Most of the world depends upon fossil fuels for its energy. This is a problem, because coal, oil, and natural gas are nonrenewable resources.

In other words, the world does not have a never-ending supply of these fuel products–eventually, the available or accessible quantities of these resources will run out.

This is why other options–renewable sources of safe and clean energy–are continually being explored and studied.

Types of Clean Energy

Scientists and energy experts have been looking for ways to incorporate renewable energy methods into homes and businesses for many years.

Several types of clean energy are now available, although some may not be obtainable in all areas of the world. In addition, several of these energy methods may require significant initial monetary investments; however, government subsidies may be offered in some cases.

But, despite any initial cash outlay, renewable energy resources do pay off in the long run. Here are the various types of clean and safe energy.

1. Solar Energy: A variety of technologies have been developed which convert the sun’s light into useable energy. Solar energy is commonly used throughout the world for water heating, electricity, and other applications.
2. Wind Energy: The heat of the sun also controls the winds across the world. The energy in the wind is captured and converted into power through wind turbines. Currently, the United States has enough wind resources to make enough electricity for the entire nation; however, not all areas of the country are suitable for this type of energy.
3. Hydropower Energy: This is the power of water. Flowing water–from streams and rivers, for example–creates energy that can be converted into power for electricity by using turbines and generators. The electricity can be directly fed into the electrical grid to be used in homes and businesses.
4. Ocean Energy: Similar to Hydropower Energy, Ocean Energy also uses the power of water; however, the water power is captured differently. Ocean Thermal Energy uses the heat energy that is stored in the oceans of the tropics. Ocean Wave Power and Ocean Tidal Power are two other ways in which the energy in the water of the world’s oceans can be converted into electricity. None of these methods is widely used as of yet.
5. Geothermal Energy: This type of energy uses the Earth’s internal heat in order to produce electricity. Geothermal power can also be used to heat and cool buildings. The heat of the Earth is often drawn from hot water or steam reservoirs or in hot rock and magma deposits deep under the surface of the Earth.
6. Biomass Energy: Also called ‘bioenergy’, this form of clean energy includes wood that is burned for heat, ethanol and biodiesel fuels for transportation, and biomass products (such as paper mill residue and agricultural residue) which are burned to create electricity. Using biomass can reduce the world’s dependence upon foreign oil.

Conclusion

No matter which types of safe and clean energy people end up using, the fact is that any of these forms of power can help lead to a cleaner planet.