Sustainable energy (SE), with it the future is clear, and much cleaner for that matter! No
matter how you look at it, it is one of the most critical aspects of us moving forward and
keeping our existing way of life intact. Unfortunately, technology dictates that we need
energy, but the sources of that energy are optional. We need it to fuel our transportation, heat
our homes, power our computers, phones, lights, and other necessities. Currently we derive
only 13% of our total electricity from renewable sources, and that doesn’t include
transportation! Currently fossil fuels power most of our energy sources, in the form of coal
and oil, or gas. These fuels produce greenhouse gas emissions which is a byproduct of their
combustion, which by itself isn’t that harmful, but in the massive quantities we are using it, it
is a big problem.
As we previously said, some greenhouse gas emissions are part of the carbon cycle, and in
limited use, it isn’t going to affect things all that much, but we have bypassed that plateau of
safe usage a long time ago, and in combination with deforestation and other similar events, we
are creating a big surplus of greenhouse gas emissions that the planet can’t absorb or cycle
properly, thus we are altering the carbon cycle and the chemical makeup of our atmosphere,
which is resulting in global warming, or now more commonly referred to as climate change.
To reduce the risks of runaway climate change, or reaching a tipping point in our climate, we
must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, which will mean renewable, clean energy
sources. Oil, coal, and gas are all finite resources as well, which makes them limited in their
lifespans as energy sources, and as supplies dwindle, the cost to extract and use them
increases in our current supply and demand economic models. So it is huge that we eliminate
our dependance on the fuels, not only for the enhancement of our planet and Eco-systems, but
for our own health and well-being, not to mention probably adding more to our pockets and
more jobs in the long run.
Oil Smoke Stacks Vs. Renewable The Greenhouse Effect
Energy
Sustainable Energy
There are several different definitions of this term, with energy efficiency and renewable
energy being the twin pillars of SE.
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Effectively, the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. SE has two
key components: renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Energy which is replenish-able within a human lifetime and causes no long-term
damage to the environment.
What makes energy that is sustainable different from other new renewable energy
terminology like alternative energy, green energy, or green power, is that it focuses on the
ability of that energy source to continue to provide energy, and also allows it to produce some
pollution to the environment as long as it does not prohibit heavy use of the source for an
indefinite amount of time.
Hydrogen Fuel
Fossil Fuel Dominance
Green Energy is simply put, and defined as energy that can be extracted, generated, and/or
consumed without any significant negative impact to the environment. The planet has a
natural capability to recover which means pollution that does not go beyond that capability
can still be termed as green.
Green power is a subset of renewable energy and represents those renewable energy
resources and technologies that provide the greatest benefit to the environment. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green power as electricity produced from
solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources.
Customers often buy green power to avoid the environmental impacts of fossil based fuel
supplies and its greenhouse gas reduction benefits.
Clean Energy
Biofuels as SE
Renewable Energy Technologies
Renewable energy technologies are the essential contributors to SE as they generally
contribute to worldwide energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuel resources, and
providing opportunities for controlling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to
The International Energy Agency:
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There are currently three generations of renewables technologies, reaching back more
than 100 years.
First-generation technologies emerged from the industrial revolution at the end of the
19th century and include hydropower, biomass combustion, and geothermal power
and heat. Some of these technologies are still in widespread use.
Second-generation technologies include solar heating and cooling, wind power,
modern forms of bio-energy, and solar photovoltaics. These are now entering markets
as a result of research, development and demonstration (RD&D) investments since the
1980s. The initial investment was prompted by energy security concerns linked to the
oil crises (1973 and 1979) of the 1970s but the continuing appeal of these renewables
is due, at least in part, to environmental benefits. Many of the technologies reflect
significant advancements in materials.
Third-generation technologies are still under development and include advanced
biomass gasification, bio-refinery technologies, concentrating solar thermal power, hot
dry rock geothermal energy, and ocean energy. Advances in nanotechnology may also
play a major role.