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What Is Green Power? Green power is the electricity generated from renewable sources that does not release pollutant emissions. Many households have access to utility-branded green power products and can find third-party-certified options for each state here. Superstores, warehouses and factories can put solar panels on their roofs to generate their own clean energy. And companies with vehicle fleets can convert to electric vehicles. Renewable Energy Sources Solar energy, wind energy and water are all renewable sources of energy. They are replenished over time by nature, unlike fossil fuels like oil and coal that are finite and eventually run out. Renewables offer a much cleaner option for generating electricity because they do not emit harmful greenhouse gases when they are burned. The most popular form of green power is generated by hydropower plants. Water covers 71 percent of the Earth's surface. As it goes through a process of evaporation and rain, it generates natural energy. This process can be harnessed by redirecting water through turbines which in turn generate electricity. Solar, geothermal and wind are also types of renewable energy sources. Green energy is also produced by using the sun's rays to warm the water in boilers or other devices, as well as by producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant and crop material which would otherwise go to waste. Many communities are now relying on renewables to provide more energy, from huge offshore wind farms to solar panels on homes that sell excess energy back to the grid. There are a variety of renewable energy sources, but not all of them are equal. To be considered green, a resource must be either zero-emissions or low-emissions when it is in operation, and it must not emit greenhouse gas emissions during the entire life cycle of the product (i.e. manufacturing installations, installation, and land use). Choose renewable electricity that is certified by a third party. This kind of electricity is produced by wind, solar geothermal, biogas as well as other biomass types and small hydroelectric sources with low impact. It's available in all markets, and offers consumers an easy and effective way to make a positive environmental impact. This type of electricity is a great option to replace traditional energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency refers to technologies and practices that use less energy to produce the same amount of products and services. This includes reducing the amount of waste produced during manufacturing processes, and improving the design and construction of buildings, vehicles and household appliances. Energy-efficient technologies can also reduce greenhouse gases as well as dependence on fossil fuels and air and water pollutants. They can also help to break the link between GDP and energy use growth. DNREC offers a range of energy efficiency programs to schools, businesses, and local governments. They include the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) and the Energy Efficiency Industrial (E2I) Program. These programs offer grant money and low-interest loans that encourage non-residential energy efficiency improvements. Additionally, DNREC also offers rebates and tax credits for improvements to energy efficiency in homes. When combined with renewable energy as well, energy efficiency is a crucial element in achieving ambitious climate goals. According to IEA scenarios, if cost-effective methods of energy efficiency were adopted in all areas where they could make a significant difference in the global GHG emission would reach its peak by 2030 and then by 2040. This would amount to more than 40% of total GHG reduction needed to keep temperature rises below 1.5 degrees Celsius. In the future it will be vital for countries to work towards doubling the annual energy efficiency improvement rate. This is the only way to achieve the climate mitigation targets laid in the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. This will require integrating the energy efficiency into all government plans, policies, and major investment decisions, and making it a top priority for consumers, businesses and investors. Energy efficiency is a crucial part of green power, which combines renewable energy sources with energy efficiency to provide an environmentally friendly and carbon-free alternative to traditional electricity. Renewables include solar and wind power geothermal energy and biomass that is eligible, and small hydroelectric systems that have a low impact. Renewable energy must be combined with energy efficiency, whether in the form of an item or service. On the internet, you can locate green power companies. The process of switching is quick and simple. Some providers offer a cooling-off period of two weeks, which gives customers the chance to consider whether they'd like to switch suppliers. Greenhouse Gas Emissions When fossil fuels burn, greenhouse gas emissions are released which include carbon dioxide. These gases hold heat and cause climate changes. Human activities are responsible for a significant portion of all greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change poses a major environmental and economic risk according to numerous studies. The reduction of fossil fuel energy consumption is one way to reduce greenhouse gases. You can also generate electricity using renewable energy sources. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions is generated by electricity generation. In the United States, more than half of our energy is generated by coal-fired power plants. Creating electricity with renewable sources, like wind, solar, geothermal and low-impact small hydro is significantly less greenhouse gas emissions. Other sources of greenhouse gas emissions include commercial and residential buildings and transportation. Commercial and residential buildings use huge amounts of energy for heating air conditioning, ventilation and heating as well as lighting, appliances and plug loads; and other functions. “Green” building techniques and retrofits can help buildings save energy, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Transport activities emit greenhouse gasses due to the burning of fossil fuels for trains, cars and trucks, as well as planes and ships. Reduced emissions can be accomplished by replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with hybrid hydrogen or electric fuel cell vehicles. The efficiency of fuel can also help reduce transportation emissions. Utilizing renewable sources of energy to power transportation (such as electric, biofuels or natural gas with low carbon) can further reduce emissions. Methane is created by the waste disposal and agricultural practices. It is a potent greenhouse agent. Methane can be produced from livestock and other animal farming practices including land use, as well as the decomposition of organic wastes in municipal landfills for solid waste. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved through reducing these sources of methane. Utility Green Power Products Many utilities offer green options for their customers. These products are available in the range of 50 to 100% renewable energy and are offered as an alternative to conventional energy supply options. Customers can learn more by calling their utility. These products can aid in the advancement of greener, more sustainable energy sources. Renewable Energy Costs As the world strives towards the 2050 goal of achieving 100 renewable energy sources, the cost of alternative energy sources continues to fall. Wind and solar power are some of the most affordable sources of electricity. The cost of levelization, also known as LCOE is expected to decrease as technology advances and new projects are proposed. The upfront costs of renewable energy sources could be higher than fossil fuels, however the long-term savings will offset these initial costs. Renewable energy sources can provide clean, affordable energy with significantly less environmental impact than traditional fossil fuels. They can also help reduce the health risks associated with respiratory diseases caused by coal. They can also create jobs that stimulate the economy. Additionally, they provide affordable energy prices to consumers. The initial costs for renewable energy plants are usually more expensive than fossil fuel plants, but they can be operated at a low cost (since their “fuel” comes free). In green power mobility scooters near me , studies show that the average home's energy bills will be lower after they switch to renewables. This is due to the fact that renewable energy sources require less infrastructure than conventional power plants and can be installed rapidly across the nation. Government incentives and rebates could aid in reducing the cost of capital investment in renewables. In addition, high interest rates have disproportionately increased costs for capital-intensive renewable projects. However, Morningstar estimates future interest rates to be lower, reducing the costs. A full analysis of the benefits and costs of a 100% renewable power system is yet to be done, but preliminary research suggests that it could offer significant advantages. For instance, a study by Jesse Jenkins for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that limiting renewable energy sources to non-dispatchable sources such as onshore wind and solar results in higher costs for policy than simply a low-carbon electricity objective. In New York, where the majority of households buy their electricity through competitive electric markets green power options are offered to those who wish to promote sustainable energy options. A typical green power plan consists of sources of energy like renewable wind, biomass hydroelectricity, solar and wind. These alternatives can be used to generate a significant amount of the electricity in New York. The choice to go green helps to create a more sustainable and resilient energy mix for the State of New York.