FACT CHECK: No, green energy is neither a scam nor hoax for wealth transfer 

A social media post has claimed that green energy is a massive hoax designed to transfer wealth from the gullible to the wealthy elite. 

“Green energy scams are a massive hoax designed for a singular purpose; which is to bilk the tax-payers out of hard-earned dollars,” the Twitter post partly reads.

Anthropogenic Global Warming coupled with it's nasty little sidekick the Green Energy Scam are a massive hoax designed for a singular purpose; which is to bilk the tax-payers out of hard-earned dollars.

A simple wealth transfer from gullible fools to wealthy elite. #AGWHoax pic.twitter.com/sBwboRAlaU

Advertisement

— 🇲‌🇦‌🇸‌🇹‌🇪‌🇷‌ 🇾‌🇪‌🇹‌🇮‌ (@The_Master_Yeti) May 20, 2023

WHAT IS GREEN ENERGY?

Green energy is a source of energy that is generated from natural resources. They include solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, biofuels, biomass and hydroelectric power. These sources of energy are renewable, hence they are referred to as sustainable energy.

In most cases, green energy is referred to as renewable energy, and the term is often used interchangeably. However, it is important to note that while most green energy sources are renewable, not all renewable energy sources are considered to be entirely green.

In order for an energy resource to be considered green, it should not produce any form of pollution, as it is with fossil fuels. 

HOW GREEN ENERGY WORKS

A source of power generation that burns organic substances from sustainable forests might seem to be renewable. However, when the fact that CO2 is produced in the burning process is considered, it then fails to qualify as green energy.

In addition, aside from the fact that green energy is replenished naturally, as against sources like fossil fuel – coal and natural gas – which take thousands of years to develop, green sources also avoid drilling and mining which has damaging effects on the environment. 

Green energy is a sustainable power source because it replaces the adverse effects of burning fossil fuel with alternatives that are by far more eco-friendly. 

More importantly, a full cycle analysis of green energy sources shows that they emit negligible greenhouse gasses and air pollutants. However, this is far better for the well-being of the environment and the health of the people.

EXISTING WAYS WHERE GREEN ENERGY IS BEING USED

Transportation

For example, sustainable biofuels can be used to power vehicles. They can replace the use of fossil fuels which has been established to increase global warming.

Industrial processes

Industries into the production of iron, chemicals, steel and cement now engage the use of hydrogen which is a huge provider of renewable energy. 

Renewable hydrogen can be generated through electrolysis which involves the use of renewable electricity in splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen. 

With the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria, many households are gravitating towards portable solar systems to light up their house and power small home appliances. This approach is cheaper in the long run than running on a generator powered by petrol or diesel. 

Heating and cooling

Green energy solutions are being applied for both domestic and industrial use.

For example, solar water heaters, biomass-fuelled boilers, and the use of solar power cooling systems are some of the existing renewable energy sources.

GREEN ENERGY SAVES THE ENVIRONMENT

Green energy as a sustainable resource is necessary and can play a major role in reducing climate change and many of the devastating consequences of increased warming. 

With the increase in technological advancement, green energy stands a huge chance of replacing the use of fossil fuels.

Experts have said that the massive use of clean energy is the only way to achieve the objective set by the Paris Agreement, seeking to limit the temperature rise of the planet to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

VERDICT

The claim that green energy is a hoax is false. Green energy offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to the energy sources like fossil fuels. In addition, they are both healthy for the environment and ensure humans breathe clean air.

This fact check was produced by TheCable with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck, International Fact-Checking Network, and African Fact Checking Alliance network.