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Efficiency is the cleanest "source". Using energy saving services lessens the demand for electricity.
Buying economical household appliances and low fuel cars help to keep the environment clean.
The sunīs radiation is used directly to produce energy, which could be produced in two ways. Solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. Solar thermal systems use the sunīs energy to heat water or transform it into steam. Heated water is used to heat for example a swimmingpool. The steam is used to turn a turbine and a generator, which produce the electric energy.
Photovoltaic panels, commonly called solar cells or modules, use semiconductor materials to convert sunlight direct into electricity. These panels are used in remote areas. It is cheaper than stringing miles of electrical wire. The price of solar energy, which was once very high, has dropped by half every five years over the last 25 years.
Windmills or turbines are used to produce electricity. Wind power emits no pollution. If care is taken to avoid placing the windmills in undeveloped areas, these generators can have relative little impact on the land. Using wind is economical in areas where the average wind speed is at least 20 kilometers per hour. Although a single wind turbine can produce a usable amount of electricity, most wind power is produced in wind farms. These are large groups of turbines grouped together on a site. Wind power is one of the cleanest sources that can be used. And the cost- power relation is better than for example for solar power.
The geothermal heat in deep areas beneath the earthīs surface is used to produce overheated steam. This steam can be used to produce electricity or long-distance energy. These plants emit very little air pollution and have minimal impact on the environment. They are also very economical.
Energy from flowing water is the oldest form of using power from nature. Low impact hydroelectric plants convert a renewable energy (water flows) into electricity and donīt emit any air pollution. Planning the dam carefully may cause new eco-systems for animals and plants. If dams also have fish ladders and if they fit into the nature, this is a very clean form of energy.
Organic material, called biomass, can be burned in an incinerator to produce energy. Biomass recources include agricultural, forestry and food processing byproducts. In new facilities the biomass is converted into a combustible gas. Although biomass produces air pollution, it's a more green and renewable power source than petrol-based fuels.
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