People use these methods to produce power for their homes or businesses, but there are also many other ways that green energy solution is used to prevent pollution.
1. Electric Cars
Electric cars are becoming an increasingly popular option for transporting commuters.
The electric car does not produce any tailpipe emissions because it operates with a rechargeable battery instead of gasoline.
According to a study, an electric car owner can expect to see total lifetime savings of $15,000 over the cost of gas over 15 years if they own an average sedan; however, owners could save up to $40,000 by owning an electric SUV in total.
2. Solar Panels
More recently, there have also been significant advances in green energy technology about solar panels. Solar power now presents the most affordable clean energy option for consumers; however, it was not always this way.
According to National Geographic, “the cost of photovoltaic panels per watt plunged from $76 in 1977 to $0.74 in 2013.” This number is expected to continue dropping as solar technologies become more efficient and widely adopted in the future.
This trend represents another example of how green energy technology is used to help prevent pollution. It converts greenhouse gas emissions into proper forms of energy rather than just releasing them into the environment when burning fossil fuels like oil or coal. This alternative clean energy source can be utilized in several other ways to help prevent pollution.
3. Wind Farms
Wind farms are another example of how green energy technology prevents pollution. According to USGS, the United States consists of more than 57,000 wind turbines that supply roughly five percent of America’s electricity needs.
Wind power presents a great alternative to traditional forms of clean energy because it does not pollute the environment and could help solve many environmental issues caused by burning fossil fuels like oil or coal.
This type of renewable resource provides other environmental benefits as well. National Geographic states: “If we covered a fourth of the Earth with solar panels…global warming could be reversed.” These types of green energy solutions can be implemented in many areas around the world that may need them the most; however, this would still only produce a small percentage of the world’s energy needs.
4. Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power plants provide another example of how green energy technology is used to help prevent pollution.
According to a well-established fact, one full-scale atomic reactor produces about 1,000 megawatts of electricity. In comparison, coal and natural gas plants typically have around 500 megawatts each, and hydroelectric plants produce an average of 50 or 60 megawatts.
While nuclear energy does pose some risks due to potential accidents or meltdowns at these facilities, there are still many positive aspects that make it desirable over other forms of clean energy production.