21/12/2021
WHAT IS GREEN ENERGY?
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As we become more and more aware of our impact on the environment, the importance of transitioning from conventional energy resources to renewable sources is becoming clearer to consumers. Green energy is a solution to greater sustainability in our power grid, but the term is met with confusion by some, and commonly used to refer to renewables by others.
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Why is it called green energy?
Green energy got its name because it comes from natural resources provided to us by the Earth. The color green is often associated with health, nature and sustainability.
What is green energy and how does it work?
Green energy comes from natural resources like water, wind and sun, which provide the energy we turn into electricity.
Let's take a closer look at each green energy source and how they work:
• Solar energy: Solar panels use silicone sheets with energy-absorbing cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar power is a relatively accessible resource, and people can harness solar power industrially or individually by installing solar panels on buildings and homes.
• Wind power: Wind turbines generate kinetic energy that we then use to create electricity. The harnessing of wind power doesn't require much human labor, and it is known as one of the most environmentally friendly resources.
• Hydropower: Hydropower plants capture kinetic energy from the currents flowing in streams and rivers. This is done through the use of a turbine built into a dam.
• Biomass: Energy can be generated from agricultural, urban and industrial waste. Biomass can be harnessed by burning wood and energy crops grown specifically for this purpose. Wheat, sugar beet, sugar cane and maize are often fermented to produce bioethanol.
• Geothermal: The heat held within the fluids and rocks beneath the Earth's crust can create energy. To harness geothermal energy from the steam and hot water, workers dig mile-deep wells into underground reservoirs. They then use this steam and hot water to power turbines connected to electricity generators.
DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING NEW?
Let’s us know in the comments box.