By Anne Fonda
Clean energy is defined as an energy source that does not burn fossil fuels or produce carbon emissions or other greenhouse gases.
The types of clean energy power generation can include:
If you install solar panels, a wind turbine, or battery storage technology, among other projects, you may be eligible for the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2023, US electric generation facilities (power plants) produced energy from the following sources:
Nuclear energy is considered to be a clean energy source because it has a low carbon footprint, meaning it has low carbon emissions. However, nuclear energy generates toxic, radioactive waste during the fission process, so some groups argue that it is not a clean energy source.
The EIA still classifies nuclear energy separately from other clean and renewable energy sources. That’s because renewable energy comes from a source that is constantly renewed, like wind or sunlight. But nuclear power is derived from uranium, of which there is a finite amount.
The terms clean energy and green energy are mostly interchangeable. They both mean energy that is sourced without burning “dirty” fossil fuels. However, green energy has the least environmental impact. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while nuclear energy is considered clean energy, it is not a green power source.
Using clean energy in electricity generation is a sustainable practice. That’s why countries around the world, including the United States, are exploring the “greening of the grid.” This refers to increasing the share of energy produced by renewable resources and reducing the share produced by burning fossil fuels.
According to the World Resources Institute, clean energy sources are an increasingly vital part of the US energy system. Solar and battery storage continue to set installation records. Geothermal energy is also on the rise, and there is increased interest in nuclear energy.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) predicts that domestic solar energy production is expected to increase by 75% and wind by 11%.
If you want to use clean energy to heat and cool your home, the best way to do that is through the electrification of heat. If you have a gas furnace, oil furnace, or boiler that burns fossil fuels to heat your home, you can convert to an electric heat pump system.
Take things a step further and check to see if your electric company generates electricity through a coal-fired power plant or wind, solar, and nuclear energy. If they burn coal, check to see if you can purchase clean energy directly from them. In some deregulated energy states where the energy industry has been deregulated, you can choose who you buy power from.
This means you can buy solar or wind power from one company and your power distributor distributes it to your home. You get one bill from your power company. Pennsylvania is an example of this. They deregulated electricity in 1996 and provided the website papowerswitch.com for homeowners and businesses.
At Trane, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we are continually innovating and manufacturing highly energy-efficient HVAC equipment. We especially recommend our heat pumps for optimal energy efficiency and emissions reduction. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, reach out to your local Trane dealer today.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Josef Hejda, Electrification Commercialization Leader, and Stacie Downie, Sustainability Solutions Marketing Manager
Sustainability is based on the principle that everything we need for our survival, comfort, and well-being depends on our natural environment, either directly or indirectly. To live sustainably means to reduce your negative impact on the environment through pollution and contributing to climate change.
Learn what a carbon footprint is and how to determine your own carbon footprint. Trust Trane® for reliable and sustainable HVAC equipment.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This is sometimes called the greenhouse effect.
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