Sustainable energy is energy that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Examples of sustainable energy include wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. These energy sources are also renewable, meaning they can be replenished naturally.
Wind
Wind turbines use wind’s kinetic energy to spin a generator that produces electricity.
Wind is a clean, abundant, and inexhaustible resource.
Wind turbines can be used in many places without significantly changing the landscape.
Solar
Solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity.
Solar is one of the cleanest energy sources because it doesn’t produce greenhouse gases.
Solar farms need a lot of space and consistent sunlight.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy comes from heat deep within the Earth.
Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity or as a direct heat source.
Geothermal energy is created by drilling holes into the ground to access steam and water.
Hydropower
Hydropower uses the movement of water to generate electricity. Hydropower includes dams, tidal power, and wave power.
Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of electricity.
Biomass
Biomass energy comes from organic materials like plants and animals.
Biomass can be burned to create heat and electricity.
Some biomass sources, like sawdust and wood chips, can be low-carbon.
Ocean Energy
Ocean energy derives from technologies that use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater – waves or currents for instance – to produce electricity or heat.
Ocean energy systems are still at an early stage of development, with a number of prototype wave and tidal current devices being explored.
Sustainable energy comes from resources that can meet current energy needs without putting future generations at risk.
Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu