It is every time you hear more frequently talk about clean energy or green energies. It is a type of energies that are characterized by their respect for the environment and its low impact on the environment, totally contrary to dirty or polluting energies. However, would you know what they are and what differentiates them from the rest of energy?
If you want to deepen a little more in What are clean or green energiesas well as knowing some of the most important of all, continues to read ecology and we tell you in detail and examples.
What are clean or green energies
The Clean or green energiesas its name indicates, are those that They do not produce pollutant or harmful waste For the planet and for health. These are energies that are obtained from different natural sources, such as sun, wind or rain. In all cases of clean energy, we are also talking about renewable energiessince they are energies that, potentially, will never be exhausted.
These types of energies are the ones that are currently encouraged with the objective of stopping, and even counteracting the effects of climate change. This process is what is known as energy transition, which consists of the passage of an energy sector based on carbon (energies that are obtained from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil) to one based on renewable energies, where clean energies occupy a preponderant role.
In this other ecology article, we explain the importance of clean energy for the environment.
What are clean energy or green energy
Although clean energies can take many forms and it is a sector that is constantly changing and progress, more widespread clean or green energy They are currently the following:
Solar energy
It is the energy that is obtained thanks to the light and heat of the sun. It can be in two ways as light or heat is used. In the case of taking advantage of sunlight, this is done through solar panels, which, in broad strokes, are devices capable of transforming photons of light into useless electric current for human activities. This type of energy is called photovoltaic.
In the case of taking advantage of the heat of the sun, we will be talking about thermosolar energy. This type of solar energy is used through large facilities with many mirrors that direct and concentrate the solar rays at the same point, which is able to heat this point a lot and, thus, activate a mechanical system that is capable of producing movement that will be transformed later into useful electrical energy for the human being.
Hydraulic energy
It is the energy that is obtained from the use of the flow of the rivers and the natural movement of water. In the case of hydraulic energy, energy is obtained by installing turbines on the margins or dams of rivers, allowing the turbines to move the same as water mills. Then, this movement becomes electrical energy that, again, can be usable for human activities.
Wind energy
Wind energy is the energy obtained from the wind. The system is similar to hydraulic energy but, on this occasion, wind mills (also called wind turbines) are installed at points where the wind is abundant, such as esplanaded on the mainland or in coastal areas on the sea. The wind rotates the windmill blades and, in this way, the movement that is sent to the electricity grid can be converted again.
Mareomotor energy
It is the energy that is obtained thanks to the use of the tides. This is achieved by installation of an alternator that, taking advantage of the ups and downs of the tides, transforms the movement of the sea into electricity.
Geothermal energy
In the case of geothermal energy, we are facing an energy that is obtained from the use of heat inside the earth. Through an installation that captures heat, it is possible to activate a mechanical system that, in turn, is in charge of producing the useful electricity for human activity.
Are nuclear energy and biofuels green or clean energies?
The nuclear power It is a very particular energy, since it is not an energy associated with carbon and, therefore, it might seem initially that it would be clean energy. However, nuclear energy is not exempt from producing very polluting waste. In this case, radioactive waste that have to be conveniently isolated to avoid very serious damage to the environment and in the health of living beings. Therefore, although it is an energy that is not linked to the burning of fossil fuels, it cannot be considered as a clean energy.
On the other hand we find The biofuels. This type of energy is obtained from the fuel burning which are obtained from the reuse of organic matter. This can be done from the burning of woods such as the pellet, or by burning biogas, a type of gas obtained from the rot of organic matter in certain circumstances. This type of energy promises to have a relevant role in the future, since they are much more environmentally respectful fuels. In fact, because it is an energy that can be obtained from organic matter, at least in principle, it could be considered as a full renewable energy. However, it is important to keep in mind that, with its burning, greenhouse gases (GHG) are released, although in much smaller quantities than when coal is burned or oil derived. Therefore, despite being considered by many as a renewable energy, you cannot talk technically of clean energy as such.
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