Dirty Energy or Non-Renewable Energy is obtained from sources that generate pollutants in the atmosphere and bring harm to the environment and to people's health.
They are used mainly for the generation of electric energy as is the case of thermoelectric plants that use coal, or in the means of transport, which are mostly powered by gasoline and diesel. This type of energy has this name, because its use usually generates air pollution.
An important characteristic of dirty energy is that it is generated by sources that run out over time, whether in the near future or in the medium and long term. This type of energy is the main cause of global warming and climate change.
- Oil (gasoline, diesel and aviation kerosene)
- Mineral coal
- Charcoal (firewood)
- Nuclear Energy – Mainly due to the atomic waste generated in the process.
- Natural gas – in addition to being a non-renewable source, its use also generates air pollution.
- Disadvantages of Dirty Energy:
They cause environmental pollution, mainly in the air, causing health problems in people. The inhabitants of large urban centers are the ones who suffer the most from the consequences.
They are the main causes of global warming and climate change.
These are expensive energies. Thermoelectric plants, for example, have higher operating costs than hydroelectric plants.
This type of energy generates disputes involving the extraction and sale of raw materials.
In many cases, dirty energy also has financial disadvantages because it has very high operating and maintenance costs.
Clean energy is produced from renewable resources that do not produce less waste that pollutes the environment. This is the type of energy considered ideal, as it does not cause as many impacts and negative influences on nature as dirty energies.
Although Brazil has great hydroelectric potential, dirty energy is still widely used in the country. This is because hydroelectric power generation does not meet market demand in times of water crisis and especially during peak consumption hours (between 6 pm and 8 pm) and in the summer.
Thermoelectric plants, more expensive and polluting, that use mineral coal as an energy source, are usually activated at these times. A situation like this happened in the summer of 2013-2014, when the rainfall level was far below normal.
In terms of means of transport, although Brazil has a good ethanol production rate, the country is still very dependent on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel as sources of fuel. energy.
In 2017, approximately 50% of the energy produced in Brazil came from sources considered dirty, oil, coal and vegetable firewood.
Ideally, companies and governments and people can replace the use of dirty sources with clean and renewable sources.
Using bicycles, electric vehicles, public transport, and walking are simple measures to reduce air pollution generated by burning fossil fuels.
Wind and solar energy can be alternatives for homes and businesses to reduce the use of dirty energy sources.
The use of ethanol instead of gasoline is also a good way to reduce the use of polluting gasoline.
When possible, countries should also make the most of their water resources to generate energy. electricity, replacing the burning of mineral coal used in thermoelectric plants by the energy generated by the Water.
