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Category: Published: Updated:

Green Energy April 30, 2021 January 19, 2022

The Differences Between Green Energy,

Renewable Energy and More
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Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, have been our country’s primary source of
power for decades. However, the process of getting fossil fuels out of the ground and
into your home creates pollution and damages ecosystems. That’s why more and
more people have been pushing for cleaner, renewable energy solutions. These
include green energy, clean energy, sustainable energy and more.

Although terms like renewable energy, green energy and clean energy are often
used interchangeably, there are actually some key differences that set them apart.
Here, we’ll take a look at various types of renewable energy solutions, what makes
them different from one another and how they’re helping us move toward a future
that isn’t dependent on fossil fuels.

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is created through the use of naturally occurring resources that
replenish themselves over time. So, although there’s not an unlimited amount of these
resources available at any one moment, you’ll almost never have to worry about a
renewable resource running out entirely. And since renewable energy produces fewer
greenhouse gases and pollutants than traditional fossil fuels, they can help to make
your home more sustainable.

In 2019, the amount of energy provided by renewable sources equaled 11.4% of total
U.S. energy consumption. However, the U.S. Energy Information Administration
anticipates that renewable energy consumption in the United States will continue to
increase through 2050.

Types of renewable energy sources

To better understand what renewable energy is and how it works, it helps to take a
look at some examples of renewable energy sources and the technologies that power
them. Among the most common of these sources are:

Solar energy. To create solar energy, photovoltaic cells on solar panels trap
sunlight. Then, an inverter converts the sunlight into electricity that can be used
in your home.
Wind energy. Wind energy works by harnessing air movement to rotate the
blades on large wind turbines. The turbines then convert the kinetic energy of the
rotation to mechanical power and, eventually, electricity.
Hydroelectric energy, or hydropower. One of the first energy sources used to
generate electricity was hydropower. In this process, the force of running water
turns the blades in a turbine, which then spins the generator that produces
electricity.
Geothermal energy. Geothermal energy comes from heat located deep within
the earth’s interior. It works by drilling wells into the ground, which then allows
steam or water to reach the surface and power the turbines that create
electricity.
Biomass energy. Biomass is a renewable material that comes from plants and
animals. Some common biomass sources include wood, agricultural crops and
municipal solid waste. Biomass can be converted into energy using several
different methods, but the most popular approach is burning the biomass to heat
buildings or power steam turbines that make electricity.
Marine energy. Although it’s still an emerging technology, marine energy
leverages the ocean’s natural movements to produce energy. There are a few
different types of marine energy sources being developed, such as wave energy,
tidal energy, and energy from ocean currents.

Other types of energy, explained

The United States has access to a variety of energy resources, from fossil fuels to
renewables. However, not all types of energy in the United States fit neatly into one of
these two categories. For example, energy can also be classified as green, clean,
sustainable, or alternative. Below, we’ll define these types of energy and explain what
differentiates them from renewable energy.

What is green energy?

Green energy, or green power, represents the energy sources that have the least
amount of environmental impact. These types of energy sources don’t release
harmful carbon emissions, meaning they’re effective at helping you reduce your
carbon footprint. Some examples of green energy include electricity produced from
solar, wind, geothermal and other low-impact sources.

Green energy vs. renewable energy

Green energy is actually a subset of renewable energy and includes those renewable
energy resources that offer the greatest environmental benefit. So, although all green
energy resources are renewable, not all renewable resources are considered green.
For example, wind power is green and renewable; burning wood is renewable
(because you can grow more trees) but not green (because it releases pollution into
the atmosphere).

What is clean energy?

Clean energy is energy that doesn’t emit any harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants
during the generation process. This means that all green and renewable energy
sources are also clean by definition. That said, an energy source doesn’t have to be
renewable to be considered clean. For example, nuclear power is a clean energy
source despite the fact that it doesn’t naturally replenish over time.

What is sustainable energy?

Sustainable energy comes from sources that can’t be depleted over time, meaning
they don’t need to be regularly replenished. Some examples of sustainable energy
sources include both solar and wind energy. Compare these sources to wood, crops
and other biomass materials that are capable of being depleted and require time — as
well as possible human intervention — to replenish.

What is alternative energy?

Alternative energy is sourced in a way that doesn’t damage ecosystems, emit

greenhouse gases or have any negative impacts on the environment. So, while energy
sources like biomass and hydropower are renewable, they affect the environment too
much to be considered alternative. For example, sourcing biomass materials can lead
to deforestation, and hydropower systems can negatively influence the habitats and
feeding cycles of both water and land animals.

Making the switch to renewable energy sources

Have you ever wondered how you can help shrink your carbon footprint? It’s easier
than you think. For example, you can get started with renewable energy certificates
(RECs) and carbon offsets. Or you may decide to take a bigger leap and find a solar
provider for your home. Ultimately, anything you can do to begin shifting away from
fossil fuels will help ensure that our environment thrives well into the future.

Constellation currently offers customers in 11 states renewable home energy

solutions that include plans sourced by 100% wind power. Find out how a fixed-rate
renewable energy plan can help you achieve price certainty and predictability through
your entire contract period while also helping to support the environment.

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