Five Types of Green Energy

Green energy is power generated from renewable resources that are replenished naturally, rather than extracted through mining or drilling that disrupts eco-systems. It also doesn’t create significant greenhouse gas emissions and doesn’t threaten plant extinction or habitat loss.

Examples of green energy include solar, wind and hydropower (and tidal energy). These sources are also typically cheaper than their fossil fuel-based counterparts.

Hydropower

A key part of green energy, hydropower generates electricity by using the power of moving water. It can be found in large dams, run-of-the-river systems, and micro-hydropower in your own home. Despite the fact that hydropower can have its own environmental trade-offs, it’s a valuable addition to green energy and a vital balancing force as we move toward 100% clean electricity and net zero emissions.

Dams block the flow of a river or stream, creating a pool of water above them. One or more pipes then give that water a path to surge downhill, driving a turbine and generator that produces electricity. The electricity can then be used in your home or sold on the grid.

Hydropower’s impact on the climate varies depending on how the plant is designed, built and located, but its average emissions are lower than those of coal. However, the industry’s human rights record is poor, with more allegations than any other renewable sector, reports UK-based campaign group Business and Human Rights. This often concerns alleged breaches of free, prior and informed consent – the right of local communities to have a say in whether projects should go ahead.

Pumped storage hydropower – which operates like the world’s largest battery – is also a good way to store wind and solar energy for use when these intermittent sources can’t be relied on. It can keep the lights on when the sun goes down and during stormy weather.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is power derived from the natural heat of the Earth. It is contained in rock and fluids below the surface of the planet, from shallow depths up to several miles down to extremely hot molten rock (magma). Underground geothermal reservoirs of steam and hot water can be used to generate electricity or to directly heat buildings and other structures.

In power generation, a geothermal plant green energy takes steam from wells and transforms it into mechanical energy using a turbine. This steam is then used to turn a generator, producing electricity. The heated water and steam are then re-injected back into the reservoir in a process called “condensate recovery.”

Geothermal systems are very reliable and do not create carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, or other pollutants. They also produce electricity consistently, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For the same amount of power generated, a geothermal system produces more jobs than wind or photovoltaic power. Moreover, it is silent, has low visual impact, and requires minimal space to operate. This makes geothermal a perfect option for sustainable building design, and is particularly suitable for urban settings where space is at a premium. For example, a geothermal heat pump can be installed underneath a parking lot to provide radiant floor heating in the winter and cool air in the summer.

Biofuels

Biofuels are a renewable energy source that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels. They can be produced from a variety of plant materials, and their production can also create jobs in rural communities. The most common biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. They are made from feedstocks that are classified as first-, second- or third-generation. First-generation biofuels are made from food crops, such as corn and sugar cane. Second-generation biofuels are made from nonfood biomass sources such as crop residues, woody waste material and perennial grasses, while third-generation biofuels are derived from algae.

In the United States, government programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act and California’s Clean Fuel Standard have contributed to increased production and use of biofuels. Biofuels can be used to produce electricity, heat and transportation fuels. Biofuels can be blended with gasoline or diesel to reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants. The most common liquid biofuel is ethanol, which is produced from the starch of corn or other grains. It can also be produced from oily plants such as soybeans and oil palm, or from animal fats (biodiesel).

Biofuel production and consumption does not eliminate conventional pollution or GHG emissions, lessen petroleum imports or alleviate pressure on exhaustible resources by itself. This is only possible if the increase in biofuel production is combined with reductions in the production and use of fossil fuels.

Solar power

Solar power is a form of green energy that converts sunlight into electricity, or heat that can be used to make hot water. Using photovoltaic cells that absorb and turn sunlight into electricity, solar power is one of the fastest growing sources of green energy worldwide.

Solar energy is a subset of renewable energy that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of power generation by using resources with the least negative impact on golf cart the environment. Unlike conventional fossil fuels and nuclear power, which require mining and extraction, solar energy does not produce greenhouse gases or air pollution during power generation. It also does not have the negative environmental impacts of transportation that fossil fuels do – no need for pipelines, propane trucks, coal barges or railroads.

In addition, since these resources are usually produced locally they can be more stable and less susceptible to geopolitical crisis, price spikes or supply chain disruptions. This local nature of these resources, including wind and hydropower, can also help lower energy prices for customers.

The best way to measurably reduce your carbon footprint is by installing a solar panel system at your home, which can help you save money on your electricity bill and provide excess power to the grid. If you don’t have the space or funds to invest in a solar panels, consider signing up for a green energy plan at Inspire that provides access to renewable energy for one flat monthly rate.