The Power of Renewal: Past, Present, and Future of Renewable Energy

The Power of Renewal

Past, Present, and Future of Renewable Energy

Date: October 28, 2025
An Ursa Cortex Blog by Rushil Sharan

Past: From Waterwheels to Hydroelectric Giants

Long before solar panels gleamed on rooftops or wind turbines dotted coastlines, ancient innovators were already harnessing nature’s power. Over 2,000 years ago, Greeks and Romans used waterwheels to grind grain, while Persians designed early windmills to pump water (U.S. DOE Hydropower Vision Report). These simple machines laid the foundation for the world’s first renewable energy revolution.

Niagara Falls Power Station — photographed by Rushil Sharan

Niagara Falls Power Station — the world’s first large-scale hydroelectric plant (photo by Rushil Sharan)

Fast forward to the late 19th century: the dawn of hydroelectric power. The Niagara Falls Power Station – seen in the images captured by Ursa Majors Group – became the world’s first large-scale hydroelectric plant in 1895. Led by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, it proved that electricity could travel long distances, powering entire cities like Buffalo, New York. The project produced 50 megawatts of electricity at its peak – enough to light more than 40,000 homes at the time.

Beyond its technical brilliance, Niagara symbolized a new relationship between humanity and the planet: one where nature’s power could be harnessed without consuming it.

Present: The Age of Transformation

We now live in what many call the Energy Transition Era. Renewable energy is no longer experimental – it’s essential. In 2024, renewables generated over 30% of global electricity, with wind, solar, and hydro leading the charge (IEA Renewables 2024 Report). China alone added 217 gigawatts of solar capacity last year – more than the entire capacity of the U.S. grid just a few decades ago (IRENA Renewable Capacity Statistics 2024).

In Iceland, geothermal power provides 99% of electricity, proving that renewables can sustain entire nations (EEA – Iceland Renewable Energy). In Kenya, wind farms at Lake Turkana now generate 17% of national power, cutting carbon emissions by over 700,000 tons annually (LTWP Sustainability Report 2024). And at Niagara, modern turbines still produce 2.4 million kilowatts – enough to power over 3 million homes across New York and Ontario (NYPA Niagara Power Project).

Yet challenges remain. Renewables must overcome storage limitations, grid integration issues, and unequal global access. But each challenge is an opportunity for the next generation of thinkers – for you.

Future: The Era of Innovation and Imagination

The future of energy lies in integration and imagination. Scientists are exploring green hydrogen as a clean fuel for airplanes and factories (DOE Hydrogen Shot Initiative). Engineers are testing floating solar panels that can power coastal cities (WEF Emerging Energy Technologies). And researchers are building fusion reactors capable of replicating the power of the sun itself (IEA Net Zero by 2050 Scenario).

By 2050, experts predict that renewables could provide 90% of the world’s electricity, cutting global CO₂ emissions by half (IEA Net Zero by 2050 Report). This isn’t just about technology – it’s about hope, creativity, and courage. When you design a turbine model for a science fair, calculate energy efficiency in class, or advocate for solar panels at your school, you are taking part in that transformation.

Call to Action: Your Role in the Renewable Revolution

Middle and high school students are at the frontlines of change. You are the generation of problem solvers who will engineer the next big leap. Here’s how you can start today:

  • Explore local energy projects: Visit power plants, wind farms, or sustainability initiatives near your city – just like the Ursa Majors Group visited Niagara.
  • Launch a school sustainability challenge: Track your school’s energy use and propose changes – from LED lights to recycling drives.
  • Experiment and build: Create your own solar charger, model turbine, or water filtration system. Innovation starts small.
  • Share your voice: Write, draw, or record about the importance of renewable energy. Inspire others through creativity.
  • Think big: Every idea counts. Tesla once dreamed of wireless power when it seemed impossible – and he changed the world.

Final Reflection: The Flow of the Future

Standing at the base of Niagara Falls, the thunderous roar reminds us that energy has always surrounded us. The same current that powered 19th-century industry still drives our homes, cities, and dreams.

At Ursa Majors Group, we believe that renewable energy is not just an engineering challenge – it’s a moral and creative mission. To our readers: look around, imagine boldly, and remember that every watt of progress starts with one spark of curiosity.

For Further Reading

If you want to dive deeper into renewable energy, check out these student-friendly resources:

Images: Niagara Hydroelectric Power Plant, photographed by Rushil Sharan (Ursa Majors Group)
Published in Ursa Cortex: The Ursa Majors Group Blog