Green energy is a term used to refer to a variety of renewable energy sources available today. Over the last thirty years a lot of research, aimed at discovering renewable energy sources that can ease the world’s over reliance on fossil fuels has been, conducted.
Green energy sources are naturally available, and do not have a negative impact on the environment. Fossil fuels on the other hand have to be extracted from the earth, through mining or other means, and refined, causing all sorts of pollution. Burning fossil fuels also pollutes the environment through the release of pollutant gases.
As you probably know, fossil fuel sources are finite. These fuels take millions of years to create. Green energy is considered to be a worthwhile replacement for these fuels as it is supposed to come with an endless supply.
Here are common types of green energy sources which people are familiar with.
Solar Power
The sun’s rays can be used to produce energy for a variety of purposes. For instance, when the sun’s rays land on photo-voltaic cells, electricity is produced. The sun can also be used to heat water, cook and even provide natural lighting.
Wind Power
The movement of air from high pressure zones to low pressure zones around the globe produces a lot of energy. Wind energy is usually harvested using wind turbines. It is worth noting that some of the best areas to harvest wind energy include high altitude and low lying offshore locations.
Hydro-power
The earth’s water cycle is used in the production of hydroelectric power. This cycle is made up of rainfall, tidal water movement and the release of dam water. Hydro-power is definitely one of the most popular types of green energy today.
Geothermal Power
Geothermal power is produced using the thermal energy within the earth’s structure. This thermal energy is thought to originate from the formation of the earth, millions of years ago; as well as through the normal breakdown of some minerals in the earth’s structure. This thermal energy is usually tapped and used to produce electricity.
It is worth noting that many other types of green energy sources continue to be developed.