A gas- and coal-powered economy is more and more becoming the old way of doing business. Not only have they been proven to damage the environment because of how we obtain the fuels and their harmful emissions, but other fuels have proven to be very effective power generation agents.
While this is the traditional way of fueling our economy and we will still be relying on these sources for some time to come, as well as nuclear power, everyone from government agencies to environmentally conscious businesses are leading the way toward greener fuels for future power generation.
Harnessing the Wind for Power Generation
China, Europe and the United States have all embraced the potential of powering the grid and industry through wind turbines.
While wind power generation suffers from unpredictable loads and isn’t as rampant as other traditional and green fuels, its environmental impact is slim to none. Both public and private wind warms are rapidly growing in rural areas and on offshore installations. While wind farms were most often utilized for power generation in agricultural operations, they’re now an alternative fuel source fit for a wide array of industries.
The Growth of Hydroelectricity
Harnessing water for power generation is a rapidly growing trend across the world. While not as green as wind power – damns and other hydroelectric facilities have the potential to harm flora and fauna – water power is still far less damaging than traditional fossil fuels. Rivers and other bodies of water offer a constant, consistent source of power to be harnessed – power that can even be stored for later use. Hydroelectricity is cheap and getting easier to harness every day. China has emerged as the most aggressive player in the global hydroelectricity movement.
The green power generation is fueled by more than just a concern for the impact of traditional fuels on the environment. Both water power and wind power have proven to limit exposure to the environment while offering effective, real-world applications for both the public and private sectors.
