The Biggest Benefits of Clean Energy

Sep 1, 2023

Many cities, states, and countries around the world have been making the transition to clean energy sources such as wind and solar to meet our energy needs. But what makes clean energy better than fossil fuels and other energy sources?

Here are just a few of the biggest benefits of clean energy sources, such as wind and solar:

1. Unlike fossil fuels, there are no harmful CO2 or methane emissions

One of the most exciting benefits of clean energy from wind and solar sources is that it produces zero carbon or methane emissions. Methane is a harmful greenhouse gas that has more than 80 times the climate warming impact of CO2. Methane is emitted during the production of coal, oil, and gas, and it is the main component in natural gas. By transitioning from fossil fuels to wind and solar energy, we can help reduce harmful emission levels and prevent the worst effects of climate change.

In addition to CO2 and methane, burning fossil fuels also emits dangerous pollutants into the air such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and soot. Clean energy can help reduce harmful air pollution in communities across the country.

2. Clean energy can cause fewer health problems

The production of fossil fuels, including the subsequent air pollution, can cause a number of health problems for workers and nearby communities, such as heart disease, asthma, respiratory illness, and even cancer. Phasing out fossil fuels in favor of pollution-free energy sources can help improve health outcomes for the billions of people around the world who currently breathe unhealthy air and the many people who live near fossil fuel sites. In fact, eliminating the air pollution that’s caused by burning fossil fuels would prevent more than 50,000 premature deaths annually and provide more than $600 billion in health benefits in the U.S. every year!

A family in their kitchen in their home that's powered by clean energy

3. With clean energy, there are no oil spills or gas leaks

Clean energy from wind and solar sources doesn’t come with the risks of harmful oil spills, gas leaks, explosions, or other disasters that can result from fossil fuel production. Reducing or eliminating these risks would be crucial for our planet, our wildlife, and our health.

4. Clean energy uses less water than fossil fuels

The production of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas requires a significant amount of water. In fact, in 2021, roughly 10% of the total global freshwater withdrawals were used for energy systems—at a time when a quarter of the global population lacks access to safe drinking water. In contrast, clean energy sources such as wind and solar require significantly less water. Among all of the other amazing environmental benefits, transitioning to wind and solar energy is also a great way to conserve our precious water supply.

5. Clean energy sources like wind and solar are abundant and renewable

Clean energy from wind and solar sources is 100% renewable and very plentiful. Solar energy is the most abundant energy source on the planet. In fact, in a single hour, the sun provides the earth with enough energy to power the entire planet for a whole year!

Choose clean energy in 2 minutes

The benefits of clean energy sources like wind and solar are clear. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a win-win for our planet and our health. Curious about how you can play a role in the transition to clean energy? You can upgrade your home to 100% clean energy sources today through CleanChoice Energy. It’s an easy and impactful way you can make a difference in the world.

Here are some of the top reasons you should sign up for clean energy today:

1. You can help protect our environment

Right now, the electricity you use likely includes dirty fossil fuels, which pollute our environment and contribute to climate change. But by choosing 100% wind and solar energy, you can help improve the air we breathe and the world we share.

2. You’ll help transition away from fossil fuels

Switching to wind and solar energy helps reduce our collective dependence on fossil fuels. Fewer fossil fuels mean less air pollution and cleaner air for you and your neighbors.

3. You’ll support clean energy jobs

You can help support the development of renewable energy jobs in your region. More than 3.3 million Americans already work in clean energy jobs. That number will continue to rise, as solar panel installer and wind turbine technician are currently two of the fastest growing jobs in the country—and you can help them grow even more!

A daughter sits on her father's shoulders looking out over a wind farm

4. You can make a big impact

Choosing 100% clean energy for your home is one of the most impactful ways you can help protect our environment. Since 2012, CleanChoice Energy customers have used more than 8.8 billion kWh of 100% clean, pollution-free energy. That has the same environmental impact as:

103 million trees planted; or
7 billion pounds of coal not burned; or
1.3 million cars taken off the road for one year!

5. It’s an easy way you can make a difference

Upgrading your home to clean energy through CleanChoice Energy is a fast, simple way you can make a positive impact on the environment—every time you flip on your light switch. You can support clean energy without having to install anything on your roof, switch your utility, or change your daily routine. It's one of the easiest ways you can make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Choose clean energy in 2 minutes