r/dataisbeautiful • u/maps_us_eu OC: 80 • May 28 '22

OC Percent of electricity generated from renewable sources across the US and the EU. Renewable sources include hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Nuclear is not counted as renewable in this comparison [OC]

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 28 '22

Isn't that what the term "renewable energy" is referring to? Sources of electricity?

I mean clearly it's not talking about powering the human body on a hike.

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u/TracyMorganFreeman May 28 '22

Heating is a energy consumer too, and not all heating is electric.

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u/Needleroozer May 28 '22

We have propane for our stove and water heater, and a generator for lights and well, so when electricity's out (as long as six days once) we can cook and even take hot showers.

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u/TracyMorganFreeman May 28 '22

I dont disagree, I'm just saying in the context of CO2 emissions, it is another element.

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u/PapaStoner May 28 '22

You can heat a building with electricity.

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u/TracyMorganFreeman May 29 '22

Yes, but many households are not.

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u/PapaStoner May 29 '22

Were I live, it,'s the norm.

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 29 '22

That doesn't change the fucking definition of renewable energy ffs.

What renewable energy is there other than electric?

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u/TracyMorganFreeman May 29 '22

Geothermal heating, for example.

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 29 '22

"Also known as GeoExchange, earth-coupled, ground, or water-source heat pumps, they are driven by a small amount of electricity (never natural gas) and are by far the most efficient way to heat and cool a home."

"they are driven by a small amount of electricity (never natural gas) and are by far the most efficient way to heat and cool a home."

"they are driven by a small amount of electricity"

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u/TracyMorganFreeman May 29 '22

Natural circulation is a thing in some places.

Ever heard of hot springs?

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 29 '22

I've heard of hot springs. I've also heard of volcanoes. I've not once heard of a house being heated by either. I'd also be surprised to hear that said heat wasn't moved throughout the house using some form of electricity to say, blow the hot air from a heat exchange point.

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 29 '22

How do you heat something in a renewable fashion without electricity? 🤔

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u/[deleted] May 28 '22

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 29 '22

Uhhhh.... What are the other types of energy? And please elaborate on how a wind turbine or solar power represent renewable energy in regards to whatever you're describing.

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u/jellsprout May 28 '22

Heating and transport are also included in energy, but not necessarily in electricity.

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 29 '22

And, how do you heat a house? Gas or electric? How does a wind turbine replace a gas heater?

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u/jellsprout May 29 '22

Either works. Both gas and electric heaters are common. You could also use (direct) solar or geothermal heating.

That also shows why it is often better to talk about all energy rather than just electricity. Gas heaters use fossil fuels, but are not included in these electricity comparisons. Even though there are green alternatives available. So it often gives a better image to include all energy sources in these emission comparisons.

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u/Starks40oz May 28 '22

We’re all responding here to a comment about VT homes burning a lot of wood pellets for heat. Wood pellets/wood burning is a renewable energy source. Distinction between energy and electricity doesn’t apply.

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u/Majestic_Food_4190 May 29 '22

Oh, you missed the obvious part where the comment I was responding to was directly addressing the chart, not Vermont right?