The Difference Between “Clean” and “Renewable” Energy

Frequent commenter and really smart fellow Alan Belcher writes:

Craig, as a suggestion, it would be wise/the right thing/common sense to start using the term “clean energy” in place of “renewable energy.”  I say this in view of the consequences of a senseless report that claimed that biofuels (wood chip, etc.) release considerably more CO2 into the atmosphere than coal used as a fuel.

This has caused some very negative side effects regarding some wood-chip fired electric generating facilities throughout the U.S. I have heard instances of permits being withdrawn and the like.

Just a thought. All the best with your new book!

To which I replied:

Thanks, Alan; excellent point. I would think, however, that “clean energy” carries with it its own set of issues as a piece of terminology.　For example, is there such a thing as “clean coal?”  And what about nuclear?  No one’s saying that it’s renewable, but the industry is claiming that it’s clean. And they’ve got a point, if by that you mean, “doesn’t emit greenhouse gases.” Of course, if you mean “safe” or “hazard-free” (or any of the other things that any sensible person would associate with the word “clean”) that’s another issue.　

In any case, thanks for the good wishes, and please stay in touch.