Green Energy – A New Path to Sustainability

Currently, we are experiencing a variety of climate change phenomena, such as heatwaves in Bangladesh, snowfall in Saudi Arabia, and floods in the desert. At the same time, we witness environmental degradation and a serious global energy dilemma. Green energy is becoming more and more popular throughout this severe crisis. Green energy saves money and is good for the environment. The developed world has already begun to rely on green energy to give the next generation a better world. We will talk about this green energy in depth in this article.

What is “green” energy?

Energy derived from renewable sources is referred to as “green energy.” Clean, sustainable, and renewable energy are other terms for green energy. No harmful greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere during the creation of green energy, so it has no negative environmental impact. Since green energy is mostly derived from renewable resources, it is environmentally benign and is becoming increasingly in demand.

Different forms of green energy

There are numerous types of green energy, including geothermal energy, wind energy, biomass, solar energy, hydropower, fuel cells, and biofuel. We will discuss some green energy in more detail below.

Solar energy

The potential and benefits of green energy through solar power. | Photo collected.

To turn sunlight into electricity, solar panels employ silicon sheets with energy-absorbing cells. Solar energy is a reasonably accessible resource that may be used for private or industrial purposes by placing solar panels on homes and buildings. Therefore, the utilization of solar electricity is growing every day. One of the emerging subsectors of renewable energy is solar energy. The infrastructure for generating solar power is expanding at a rate of 25% annually.

Hydroelectric power

Hydropower: A powerful solution for sustainable energy. | Photo collected.

Hydropower is a cutting-edge technology. Utilizing the water pressure of falling or flowing rivers, hydroelectricity is produced. Using turbines erected in a dam, hydroelectric power plants harness the kinetic energy of the river’s current to produce electricity. 88 percent of renewable electricity and 20 percent of global electricity are produced by hydropower.

wind-power

Wind energy: A powerful and renewable source of green energy. | Photo collected.

The most popular renewable energy is wind. In this process, a turbine transforms the kinetic energy into mechanical or electrical energy. Over 7% of the world’s electrical generation as of 2022 came from wind energy. The most ecologically beneficial energy source is wind power, which also requires very little human effort.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy: Green energy as an important part of renewable energy. | Photo collected.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that draws from steam or hot water that is produced by natural heat beneath the surface of the Earth. Geothermal sources with low temperatures can be used to heat and cool structures in homes and businesses. Energy can be produced from the heat in rocks and liquids beneath the crust of the Earth. Wells drilled a mile deep into subterranean reservoirs are used to capture geothermal energy from steam and hot water. They then use the hot water and steam in turbines that are connected to power plants.

Fuel cell

Globally, one of the most talked-about technologies for sustainable energy is the fuel cell. A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that generates direct DC as a result of the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with heat and water as byproducts. Fuel cell technology is significantly lowering reliance on natural gas. Fuel cells that are widely used include methanol, ethanol, molten carbonate, and photon exchange membrane fuel cells. Smartphones, power plants, electric cars, and a variety of portable charging devices can all employ fuel cells. Along with being safe and effective, fuel cells are also environmentally friendly.

Green energy: The technology of fuel cells and its environmentally friendly benefits. | Photo collected.

The advantages of adopting renewable energy

Being ecologically friendly is the main benefit of using green energy. For preventing damaging greenhouse gas emissions, green energy sources like solar and wind are better choices. Green energy is also better for our physical health because it contributes far less to pollution of the air and water.

Every year, 4.2 million people die as a result of indoor and outdoor air pollution, according to the World Health Organization. Low- to middle-income nations, especially those in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, accounted for the majority of these deaths. We therefore need to focus more on renewable energy sources.

Alternatives to fossil fuels that are far more sustainable are green energy sources like solar and wind. They greatly reduce health issues because they don’t release sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, or oxides. Furthermore, renewable energy generates jobs. In the US, this green energy generated around 500,000 jobs in 2021. Green energy also has the benefit of renewable energy being endless. The availability of solar energy is contingent upon the presence of the sun, wind energy is contingent upon the presence of wind, and hydroelectric power is contingent upon the presence of lakes, streams, and rivers.

To keep the planet habitable, green energy is the only viable option. If we want to protect the planet from pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, we must progressively expand our reliance on renewable energy sources. Don’t forget that green energy will soon run out. We will have issues soon if we do not currently rely on green energy.

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