Green energy is energy that can be produced using a method, and from a source, that causes no harm to the natural environment.

What’s the difference between green energy and renewable energy?

The terms ‘green energy’ and ‘renewable energy’ are often used interchangeably, but there is one essential difference between them. While most green energy sources are also renewable, not all renewable energy sources are considered entirely green.

Renewable energy comes from sources that are constantly and naturally renewed (hence the name), such as wind power and solar power. Renewable energy is also often called sustainable energy.

When a renewable energy source may not be considered green?

A renewable energy source may not be considered ‘green’ if, for example, some carbon emissions are associated with the processes used to generate the energy – such as the building of infrastructure.

Hydropower is a renewable resource, but some would argue that it is not green, since the deforestation and industrialisation related to the building of hydro dams can damage the environment.

What’s the difference between green energy and clean energy?

Clean energy is energy that, when used, creates little or no greenhouse gas emissions.

Clean energy comes from renewable, zero emission sources that do not pollute the atmosphere when used, as well as energy saved by energy efficiency measures.

Clean energy is energy gained from sources that do not release air pollutants, while green energy is energy derived from natural sources.

As with renewable energy, some types of clean energy may not always be considered entirely green.

How can we differentiate between clean energy, green energy and renewable energy?

Here’s an easy way to differentiate between clean energy, green energy and renewable energy:

Clean energy = clean air

Green energy = no harm to the environment

Renewable energy = sources that replenish naturally, such as the sun and the wind

What are the benefits of clean energy?

Clean energy provides a variety of environmental and economic benefits, including a reduction in air pollution. A diverse clean energy supply also reduces the dependence on imported fuels (and the associated financial and environmental costs this incurs).

Renewable clean energy also has inherent cost savings, as there is no need to extract and transport fuels, such as with oil or coal, as the resources replenish themselves naturally.

Other industrial benefits of a clean energy mix is the creation of jobs to develop, manufacture and install the clean energy resources of the future.