Green Energy Defined

As toxic emissions continue to warm the earth's atmosphere, green energy solutions are becoming more appealing to businesses and consumers. Find out how it differs from traditional energy in so many ways.

Green Energy - An Easy Definition

Green energy or green power is an energy source that can be used to power electricity. It includes the following:

Biomass - Stored energy from sunlight, plants, wood products, animal waste, sewage, and yard waste
Biogas - Natural breakdown of organic animal and plant materials
Geothermal - Earth's subsurface which is the rock and soil layer just below the top ground surface
Hydropower/Hydroelectric - low-impact only - A water energy source
Solar - Radiant sun energy harnessed by solar panels
Wind - Energy generated by the use a wind turbine

Green-powered energy provides electricity to benefit the environment at the highest level possible. Zero toxic emissions results in a lower carbon footprint.

Traditional Energy

Traditional energy is also referred to as conventional energy. These sources must be extracted, mined, or drilled to access them for energy to power electricity.

This type of energy is produced by:

Fossil fuel combustion:

Coal
Natural gas
Oil

Nuclear Fission:

Uranium

Air pollution, environmental costs, and greenhouse gases are emitted during traditional power creation. In addition, uranium is radioactive and its waste material must be stored safely long-term.

Main Differences Between Green Powered Energy and Traditional Energy Production

Toxic emissions are prevalent in traditional energy production. Burning fossil fuels and radioactive material breaks down in the air.

Side effects of traditional energy production:

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - Smog forms when NOx encounters sunlight. Respiratory problems may occur.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) - Mixes with pollutants in the air to form acid rain. It may trigger asthma attacks.
Ozone (O3) - Breathing in O3 in the lower atmosphere may cause asthma attacks, inflammation of the lungs, and shortness of breath.

Side effects of green-powered energy production:

Over usage, if the water is used to excess in hydroelectric power
If traditional backup energy sources are used, they will create emissions from those sources
Land usage requirements may increase if wind energy is utilized

The Electrician Job Market Looks Promising for Green-Powered Energy

An electrician will have many opportunities to enter the green-powered energy field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, solar photovoltaic installer occupations are expected to grow faster than average. From 2019 to 2029, a 51 percent growth rate is expected.

Green-powered energy initiatives can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By contrast, traditional energy sources contribute to pollution. These toxic gases destroy the earth's atmosphere, which contains the air humanity, animals, and plants breathe in. Saving our planet is a worthwhile mission and everyone's responsibility.

References:

EPA.gov: What is Green Power?

Buy Clean Energy.org: Why Clean Energy is Important

BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook - Solar Photovoltaic Installers

UCSUSA:org: Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies

EPA.gov: Biomass Explained

EESI.org: Biogas - Converting Waste to Energy

IRENA.org: Geothermal Energy

Powering
your career

Green Energy Defined

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Poweringyour career

Green Energy Defined

Other Blog Articles

Powering
your career