What you need to know about different types of energy

Graphic showing the title, 'What you need to know about different types of energy.' CREDIT: FSU PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Jan. 26 celebrates the International Day of Clean Energy by the United Nations General Assembly to emphasize the importance of sustainable energy solutions. This date also celebrates the establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009. IRENA assists countries with energy transitions by providing valuable data and analysis on clean energy technology, innovation, policy, finance, and investment.

The global energy crisis represents a significant challenge in the 21st century, impacting equitable access to energy and environmental sustainability goals. According to the United Nations, 675 million people live without electricity, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Varying international political and public support levels for sustainable energy make it difficult to find practical solutions.

One common point of confusion is the interchangeable use of the terms “clean energy,” “renewable energy,” and “green energy.” However, it’s essential to understand that these terms have distinct meanings.

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Clean energy is any source that produces little to no pollution, including greenhouse gases and chemical contaminants. The focus is on the environmental impact of the energy source, making it ideal for long-term planetary health. Examples of clean energy include solar, wind, and nuclear energy, all producing minimal emissions during electricity generation.

Renewable energy comes from sources naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal. The essential characteristic of renewable energy is its sustainability, as these sources are essentially inexhaustible in the long term. However, it’s important to note that not all renewable energy sources are environmentally friendly. For example, while hydroelectric power is renewable, it can lead to significant environmental disruptions, such as changes to local ecosystems and the release of greenhouse gases from decaying organic matter in reservoirs.

Green energy is a subset of clean energy that refers explicitly to energy produced from natural sources like wind, sunlight, and water. While all green energy is clean, not all clean energy is green. For example, nuclear energy is considered clean due to its low greenhouse gas emissions. Still, it is not classified as green because it relies on mined uranium, a finite resource, and produces radioactive waste.

The distinctions between these terms are crucial for making informed decisions about energy policy and investments. For instance, while nuclear energy offers a clean energy solution with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, it faces challenges related to radioactive waste disposal and public perception. Meanwhile, renewable sources like solar and wind are clean and sustainable but require significant upfront investment and infrastructure.

Clean and renewable energies help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Additionally, renewable energy promotes energy security by diversifying energy sources and creating jobs in emerging industries. According to the Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2023, the renewable energy sector employed 13.7 million people globally in 2022, with nearly 5 million jobs in solar energy and 2.5 million in hydropower. The growth of renewable energy also encourages technological advancements and fosters innovation, which supports economic development.

Canada has significant potential for clean and renewable energy production due to its abundant natural resources. According to the Canadian government’s website, the country is a global leader in hydroelectric power, which accounted for 61.7 per cent of Canada’s electricity generation in 2022.

Canada’s wind and solar energy sectors are growing, especially in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.

The International Energy Agency’s Wind Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Wind TCP) reported that in 2022, Canada’s wind energy capacity expanded by just over one gigawatt (GW), bringing the total capacity to 15.31 GW. This growth resulted in wind-generated electricity producing 39.06 Terawatt hours (TWh), a record high for the country, accounting for 6.6 per cent of the national electricity demand.

According to the Canadian government website, the installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems’ installed capacity has significantly increased, rising from 26 megawatts (MW) in 2007 to 6,452 MW in 2022. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association reports that there are over 43,000 solar installations across the country on residential, commercial, and industrial rooftops, directly supplying power to these homes and businesses.

These renewable energy sources are crucial in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and reaching its climate targets.

However, transitioning to a clean and renewable energy system is challenging. The intermittent nature of specific renewable sources, such as solar and wind, requires developing energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies to guarantee a stable and dependable energy supply. Simultaneously, we must address economic and social factors, including the impact on jobs in traditional energy sectors and the necessity for public education and engagement.

In summary, understanding the differences between clean, renewable, and green energy is essential for navigating the complexities of the global energy landscape. These distinctions will become increasingly important as the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change and transition to sustainable energy systems.

The International Day of Clean Energy is a reminder of the need for continued innovation, investment, and collaboration in this vital area. Embracing a diverse mix of clean, renewable, and green energy sources can help us work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.