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Clean Energy 101
Clean energy is generally considered energy that when produced or stored has less of an impact on the environment than conventional sources of energy. Following is a basic primer of some forms of clean energy and potential applications in Massachusetts.
Wind Power
Wind power is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity in the world. The economic benefits of wind power are notable. It is nearly cost competitive with many traditional sources of energy.
The main issues surrounding wind power implementation are aesthetics, bird and bat safety, consistent wind speed, and proper siting. A site assessment should include community input as part of the process. Mass Audubon encourages research leading to site selection for wind farms that minimizes the risk to wildlife and the surrounding habitat.
In 2007 wind energy supplied 19% of Denmark's electrical power needs, 11% of Spain's and Portugal's, and 7% of Germany's. In comparison, the United States received just over 1 percent of its energy from wind.
An example of wind power in Massachusetts is Hull Wind where the town-owned wind turbines provide an economically and environmentally sound energy source. Residential wind turbines are also available.
Visit our Wind Energy section, featuring Mass Audubon's comments on wind energy projects around the state, our position on Cape Wind, and avian research related to proposed wind energy projects.
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Solar Power (Photovoltaic or PV)
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| The Drumlin Farm Nature Center in Lincoln receives the amount equivalent to about 22 percent of its electricity needs from this 48-panel solar array. |
Capturing energy from the sun produces solar energy. The sun's energy can be collected passively through daylighting (skylights/windows/glass doors) or through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels that harness the sun's energy to generate electricity and heat. Photovoltaic panels are normally placed on rooftops or installed as ground arrays. In 2007, there were more than 600 PV systems in Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
Check out our Solar Energy section, featuring information on How Solar Energy Works; Why Go Solar?; Solar @ Mass Audubon; FAQs; a Green Blog; and many more resources.
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Small Hydropower
A small hydropower system uses turbines in conjunction with the flow of water to generate power. It has the dual advantages of consistency and cost competitiveness. However, construction of necessary dams and infrastructure in rivers can be detrimental to the environment.
A major concern with hydropower is that it can alter aquatic ecosystems substantially. Dams may block the migration paths of fish to their spawning areas and may interfere with the natural cycle of flooding. Therefore, site selection and an environmental impact report are of utmost importance.
In Massachusetts, the West Springfield Hydroelectric Project is notable for achieving an environmental low-impact certification from the Low Impact Hydropower Institute. It is one of many smaller hydroelectric plants throughout Massachusetts.
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Biomass
Biomass is the energy created from burning products such as wood chips, crops, or landfill gases. Often it is used in a liquid form, such as biodiesel or ethanol, as an alternative engine fuel. Biomass does release greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Depending on the source of the biomass and the equipment burning it, some forms are less polluting than many traditional non-renewable resources. If new biomass material is grown to quickly recapture the carbon emitted by biomass burning, this would be considered "carbon neutral."
Other concerns include the impact of biomass harvesting on soil fertility, water consumption for facility cooling, and the energy expended to convert biomass into a usable form. The potential conversion of millions of acres of land to high-intensity production is a major concern.
Massachusetts has substantial biomass potential, but at the present time it is not a popular energy option. Harvesting standards must be applied to maintain forests' ability to capture carbon and provide habitat and clean water. The scale of biomass facilities will need to be aligned with the capacity of our forests to produce biomass on a sustainable basis.
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Geothermal
Geothermal energy uses the earth's heat as an energy source. Geothermal energy can be used to heat and cool buildings.
Geothermal energy is used in the climate control system of Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center. Geothermal heat pumps draw water from 1,200 feet below the surface of the earth, where water maintains an average temperature of 55 degrees. This system is used to help keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
A main drawback is the cost to install the system and the amount of electricity needed to power the pumps.
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Tidal/Ocean Power
Tidal energy is gaining attention as a potential alternative energy source. This technology uses water turbines to harness the energy of water as it moves in and out with the tides. Some pilot projects have attempted to use the motion of waves to create energy but with minimal success to date. Primary concerns are potential degradation to the ocean floor and ocean habitats.
A proposal exists for tidal energy in Vineyard Sound, but no tidal power plants are operating in Massachusetts at this time.
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