The Good, the Bad, and the Green: Types of Green Energy

In 1961, President Kennedy declared a National Energy Week. Around this time, America relied heavily on fossil fuels for energy, peaking at 93% in 1966. Today, over half a century later, renewable energy is taking over.

While federal quotas are in place against different types of green energy, there are no quotas on renewable energy per se. But what is it exactly? Does it really live up to its promise? Why do some people call it overrated?

Let’s take a closer into all kinds of renewable energy, including the good, the bad, and the green.

Wind Power

Wind power is one of the most efficient forms of clean energy. It is also the most expensive to set up. The wind is a renewable resource that will never run out, making it a sustainable choice for power.

However, wind turbines can be a nuisance to bird populations and can be a danger to aircrafts.

Solar Power

Solar power is another type of renewable energy. Solar panels are becoming more and more efficient, making them a more viable option for powering homes and businesses.

They are also much cheaper to install than wind turbines. However, solar power is not as consistent as wind power and is not available at night.

For all its advantages and limitations, you should read this before going solar.

Hydro Power

Hydro power is the most reliable form of green energy. Hydroelectric dams can provide power for entire cities. They are also very cheap to operate.

However, damming rivers can have a negative impact on the environment and fish populations sometimes.

Geothermal Power

Geothermal power is a form of hydro power and is considered one of the best forms of green energy. Geothermal power plants use the earth’s heat to generate electricity and the heat is renewably sourced from the planet’s hot water and rocks.

Geothermal energy has a very small carbon footprint and it is a very efficient way to generate power. Its only drawback is that it requires a lot of upfront investment to build the necessary infrastructure.

Tidal Power

As you might assume, tidal power is energy produced by the surge of oceanwaters during tidal activities. It is a good source of green energy because it is renewable and does not produce greenhouse gases.

However, it can only be used in certain areas and is expensive to build and maintain.

True Power From All Types of Green Energy

If you’re looking to use more environment-friendly energy, you have various options available. Solar, water, and wind energy are all good. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which is right for you.

However, it’s important to remember that not all types of green energy are created equal. Some, like solar and wind, are more environmentally friendly than others, like nuclear. It’s important to do your research to find out which one is suitable for you.

Want to dig deeper into this topic? Continue reading our blog and satisfy your appetite for green energy talk.