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Clean Energy
Clean energy includes
natural energetic processes that can be harnessed with little
pollution. Anaerobic digestion, geothermal power, wind power,
small-scale hydropower, solar power, biomass power, tidal power and
wave power fall under such a category. Some versions may also
include power derived from the incineration of waste.
More controversial is nuclear energy's claim to be green. It is not
sustainable, nor renewable. However nuclear waste is a pollutant if
released into the biosphere, and there are carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases generated by the large amount of energy required by
transport, mining and pre- and post-production. Hence, nuclear power
is rarely included in official green energy schemes. Proponents of
nuclear power tend to argue that the nuclear waste is not released
into the biosphere during normal operation and that the carbon
dioxide emissions per kilowatt hour of generated electricity is
comparable to those of other green energy sources, such as wind
power.
Likewise, medium or large-scale hydroelectric power or sources of
air pollution such as burning biomatter or petroleum, consume water
and are often excluded from the label 'green energy'.
Renewable energy certificates (green certificates, or green tags)
are currently the most convenient way for consumers and businesses
to support "green power". Over 35 million homes in Europe, and 1
million in the United States, are purchasing such certificates.
No power source is entirely impact-free. All energy sources require
energy and gives rise to some degree of pollution from manufacture
of the technology. |