Clean Energy

Clean energy refers to energy derived from renewable and emission-free sources. It is a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources such as natural gas, coal, and oil. It is vital for the economy because it reduces the financial risks of climate change, including the potential for costly environmental damage and regulatory penalties.

The primary objective of transitioning to clean energy is to lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. It also fosters economic growth by creating jobs and stimulating investment in renewable energy technologies, enhancing overall economic stability. Additionally, clean energy sources often lead to reduced energy costs, putting more money in the pockets of individuals and businesses ultimately bolstering economic resilience.

• Clean energy refers to energy from renewable sources with minimal environmental impact.
• Transitioning to clean energy can help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainability. Regulators such as the Clean Energy Council and institutions like the Clean Energy Finance Corporation actively participate due to the significance of this energy.
• Advantages include environmental benefits, sustainability, job creation, energy diversification, and public health improvements. Disadvantages include intermittency, upfront costs, land and resource requirements, infrastructure challenges, and technological limitations.
• These energies encompass renewable energy sources, but not all clean energy sources are necessarily renewable.

Clean energy refers to energy that is clean, has zero or no negative environmental impact, and is a pathway for climate change mitigation. When compared to conventional energy sources, it has several advantages. First, its sources operate with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change and improving air quality. This is essential to solve the worldwide challenge of reducing carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions.

There are plenty of renewable sources of clean energy. It's sources can naturally replace themselves over time, unlike fossil fuels, which have limited resources and are prone to depletion. This ensures that there will be a steady energy supply for future generations. Major features of this type of energy can be summarized as being adaptable, accessible, clean, environmentally friendly, reliable, and sustainable.

Using clean energy is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving the environment, enhancing energy security, stimulating economic growth, and improving public health. In addition to these, it aligns with sustainable development principles. It reduces air pollution, promotes self-sufficiency, and reduces vulnerability to supply disruptions. Transitioning to clean energy sources also stimulates economic growth and job creation, attracts investments, and contributes to the development of local economies.

Clean energy has a profound impact on business economics. By transitioning to solar, wind, and energy-efficient technologies, businesses can reduce operational costs in the long term, notably through lower energy bills and enhanced energy efficiency. This bolsters profitability and improves business competitiveness in an increasingly sustainability-focused market.

Additionally, investments in clean energy can attract socially responsible investors and customers, bolstering a company's reputation and bottom line. Moreover, as governments worldwide implement stricter environmental regulations, businesses that adopt clean energy practices can avoid costly penalties and adapt more easily to evolving regulatory landscapes, further safeguarding their financial health and sustainability. Hence, governments are actively pursuing it; examples would include the Clean Energy Council of Australia. Institutions such as the renowned Clean Energy Finance Corporation also participate in order to bring sustainability to business.

There are several types of clean energy sources:

#1 - Biogas

Biogas is a flammable gas created when bacteria in anaerobic circumstances (without air) break down any organic substance, such as kitchen waste, cow dung, pig waste, or agricultural waste. Since new biomass (organic wastes) can be generated to replace the material collected, it is seen as a renewable source.

#2 - Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy source uses heat from the Earth's interior to produce power. Thermal energy is tapped from the interior of the Earth and is contained in rocks and trapped underground steam or liquid water in geothermal resources. It uses them to power turbines and generate renewable energy. Geothermal power plants are typically found in regions with high geothermal activity, including volcanic regions or geysers.

#3 - Hydropower

Hydropower uses the energy of water that is either flowing or falling to create electricity. Usually, dams or reservoirs are built to collect water, which is subsequently released to power turbines and generate clean electricity. Micro-hydropower, the small-scale capture of energy from falling waters, such as that from steep mountain rivers, is known as micro-hydropower. Micro-hydro plants can produce electricity for residences, hospitals, schools, and workshops using this natural, renewable resource that is also indigenous and non-polluting.

#4 - Tidal Power

Tidal power captures the energy from ocean tides' continuous rise and falls to produce electricity. Tidal turbines capture the kinetic energy of moving water and transform it into renewable energy.

#5 - Wind Power

Wind turbines use the wind's kinetic energy to produce electricity. A generator generates clean electricity as the turbine blades revolve in response to the wind.

#6 - Solar Power

Solar energy uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to harness the natural sun's energy and transform it into electricity. On rooftops or in solar farms, solar panels are put in to collect sunlight and produce clean electricity. This energy source is readily accessible and usable for large- and small-scale projects.

Let us look into a few examples:

Example #1

Suppose ABC Ltd. is a manufacturing company that switched from coal to sustainable energy. They are located in a tropical country with abundant sunlight, so they installed solar panels. They have decided to use energy from the panels instead of conventional sources. The justification for this choice is to lessen their carbon footprint, reduce air pollution, and support sustainability objectives.

The act could also help create jobs in clean energy when looking at it from a broader perspective. Using renewable energy can reduce their environmental impact, build their reputation as an eco-friendly business, and qualify for government grants or incentives.

Example #2

Tesla, a new-age electric vehicle and clean energy company, utilizes clean energy as a core part of its operations. They manufacture electric automobiles fuelled by green energy sources like solar energy. The use of sustainable energy in home and commercial settings is promoted by Tesla. It also manufactures and installs energy storage devices and solar panels to support the motto.

Some of the important advantages are the following:

• Environment positive: Clean energy sources have a low to zero greenhouse gas emission rate, which lowers air pollution and slows climate change.
• Sustainability: Clean energy sources are available in large quantities and may naturally replace themselves over time, making them a long-term sustainable alternative.
• Energy Source Diversification: Clean energy lowers reliance on limited fossil fuel supplies and boosts energy security.
• Job Creation: The energy industry generates employment possibilities across various industries, including production, installation, maintenance, and R&D. This helps in jobs in clean energy.
• Health Benefits: It leads to better public health outcomes and lower healthcare costs by lowering air and water pollution.

Some of the disadvantages are the following:

• Storage and weather dependency: Some renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, are weather-dependent, necessitating energy storage systems and backup power sources.
• Costs: Compared to conventional systems based on fossil fuels, the initial expenditure for necessary infrastructure, such as solar panels, plants wind turbines, might be high.
• Resource Requirements: Few technologies, like hydropower or bioenergy, could call for sizable space or particular resources affecting local communities or ecosystems.
• Infrastructure Issues: Integrating this type into current grids may necessitate considerable renovations or adjustments to existing ones. This is to accommodate variable power generation and its delivery.
• Technology Restrictions: While technological improvements are continually being made, some technologies may have efficiency and scalability issues.

The differences between clean and renewable energy are as follows:

This article has been a guide to what is Clean Energy. We explain its advantages, disadvantages, sources, examples, and comparison with renewable energy. You may also find some useful articles here -

• Carbon Offset
• Sustainable Investing
• Carbon Market