Slowly and gradually, we have realised that unsustainable sources of energy such as coal, gas etc. are not the future of energy and have serious consequences for the environment and natural ecosystem. With this realisation, the focus nowadays is on renewable and green energy and countries are rapidly transitioning in this direction. Green energy provides sustainability in the power grid and has the lowest carbon footprint.
Difference Between Green Energy and Renewable Energy:
People often confuse green energy with renewable sources of energy but they are distinct from each other. Green energy is, in fact, a subset of renewable energy and provides the highest environmental benefit. By green energy or green power, it is meant that this energy is produced from sustainable sources like bio gas, eligible biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, low-impact small hydroelectric sources, and eligible biomass. These sources of energy have the lowest emissions and subsequently, the energy produced also has the lowest or zero carbon footprint.
Renewable energy on the other hand, is the super set of green energy, and besides green energy, it also includes the energy technologies which can have an impact on the environment. The example of this is large hydroelectric resources which have an impact on fisheries and land use.
Types of Green Energy:
Green energy comes from a wide range of sources depending upon the specific environments and requirements. Prominent among them are solar, wind, bio gas, biomass etc.
Solar Energy:
Solar energy is perhaps of the most widely used sources of green energy. It is a clean energy source and comes directly from the sun. Considering its economic and environmental features, home solar systems are in use at several places and regions where there is sufficient exposure of sunlight. The most common form of solar energy harvesting is solar panels.
Wind Energy:
Wind energy is also produced by the sun. As it is the sun which creates winds and winds originate when there is uneven heating of the atmosphere. Three-blade wind turbines are most commonly associated with wind power. In contrast to solar, these turbines work in a very simple manner. Blades of turbines are turned by the wind and subsequently, the turbines turn the rotor, the rotor turns a generator and creates electricity.
There are several other types of green energy as well such as Bio gas, Biomass, Hydroelectric Energy etc.
The importance and benefits of Green Energy:
Green energy has numerous benefits such as it reduces carbon emissions and prevents further environmental harm. Everyday Sun provides earth more than enough energy and we can easily overcome our power problems. If we chase the green energy sources i.e. invest more in solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects, we can harness the power of renewable sources fully. Doing this will provide accessible and affordable energy to everybody.
For years, we relied on traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels but now these mineral resources are becoming scarce. In addition to this, another major concern is the environmental impact that has resulted in climate change. So, green energy is a powerful alternative that can mitigate all these concerns.
