It is important to note that modern human civilization is high energy-dependent, which means that energy is a key determining factor of human prosperity. However, energy can come from a wide range of different sources, some of which are not as environmentally friendly as others. Although the majority of energy sources originate from or rely on fossil fuels, there are green energy alternatives. However, one should be aware that green energy is not always the same as clean or renewable energy, even if they are usually used interchangeably.
Firstly, to understand what makes green energy green, it is of paramount importance to define it. It is stated that “green energy comes from natural resources like water, wind and sun, which provide the energy we turn into electricity” (Inspire, 2021, para. 4). In other words, if the energy comes from a natural source, then it is called such. The other terms are stated as “clean energy are those types which do not release pollutants into the air, and renewable energy comes from sources that are constantly being replenished, such as hydro power, wind power or solar energy” (TWI, 2022, para. 39). Thus, green energy can also be clean and renewable, or only clean and green. Clean energy results in no pollution, such as clean air, whereas renewable sources are recyclable (Group PLC, 2022). Therefore, being able to distinguish between these terms allows one to understand what makes green energy green.
Secondly, in conditions of the high dependence of humanity on energy, the study of the possibilities of additional energy sources plays a significant role. As one of the fundamental sectors of society, electrical energy is indispensable in the industry for putting various mechanisms into operation, in transport, in everyday life, and the development of space and computer technology. An important distinguishing property of electrical energy is its ability to be converted into various types of energy with low losses, as well as to be transmitted over considerable distances. The main problem of traditional energy sources is their limitation, such as their expensive use and cause of enormous harm to the environment. A way out of this problem can be found in the development of green energy.
Thirdly, to ensure widespread use, alternative forms of energy must be publicly available and environmentally friendly. In practice, they also need to be safe and have high efficiency. In addition, their most important property is an inexhaustible nature, and the main advantages of the development of green energy are, firstly, environmental friendliness. In the generation process, green energy need not emit carbon dioxide, which would contribute to global warming. As a result, the environment is less polluted, and the population becomes less susceptible to various diseases, which reduces both mortality and medical costs. The second advantage is inexhaustibility, that is if the generator or station is installed, a specific area will be fully provided with electricity for an unlimited time due to the renewable nature of such a source.
In conclusion, a precise definition of green energy is manifested in its source, which must be natural, such as the sun or geothermal sources. However, green energy can also reflect renewability and cleanness, and the ideal source should have a combination of all three. The current state of human advancement is highly dependent on energy, which is why green energy needs to be efficient and competitive with fossil fuels.
References
Group PLC. (2022). What is green energy? National Grid.
Inspire. (2021). What is green energy? Inspirecleanenergy.com.
TWI. (2022). What is green energy? (Definition, types and examples). TWI ltd.