Clean energy for
a brighter future

What is renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural sources that are continually replenished, such as the sun, wind, water, the Earth's heat, and organic matter. Unlike fossil fuels, which release stored carbon when burned and exist in finite supply, renewable sources produce little or no carbon emissions in operation and will not run out on any human timescale.

That combination, low emissions and effectively limitless supply, is what makes renewable energy central to a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Wind turbines. 

Why it matters

Energy production is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions worldwide, and the way we generate power has a direct effect on the health of the planet. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources cuts those emissions at the source, slows the pace of changing environmental conditions, and improves the air we breathe.

The benefits reach beyond the environment. Renewable energy strengthens energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels, and as the cost of clean technologies continues to fall, it is increasingly the most economical choice as well. The transition is already underway: renewable sources now make up close to half of the world's total installed power capacity, and almost all new capacity added each year is renewable.

 It is important to note that carbon projects like nature-based solution projects are often seen as more beneficial to renewable-energy projects as they offer many additional environmental and socio-economic benefits in addition to carbon mitigation.

The main sources of renewable energy

Solar

Solar power captures energy from the sun and converts it into electricity or heat, most commonly through photovoltaic panels. It is now the fastest-growing and most widely deployed renewable source in the world, and costs have fallen dramatically over the past decade.

• Benefits: cheapest and fastest-growing power source in much of the world; very low operating emissions.

• Challenges: only generates in daylight; needs storage and space.

Wind

Wind turbines convert the movement of air into electricity, on land or offshore. Wind is a clean, mature, and cost-competitive technology, and offshore wind in particular is expanding quickly. 

• Benefits: mature and cost-competitive; no operating emissions; large offshore potential.

• Challenges: variable output; needs space and can affect landscapes.

Hydropower

Hydropower uses the flow of water to generate electricity and is the largest established source of renewable power after solar and wind. It is reliable and long-lasting, though large dams can carry significant environmental and social costs.

• Benefits: reliable and long-lasting; can store energy for peak demand.

• Challenges: dams can disrupt rivers and habitats; high upfront cost.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy taps the natural heat of the Earth to produce electricity and heating. It provides a constant, around-the-clock supply, but is only viable in regions with the right geological conditions.

• Benefits: constant supply regardless of weather; small footprint; very low emissions.

• Challenges: limited to suitable locations; expensive to build.

Biomass

Biomass energy is produced from organic matter such as wood, agricultural residues, and waste. It is often described as carbon-neutral, on the basis that the carbon released in burning is reabsorbed as new plants grow, though in practice this depends heavily on how the material is sourced and over what timescale. 

• Benefits: turns waste into steady, weather-independent energy.

• Challenges: climate benefit depends on sourcing; can release pollutants.

How Green Earth supports the green transition

The shift to clean energy is essential, but it is only part of the picture. Cutting emissions at the source through renewable power needs to go hand in hand with restoring the natural systems that absorb carbon and sustain life. That is where Green Earth comes in.

The role of Green Earth as a project developer of high-quality, large-scale nature-based projects accredited by leading verification standards is to facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future. We achieve this by developing projects that focus on nature conservation and helping biodiversity flourish while also supporting governments and corporations in achieving net-zero emissions through verified emission reduction credits.

By developing high-quality nature-based projects, Green Earth is helping to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural habitats, promote biodiversity, and support sustainability.