Any energy type generated from natural resources like sun, water, or wind is termed green energy. Even though green energy is derived from renewable resources, there are some distinctions between renewable and green energy.

In general, it is a resource that does not produce pollution, unlike fossil fuels. For example, generating power by burning organic material from sustainable forests is renewable but it is not necessarily green energy. This is because of the CO2 produced by the burning itself.

Green energy sources are naturally replenished and do not include drilling or mining operations. Thus, no damage is done to the ecosystem and environment.

What is Green Energy: Applications and Examples

Today, there are numerous examples to showcase the usability of green energy.

  • Heating and Cooling in Buildings – Green energy is being used from large office blocks to people’s homes. Solar water heaters, biomass or geothermal heated boilers, and cooling systems are some applications.
  • Industrial Processes – Biomass or renewable electricity is produced in industries run by renewable heat. In iron, steel, cement, and chemical industries, renewable energy is generated largely by hydrogen.
  • Transport – Renewable electricity and sustainable biofuel uses are rising in transportation across industry sectors. Not just vehicles but aerospace and aviation is also actively investigating ways to use sustainable energy for power.

How Does Green Energy Work?

It is derived from renewable energy technologies which work in different ways. They can draw power from the sun with solar panels or via wind turbines for harvesting wind energy.

Types of Green Energy Sources

Hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy are the main sources of green energy. Out of these, solar and wind are now efficiently harvested on a small scale like rooftops. Overall, 6 common forms are as follows:

1. Hydroelectric Power

This energy uses the power of flowing water in streams, rivers, and dams to generate electricity. This is also known as hydroelectric power. It can work on both small and large scale.

2. Solar Power

Photovoltaic (PV) cells capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. Solar power has now become affordable for domestic purposes like garden lighting and for heating buildings and hot water. Moreover, it can also be used on a much larger scale like powering a utility grid.

3. Wind Power

Wind turbines use the power of the airflow around them to generate electricity. This is suitable for offshore areas or high-altitude sites.

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4. Geothermal Energy

Thermal energy used under the Earth’s crust is used in this. In this green energy source, drilling is required but once tapped it becomes a huge energy resource. Some regions have easy-to-access geothermal resources, and it is a location-intensive resource. And as it involves drilling, this methods needs to be carefully managed to be counted as a type of green energy.

5. Biomass

In biomass power plants, combustible organic waste, wood waste, and sawdust are used for generating green energy. However, there is some GHG emissions from this process but it is better than petroleum-based process.

6. Biofuels

In this process, organic materials are converted into fuels like biodiesel and ethanol. It is estimated that biofuels will have the capacity to meet more than 25% of the global transportation demand by 2050.

Importance of Green Energy

  • Removing the negative effects of fossil fuels is the most important advantage of green energy. Since it is derived from nature, green energy is clean and renewable and emits no or very little emission.
  • Green energy stabilizes energy prices because the sources are locally produced. There is least to no geopolitical crisis’ impact on them. With is they are also free from supply chain disruptions and price spikes.
  • The economic benefit includes job creation through construction facilities. This further benefits the communities where the workforce is employed.
  • Solar and wind power are produced locally, creating a more flexible energy infrastructure which is less reliant on centralized sources. This makes it less vulnerable to climate/weather-related events and disruptions.
  • Green energy offers low-cost solutions for energy needs in many parts of the world.

Quick Fact – As per a report, in 2018, renewable energy led to 11 million job creations worldwide. This is bound to increase as we move towards meeting the set targets of net zero.

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Can It Replace Fossil Fuels?

Yes, green energy has the potential to replace fossil fuels in the future. However, production from various means may be required for the same. For example, geothermal is effective for places where it is easy to tap into.

On the other hand, wind or solar energy is ideal for other geographical locations. However, combining various green energy sources and upsizing their production gives us the possibility to phase out fossil fuels.

Which Type of Green Energy is the Most Efficient?

Wind farms are considered the most efficient as they require less refining and processing than other sources. Moreover, with composite testing and technology, the lifespan and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of wind turbines have also improved.  Furthermore, depending on the conditions, the efficiency of green energy is determined.

Efficiency in green energy is slightly dependent on location as, if you have the right conditions, such as frequent and strong sunlight, it is easy to create a fast and efficient energy solution.

For accurately comparing energy types, it is important to analyze the full life cycle of each energy source. It also includes the evaluation of energy required to produce the green resource, considering any environmental disruptions caused in the process.

Currently, the following order is considered as follows:

  • Wind Power
  • Geothermal
  • Hydropower
  • Nuclear
  • Solar Power

Green vs Clean vs Renewable Energy: How Different They Are?

Generally, green energy and renewable energy are considered the same and to some extent they are. However, the noticeable difference is that there are no emissions in the manufacturing of green energy. Whereas, to harvest renewable energy devices are manufactured leading to emissions at manufacturing and transportation levels.

Green EnergyClean EnergyRenewable Energy
It come from natural sources like sun, water, and wind.It does not produce and release any emissions.It comes from natural sources that are replenished naturally, like solar and wind energy.
Does not impact local ecosystem.Does not affect the ecosystem.Wind or water harvesting plants may affect the local ecosystem where they are installed.

Cross-Reference: What is Green Energy

In conclusion, green energy is the sustainable option for the future to decarbonize the atmosphere and achieve the net-zero goal.

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Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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