Introduction: Energy is a valuable resource that can be used to power different industries. In a world where manufacturing plays a vital role in the growth of a country’s economy, it is important to have sustainable energy sources. Energy gives a system the ability to perform work, and without it, many industries cannot function.
What is Green Energy?
Green energy is energy that can be harnessed without harming the environment in a major way. It is environment-friendly and powers different systems while releasing very little or no toxic substances into the atmosphere.
Green energy can also be defined as renewable energy since it is not exhausted at the source. It is sustainable energy that can be used by generations to come.
Green energy is referred to as clean energy due to the lack of negative impacts on the environment. It is one of the alternative energy sources that has been given special focus by governments and different international organizations in a bid to keep the planet clean.
Green energy is also sometimes referred to the energy obtained from the processing of waste materials in an attempt to make the environment cleaner . Such materials pollute the environment by increasing the amount of waste matter and toxic substances on the surface of the earth. Examples of waste matter used to produce energy include sewage, animal waste, municipal solid waste, industrial wastes, and sugar industry wastes. Most of these waste materials are used to produce biogas as a form of green energy. By processing the waste matter and using them to provide energy, the environment is made cleaner. Many countries and leading environmental organizations have identified waste management as a significant step towards cleaning the world and having sustainable energy.
Green energy can only be a primary source of energy for industries and homes around the world when these key issues are taken into consideration:
- A change in culture where very person strives to have a cleaner planet.
- Crafting effective government policies to promote a green planet.
- Collaborative efforts by different stakeholders to increase the use of green energy and reduce environmental pollution.
- Reducing the amount of energy consumed by industries and homes and limiting adverse impacts of harnessing energy.
- Using technology to compliment the green energy sources.
Also read: Renewable Energy Sources: Meaning, Advantages and Disadvantages
Examples of Green Energy: Examples of green energy include solar energy, geothermal energy, biomass power, anaerobic digestion, wind energy, wave power, and some types of nuclear power. All these examples of green energy can power different systems without polluting the environment or harming it significantly. Most of them also occur through natural processes. For example, sunlight, when harnessed will give us solar energy without damaging the planet because the process is natural does not emit any toxic wastes that might harm the environment. The same can be said about wind energy and wave power.
Importance of Green Energy
1. Renewable, sustainable, and dependable: Green energy will not run out because it naturally replenishes. Fossil fuels can get depleted but green energy, on the other hand, is renewable and can be used for years to come without the fear of having it exhausted. As long as the sun keeps shining, solar energy will be available. It is a sustainable and almost infinite source of energy that also provides energy security for nations.
2. Alternative form of energy: Green energy reduces the dependence that countries have on fossil fuels. Relying on fossil fuel to power industries can have negative implications due to the absence of energy security. Wars and geopolitical tensions can lead to the disruption of oil production and create a shortfall in supply. Green energy provides consumers with alternative energy sources. It protects them from exploitation by monopolies that supply power to citizens. In countries where power interruptions are common, using green energy sources would provide a steady supply of power and energy
3. Environmental-friendly: Threats of global warming and climate change are real, and their effects are adverse. Scientists have been able to prove that climate change is not a myth but a reality. It is, therefore, important to prevent this phenomenon and keep the planet safer. Green energy results in less pollution and has minimal negative effects on the environment. It reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and minimizes the greenhouse effect. Going green would thus mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change.
4. Improved human health: Industrialization has led to an increase in the demand for more energy in industries and homes. This has also caused the negative impact of high levels of toxic substances and impurities in the atmosphere. Green energy reduces environmental pollution and keeps the planet clean. It results in improved human health due to minimal pollutants in the air.
5. Low operating and maintenance costs: Non-renewable energy is expensive because the supply is limited. It is also costly to put up the necessary infrastructure such as oil pipelines and maintain them. Green energy has lower maintenance and operating costs compared to non-renewable energy. A country can, therefore, reduce annual expenditure on energy and channel the extra amount to critical development projects.
6. Biodiversity-friendly: Green energy is good for the environment. It reduces environmental degradation and enhances biodiversity as both flora and fauna have a thriving ecosystem to live in.
7. The growth of rural economy: Investing in green energy creates jobs for citizens and improves the economy. When putting up green energy projects, the local economy will also grow because individuals will find employment by working on the projects. Money is also invested locally rather than being spent on the purchase of expensive energy from other nations. It is a smart way to fuel the growth of the local economy while still keeping the planet green.
Conclusion
The need to move to green energy sources has gained attention from many world leaders. Green energy is an ideal way to reduce the effects of global warming and create a clean and healthy environment. It has been touted as the best way to solving the issue of over-dependence on oil and coal which pollute the atmosphere by releasing greenhouse gases that deplete the ozone layer and harm the environment.
Using green energy has several benefits not just to companies and individuals but also to the whole planet. It is necessary that we take care of the world that we live in. Going green would create a cleaner and better earth for everyone.