Green Energy: In metropolitan cities, we rarely face power outages. However, in remote rural areas of our country, the situation is drastically different. Around 750 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity. A 2024 study titled “Lost in the Dark: A Survey of Energy Poverty from Space” reports that approximately 1.18 billion people are considered energy poor, meaning they don’t have enough electricity to meet their daily needs. Click here for more information
At the same time, we cannot ignore the pollution caused by the energy we do have. About 80% of global energy still comes from fossil fuels, which generate significant negative externalities like global warming. The impact is global—some countries, like Lebanon, face major blackouts, while others, like Las Vegas, overconsume energy.
Given the scarcity of fossil fuels and the environmental costs, can we afford to ignore this growing energy crisis? The only sustainable solution is green energy.
What Is Green Energy?
Green energy is renewable energy obtained from infinite natural sources, such as wind and sunlight. This energy can be renewed or replenished at a rate faster than it is consumed. In other words, it is a source of energy that does not harm the natural environment and is sustainable at the same time. Many of you might be wondering what renewable energy means. Let’s take a look at what renewable and non-renewable energy is.
Renewable vs. Non-Renewable energy
- Renewable energy comes from unlimited natural resources like wind, sunlight, and water, while non-renewable energy is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal, uranium, and natural gas.
- Renewable sources can replenish within a human lifetime, unlike non-renewable resources, which take millions of years to regenerate.
- Renewable energy is eco-friendly with a low environmental impact, whereas non-renewable energy contributes significantly to environmental damage and global warming.
Although renewable energy requires a higher initial investment and may seem less affordable initially, it has lower operational costs. In contrast, non-renewable energy is more accessible but comes with higher ongoing costs.
Also Read: White Hydrogen: France’s Game-Changing Discovery and the Future of Clean Energy
Ultimately, renewable energy is sustainable for future generations, while non-renewable energy depletes finite resources.
Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Energy: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Renewable Energy | Non-Renewable Energy |
| Source | Sunlight, wind, water, biomass | Coal, oil, natural gas, uranium |
| Regeneration Time | Replenishes within a human lifetime | Takes millions of years to form |
| Environmental Impact | Low or zero pollution; eco-friendly | High pollution; contributes to climate change |
| Cost Efficiency | High setup cost, but low long-term operational cost | Cheaper initially, but expensive in the long run |
| Sustainability | Sustainable and future-safe | Unsustainable; limited and depleting resources |
Types of Green Energy
Solar power
Solar energy is obtained by harnessing sunlight. Any area that receives sunlight can be used to capture solar energy. The amount of energy that can be harnessed for generating electricity depends largely on various factors, including environmental conditions, topographic location, and the time of day. For instance, solar energy production is highest during the day and nonexistent at night. Bhadla Solar Park, located in Rajasthan, is one of the largest solar energy projects in the world.
Wind energy
Wind energy is obtained by harnessing the kinetic energy of wind. Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity. They may be erected on mountain tops or in open areas. In India, Tamil Nadu was once the leading state in harnessing wind energy, but Gujarat has now surpassed it.
Hydropower
Hydropower is generated by using water, falling through waterfalls or fast-running water, to produce electricity. China is the largest producer of hydropower, generating approximately 694 billion kWh (Kilowatt hours).
Geothermal energy
This energy is produced from the heat that is within the Earth and can be used for electricity generation. It is considered renewable because geothermal energy is constantly radiated from the Earth’s crust. It harnesses heat generated from the planet’s formation and the radioactive decay of minerals. Relative to wind and solar energy, geothermal plants are capable of generating power at a constant rate, irrespective of weather conditions and the time of day.
Biomass
Biomass energy is extracted from recently dead plant and animal matter. Some examples are wood residue, straw, and organic waste from industries and households. Biofuels are considered renewable because we can easily plant more trees to produce them. However, they are the least clean among renewable energy sources, as they need to be burned or combusted to produce energy.
IV. Benefits of Green Energy
Environmental benefits
Green energy offers many advantages.
- Firstly, it is a clean source of energy, causing no harm to the environment. It is sustainable because it does not damage the already finite resources on the planet.
- Secondly, green energy does not emit any carbon emissions or greenhouse gases.
- Thirdly, it is an inexhaustible source of energy, and it has minimal to no climate impact, with the least carbon footprint.
Economic benefits
Economically, too, green energy serves great purposes as it can generate many employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Though the initial investment is high, it becomes more affordable in terms of operational costs over time. Green energy is even supported by the government as it provides subsidies to farmers, businesses or households who are willing to implement solar energy systems on their farms or in their households.
Energy security and independence
Since the energy is obtained from renewable or infinite natural resources, humanity can depend on it for its ever-increasing energy needs without having to worry about the depletion of the finite non-renewable energy sources.
Green Starts at Home: Your Role in a Sustainable Energy Future
The journey toward a cleaner, greener planet doesn’t begin in government offices or corporate boardrooms—it begins right at home. Each individual has the power to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable energy future through everyday choices. Simple actions like turning off unused appliances, using energy-efficient lighting, reducing air conditioner usage, or opting for renewable energy options such as rooftop solar can collectively reduce carbon emissions significantly. Supporting local clean energy initiatives, spreading awareness, and making conscious consumption decisions are all part of the solution.
When millions act responsibly, the impact becomes transformative. Remember, sustainability isn’t a distant goal—it’s a personal commitment we make every day, starting from our own homes.
Why cannot a shift to green energy be delayed?
If we continue to use fossil fuels for energy production, we risk serious implications for our planet. The environmental consequences are now widely recognized, including the increasing global temperatures and changes in climatic conditions. These issues will only worsen if we do not make an effort to shift to green energy. As responsible global citizens, we cannot jeopardise the ability of future generations to sustain themselves. Therefore, the time to act is NOW.
In conclusion, as a spiritual person, I would like to direct everyone to a place where none of these issues exist. This place is called Satlok. To learn more about it, please read this wonderful and life-changing book Gyan Ganga written by a truly enlightened sage, Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj
FAQ on Green Energy
Q) What is meant by a energy?
Ans: It is the energy obtained from infinite natural sources, such as the wind, the sun, water and radioactive decay from the earth’s crust.
Q) Who is the father of green energy in India?
Ans: India does not officially designate a “father of green energy,” but Tulsi Tanti (founder of Suzlon Energy) is often associated with pioneering wind energy in India.
Q) How can green energy be used?
Ans: There are many ways to use green energy, such as harnessing sunlight, flowing water or wind power.
Q) What are the benefits of green energy?
Ans: It is renewable and less polluting. Therefore, it is environment-friendly
Q) Is green energy safe?
Ans: With the lowest carbon emissions and an abundant supply naturally, green energy is safe.
