Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy is energy derived from resources that are regenerative or for all practical purposes cannot be depleted. For this reason, renewable energy sources are fundamentally different from fossil fuels, and do not produce as many greenhouse gases and other pollutants as fossil fuel combustion. Mankind's traditional uses of wind, water, and solar energy are widespread in developed and developing countries; but the mass production of electricity using renewable energy sources has become more commonplace recently, reflecting the major threats of climate change, exhaustion of fossil fuels, and the environmental, social and political risks of fossil fuels. Consequently, many countries promote renewable energies through tax incentives and subsidies. Renewable energy accounts for about 14% of the world's energy consumption, but the technical potential is large enough to cover many times current and several times projected energy consumption in 2100 (see below). Renewable technologies such as geothermal and hydropower are often economically competitive without subsidies. Other technologies such as solar power are substantially more expensive, although future costs may decline to a fraction of current levels.
Buying Green Power
Most of us know the validity of using renewable energy. With less impact on the environment and an endless supply to tap into, renewable energy also known as Green Power makes sense.
Green power is available to all of us. Some of us find our own ways of harnessing the natural energy of the Sun whether that is though photovoltaic, wind, tidal or geothermal power. The great majority of us however get our energy from the power grid.
Many communities around the country are increasing their development of sustainable energy. The utility companies are now offering ways that corporations and individuals can purchase blocks of green power though their monthly utility bill. By purchasing green power this way it helps to indicate public demand. This is also a great way to get started in becoming green and supporting the development of future green power projects. To find out if you can buy green power in your state check out Buying Green Power.
Neg-a-watt
The Term Neg-a-watt was first introduced in 1989 by Amory B. Lovins during the Green Energy Conference in Montreal. Neg-a-watt: utilizing consumption efficiency to increase available market supply rather than by increasing plant generation capacity. This "virtual generation" method can supply growth of supply by increasing efficiencies rather than increasing generation.
Lovins said “significant corporate profits can be attained through decreases in energy demands”. Originally a macro idea, this mindset can be utilized on a smaller scale by owners of both residential and commercial property.
It has two main uses
1. The electrical energy available as a result of consumption efficiencies.
2. An arbitrage way of supplying additional electrical energy to consumers without increased generation capacity by the creation of a market for trading of increased efficiency.
