FREA defines clean energy as any energy source that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Alternatively, clean energy is energy produced from renewable sources in a process that has minimal impact to the environment. Examples of clean energy include solar, wind, biomass, ocean current, and geothermal technologies that adhere to rigorous environmental standards.
Unfortunately, it has become increasingly necessary to define this term unequivocally due to the persistent attempts of industry representatives for non-renewable and environmentally hazardous energy sources to co-opt the term for the purpose of presenting these non-clean sources in a better, more acceptable light.
For example, nuclear power cannot be considered clean due to its finite source material and lethal radioactive waste regardless of the absence of carbon emissions during plant operation. For more on the concerns with nuclear power, click here.
“Clean coal” is not clean due to its finite resource and extensive environmental damage during extraction regardless of the ability of new technology to capture emissions. The lack of an environmentally sound sequestration system for captured carbon emissions also prevents this technology from achieving any credibility as a clean alternative. For an article on the coal industry’s campaign to promote coal as a clean technology, click here.
