From Guest Blogger Evie: “Sustainable” Vs. “Green” Energy

Energy shifts into different forms, but is not created or destroyed. A car running on petroleum will transfer most of the energy into thermal energy and various other forms that will contribute to making the wheels work. Power plants are also active in turning one form of energy into the other. Nuclear plants turn nuclear energy into electricity or others from uranium or plutonium. Wind turbines change wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy. Hydroelectric plants turn the gravitational and potential energy of water into electrical and other forms of energy.

These transformations are not perfect, because of the dynamic nature of energy sources and their potential. A common person would take forms of energy to be the same. People also think that a new source of energy should be created because others are being depleted. In reality, there are many differences in forms of energy and their sources. The terms ‘sustainable energy’ and ‘green energy’ are also not the same. There are major differences between these two terms.

Green energy:

You must have heard this term, but you felt confused what it meant. Green energy is derived from electricity and natural gas which come from natural sources like hydro sources, wind power, and solar software. It doesn’t come from natural sources like coal or natural gas.

Renewable energy sources are also called ‘green energy’ sources because they can generate energy and don’t emit carbon. This is a good sign since it doesn’t harm the environment. Solar systems and software are a good energy derivation option if you want to go green. If you want green electricity, you can choose solar panels to suit your different household and work needs.

Green gas is another great option for running your home. Your carbon footprint decreases manifold when you use green gas. It comes from natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Governments can actively adopt this pattern and opt for green energy sources which will use renewable energy for everyday activities. It is just like using any other energy plant for energy emission, except for the fact that the source will be renewable.

Biomass is one more form of renewable or green energy. It is the energy derived from plants. This form of energy is very commonly used all around the world. However, the wrong practice of burning down plants for cooking and bonfires is harmful. The modern forms of biomass energy generation include methane generation and alcohol for automobiles.

In the US, states have already taken the responsibility to go green and rely on natural sources of energy. The most basic resource at hand is through forward-thinking companies which produce software and equipment to turn solar energy to other forms of energy. Scoop.Solar reports that five states in the US are not only powering houses but also providing jobs to thousands of people in this industry. California is on the top, with 18,296 mW capacity, 4,732,000 homes powered and 100,050 jobs solar jobs provided.

Sustainable energy:

Many people think that sustainable and renewable energy are the same. Take a close look around. You will realize that coal, gas, and oil are sustainable forms of energy. Fossil fuels are the sources of energy which give off one-part energy and two-part waste. The waste is carbon dioxide, released into the environment. This emission is harmful to the environment.

Environmental scientists believe that the carbon dioxide is harmful to the Earth and all forms of sustainable energy emit carbon. The term ‘sustainable’ is used to portray energy conservation in the long run. Nuclear power is a huge reservoir of sustainable energy. It can carry on for years to come. These energy sources are developed by keeping long-term goals in mind.

The theory of abundance is the basic reason behind the development of sustainable energy resources. For example, fossil fuel energy is considered ample for a few decades to come.

By now you must realize that renewable energy puts the lesser risk on the environment by using a clean and hygienic source. There is no fear of polluted environment, and the future seems brighter for this practice. Sustainable energy, on the other hand, gives us a hope that our homes, offices, and schools will remain powered for many years to come because of a vast reservoir of energy. Most sustainable energy sources are natural, like fossil fuel. Renewable energy sources are artificial and can work when special efforts are made to channel them.

Last word:

Any source of energy can be called sustainable if it follows these three criteria:

1. It should be adequate to power current and future demands
2. The energy source must be efficient. The means to acquire this energy shouldn’t cost much
3. The energy should be renewable without frequent human intervention

Every city in the world can follow a mandate to generate energy through renewable or sustainable means. The basic difference between these two forms of energy is the carbon footprint. Through a mix of both practices, we can turn this planet greener and give back to Mother Earth bit by bit.

Large solar farms, solar panels for home and offices, wind turbines and hydroelectric sources are some of the measures one can take to promote a healthy and greener lifestyle. The debate which causes an industry-wide rift is nuclear energy. It is yet to be decided whether it is a sustainable source or a renewable source because the material used in building a plant is now less harmful.

Countries like Japan are active in turning this source into a renewable means, but the energy is eventually all consumed. Nuclear power is a sustainable energy source but not green because of obvious reasons – nuclear waste. However, the key similarities between the two forms of energy are not far apart. These may even be interchangeable if the carbon footprint is not considered.