plays a critical role in capturing and managing all ESG data in a single system for reporting and analysis.

**FAQs:**
– What is the significance of renewable energy in combatting climate change?
– How has the use of solar energy evolved over time?
– What are some modern applications of wind energy?
– How does hydropower contribute to electricity generation and energy storage?
– In what ways has bioenergy advanced in recent years?
– What role does data management play in ensuring the success of renewable energy transitions?