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Clean Energy

Clean energy is a similar term to green energy. Clean energy sources have extremely low carbon output. For instance a nuclear power plant has an output of about 3 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour of energy. This compares to 700 grams per kilowatt-hour from a coal power plant. The cleanliness here is referring to the amount of pollution put out.

Traditionally clean energy sources such as wind solar and hydro power are considered very environmentally friendly. Nuclear power is somewhat of a black sheep in the flock because of the radioactive spent fuel it leaves behind. Advocates of nuclear energy claim the drawbacks to spend nuclear fuel are far outweighed by the advantages in cleanliness that comes from using nuclear power.

In addition to being good for the environment clean energy is usually self-sufficient once the collection and transmission system has been set up. With natural gas or coal plants where there is a continued cost in fuel which adds significantly to the cost of energy. However once a solar or wind farm is set up the “fuel” is acquired free of charge, leaving the utility owner with maintenance fees that are inherent with any plant’s upkeep. Thus in the long run these clean sources of energy will be less expensive than current systems.

 

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