What Is Green Power?
Green power is electricity that is generated from renewable sources and does not release pollutant emissions. Many households have access to green power products that are branded by utility companies and can find third-party-certified options by state here.
Superstores, warehouses and factories can be fitted with solar panels on their roofs to provide their own renewable energy. Businesses with large fleets of vehicles could switch to electric vehicles.
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources include sunlight water, wind, and Earth's heat (geothermal). They are replenished naturally over time, unlike fossil fuels such as coal and oil, which are limited resources that will eventually end up being depleted. Renewable energy is a healthier option for electricity generation because they do not emit harmful greenhouse gases when burned.
The most popular form of green power is generated by hydropower plants. Seventy percent of Earth's surface is covered by water, and as it moves through a continual cycle of raining and evaporating, it creates natural energy. This process can be harnessed by the use of turbines to generate electricity. Geothermal, solar and wind are also types of renewable energy.
Green energy is also generated by using the sun's rays to warm water in boilers or other devices, and also by producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant and crop material that would otherwise have gone to waste. Many communities are now relying on renewables to supply more of their electricity, from large offshore wind farms to solar panels on homes that are able to sell surplus energy back to the grid.
There are a variety of renewable energy sources, however not all of them are created equal. To be green the source must be zero-emissions, low-emissions, or not emit greenhouse gases during its entire lifecycle (i.e. manufacturing, installation, and land use).
Choose renewable electricity that is certified by a third-party. This type of power is produced by solar, wind geothermal, biogas as well as other biomass types and low-impact small hydroelectric sources. It is available in all markets and offers consumers an easy and efficient method to have a positive impact on the environment. This kind of electricity can replace traditional forms of energy and reduce carbon emissions, which is an important step towards an environmentally sustainable future.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the application of technologies and practices to produce the same quantity of goods and services with less energy. This means cutting down on the amount of waste generated in production processes, and improving the design and construction of buildings, vehicles and household appliances. Energy-efficient technologies also help reduce greenhouse gases and fossil fuel dependence as well as pollutants in the air and water. They also aid in separating growth in energy consumption and GDP.
DNREC offers a variety of energy efficiency programs for schools, businesses, and local governments. These include the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) and the Energy Efficiency Industrial (E2I) Program. These programs offer grant money and low-interest loans to encourage non-residential energy efficiency improvements. DNREC offers rebates and tax credits for upgrades to residential energy efficiency.
When paired with renewables and renewable energy sources, energy efficiency is a crucial component of achieving high ambition climate goals. According to IEA scenarios, if cost-effective energy efficiency measures were implemented in all areas in which they could be beneficial globally, GHG emissions would reach their peak by 2030 and by 2040, it would comprise more than 40% of total GHG abatement needed to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In the near future, countries are expected to double their rate of improvement in energy efficiency. Only then can the goals for climate mitigation and Sustainable Development Goals be achieved. This will require the integration of energy efficiency into plans, policies and major investment decisions at all levels of society and government, as well as making it a top priority for businesses as well as investors and consumers.
Energy efficiency is an essential element of green energy, which blends renewable energy and energy efficiency to provide a clean, carbon-free alternative to traditional electricity. Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, eligible biomass, and small hydroelectric sources with low impact. Renewable energy should be combined with energy efficiency, either in the form of products or services. Green power companies are available online, and the process to switch providers is quick and simple. Some companies offer a cooling-off period of two weeks to allow customers time to decide if they want to switch suppliers.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
When fossil fuels are burned greenhouse gases are released, including carbon dioxide. These gases absorb heat and can cause changes in the climate. Human activities are responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that climate change is a risk to the environment and economic dangers. One way to cut greenhouse gas emissions is to use less fossil fuel energy. You can also generate electricity using renewable energy sources.
The primary source of greenhouse gas emissions is from the generation of electricity. In the United States more than half of energy is generated through coal-fired power stations. Producing electricity using renewable sources, like wind, solar, geothermal and small hydro with low impact is significantly less greenhouse gas emissions.
Other sources of greenhouse gas emissions are residential and commercial buildings, as well as transportation. Residential and commercial buildings use large amounts of electricity for heating and ventilation as well as air conditioning. Lighting; appliances, plug load; and other functions. Retrofits and "green" building methods can make these buildings use much less energy. This will result in fewer greenhouse emissions.
Transportation activities generate greenhouse gases as a result of the burning of fossil fuels that power cars trains, trucks aircrafts, ships, and ships. Reduced emissions is possible by replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with hybrid, electric, hydrogen or electric fuel cell vehicles. In addition, increasing fuel efficiency could lower transportation emissions. Utilizing renewable sources of energy to power transportation (such as electric, biofuels or natural gas with low carbon) can further reduce emissions.
Methane is a byproduct of agricultural and waste disposal practices. It is a potent greenhouse agent. Methane is produced by livestock and other animal farming practices, land use, and the decomposition of organic garbage in municipal landfills for solid waste. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved through reducing these methane sources.
Utility Green Power Products
Many utilities offer green energy options to their customers. They are available in a range of 50 to 100% renewable energy and are offered as an alternative to standard energy supply options. Contacting your utility will provide more details to customers. These products are a great way to aid in the advancement of greener, more sustainable energy sources.
Renewable Energy Costs
The price of alternative energy continues to drop as the world tries to reach a goal of 100 renewable energy by 2050. Wind and solar power are among the most affordable sources of electricity. The levelized cost, also known as LCOE is expected to continue decreasing as technology advances and new projects are proposed. Compared to fossil fuels, the initial costs of renewable energy plants are higher, but the long-term savings can help offset these initial costs.
Renewables are a great option to generate clean energy at a reasonable price with fewer environmental impacts. They also can help lower the risk of coal-related respiratory illnesses and create jobs that help boost the economy. Additionally, they provide steady energy prices for consumers.
Although the initial cost of building renewable facilities is usually higher than those for fossil-fuel plants, they can be operated at a very affordable costs once they are built (as their "fuel" is free). In fact, studies show that the average household's energy bills will be lower after they switch to renewable energy. The majority of renewable energy sources are cheaper and require less infrastructure to deploy than conventional power plants.
In addition, the ongoing capital costs for renewables can be mitigated through rebates and incentives from the government. The high interest rates have disproportionately increased costs for capital-intensive renewable projects. However, Morningstar estimates future interest rates to be lower, reducing those costs.
It's not yet possible to complete a full analysis of the costs versus benefits of a 100% renewable electricity system, however preliminary research suggests that it could have several significant advantages. Jesse Jenkins, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, conducted a study which found that limiting renewables to nondispatchable sources, such as solar and onshore winds results in higher policy cost than a simple low-carbon electricity goal.
Customers who favor green energy can choose green power in New York. A typical green power plan draws renewable energy sources such as wind, biomass, solar, and hydroelectricity. While these alternatives are not currently used to supply all of the State's electricity, they can be a significant portion. By utilizing green power, New York can create a more resilient and sustainable energy mix.