July 14th, 2012
Find an adequate definition for clean energy is not easy, mainly because of problems in the categorization of nuclear energy. While some energy experts believe that nuclear energy should also be categorized as a clean energy source for the utilization of nuclear energy does not emit harmful greenhouse gases, others say that nuclear energy can not be regarded as a clean energy source because it produces radioactive nuclear waste.
What does “clean” it? Clean means environmentally friendly, or based on our current energy situation, the net can be viewed as more environmentally acceptable than fossil fuels. This presumably explains why there is such a big debate about whether we should include nuclear energy in the clean energy source or not, that’s what energy experts must first agree whether nuclear power is an option that is more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.
Questions about the categorization of nuclear power is really a question about the limits to the term “clean”. If the clean energy refers only energy source that is not connected with the greenhouse gas emissions of nuclear power should be considered as one of the clean energy option, and if the net refers to energy sources that are not harmful to the environment of nuclear energy can not be categorized as a source of clean energy .
Renewable energy is clean energy and renewable energy sources are cleaner sources of energy because they are considered friendly to the environment. However, eco-friendly does not equal perfect, and there is no perfect energy source. Renewable energy sources can also create environmental damage, such as use of wind power can be attributed to noise and visual pollution, use of solar power could lead to shortages of water, and geothermal drilling may cause the release of a hazardous gas.
Fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), usually referred to as the energy source of “dirty” because of the damage they inflicted on the environment, and the planet Earth in general. Fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gases when burned, mostly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) that accelerate climate change. Unlike renewable energy sources that cause some damage in certain situations, the burning of fossil fuels is always cause damage to the environment.
Clean energy is not only needed to save the world from climate change but also to ensure energy security for years to come. Fossil fuels will eventually run out, and when that happens, the world needs to have another solution that is ready, and clean energy is seen as the best solution.
Of course, it takes time before a clean energy source to replace fossil fuels, not only because of fossil fuel reserves are still quite large, but also because of new renewable clean energy sector began to grow, and it takes a certain period before it can compete commercially with the fuel fossils.