Green Energy Sources

An energy source is defined as a system wherein electricity can be generated or extracted. There are various sources of energy ranging from non-renewable to renewable energy sources. Non-renewable energy sources are the ones that cannot be renewed or regenerated quickly while renewable energy are the ones considered to be unlimited, and can be renewed or have the potential to be renewable. Renewable energy may also refer to green energy or alternative energy source.

Below are the examples of these energy sources:

• Biomass energy / waste to energy systems
This is derived from different energy sources including garbage, wood, waste, landfill gases, and alcohol fuels. In some cases living plants can also be used to generate energy, through other green technologies. With biomass, only biodegradable wastes are used to produce electricity. On the other hand waste to energy systems like biosphere technology can destroy and convert non-traditional waste materials such as fossil fuels, and municipal solid waste (MSW) into marketable by-products like energy or electricity.
Both use thermal conversion that may vary depending on the amount of oxygen and conversion temperature to convert materials into different chemical form. Combustion, torrefaction, pyrolysis, and gasification are some of the processes that involve thermal conversion. Among all other sources of energy, biosphere technology is the most efficient and most environmental system of generating energy.

• Solar energy
Solar energy is the harnessing of energy from sunlight. Nowadays solar energy is the commonly used renewable energy because it is free, cost-effective and energy efficient. It is now one of the growing industries worldwide. Though there is a single flaw regarding the production and disposal of solar panels which are used to harness energy from the sun: according to some studies solar panels are constructed using various toxic containing chemicals including toxic silicon that are harmful to human health. While solar energy industry is primarily advertised as “green energy”, but unfortunately it could be very harmful to our environment if not properly managed.
• Wind Power
Wind energy is another commonly used renewable energy and one of the ancient ways of harnessing energy. It uses wind turbines for energy production. Critics say that it also has an environmental impact since construction and maintenance of wind farms requires more energy from fossil fuels. For example, the hauling of materials uses large vehicles, not to mention cases of malfunctions of turbines which also requires huge amount of energy for repairs or replacements.


• Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is thermal energy which comes from the earth’s crust. The heat under the earth is used for generating electricity. The environmental effect of this however is the atmospheric emissions during the process consisting mainly of carbon dioxide. Water drawn from the deep earth carries a mixture of gases which cause environmental problems such as acid rain and global warming.

• Hydro Energy
Hydroelectric power is the energy from moving water. Hydropower plants are usually supported by large dams. The only problem with this is that it destroys habitats and displaces people if poorly managed.