What is Clean, Renewable Power?
Clean power is any source of energy that comes from a renewable source and produces little or no pollution. Included in this definition is electricity generated from solar, wind, ocean (tidal), hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources.
Not all renewable energy sources are equal. Some are more advanced, more efficient, or less ecologically damaging than others.
- Solar Power is derived from photovoltaic panels that capture the power of the sun to produce electricity or to heat water. It is mainly used in small applications or for on-site generation.
- Wind Power comes from high-tech turbines mounted on tall towers, which spin when the wind blows, creating electricity. Utility scale wind farms involve anywhere from 20 to 200 wind turbines in one place. Small wind generators can also be placed on farms or near homes with large property.
- Biomass is a name for crops grown specifically for energy production. When these crops are burned, they produce far less air pollution and global warming gases than fossil fuels. Some examples of biomass are switch grass, corn, and soybeans.
- Low Impact Hydro power comes from hydro electric facilities that are built in such a way that they do minimal damage to rivers or the surrounding ecosystems. They generate power by capturing the energy of rushing water.
- Landfill Gas is a term for electricity generated by burning the methane gas that comes off of landfills. Methane is the most potent global warming gas in existence and burning it to make electricity prevents it from migrating to our atmosphere and accelerating global warming.
The purchasing of clean power involves selling of renewable energy credits (RECs). To learn "What is a REC?" click here.
|
