The Hidden Truth About Clean Energy: It's Not So Clean After All

Kristen Walker, a policy analyst for the American Consumer Institute, brings to light some of the lesser-known facts about clean energy. There has been a significant push towards green energy, with the current administration advocating for the use of wind and solar power to replace coal and natural gas. Similarly, electric vehicles are being touted as the future, set to replace traditional combustion engines.

The Reality of Green Energy

The narrative around green energy is that it is clean and will help combat climate change. However, Walker points out that these alternative energy sources come with their own set of problems. Despite the scrutiny and criticism that fossil fuels face, green energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries have their own dirty secrets.

The Environmental Impact of Green Energy

The American Consumer Institute recently published a report highlighting the environmental impacts of these so-called green energy forms. The life cycle of wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle batteries involves significant environmental consequences that are often overlooked in discussions around energy policies. One of the major issues is the extraction and manufacturing processes of the critical minerals required for these technologies. Many underdeveloped nations, rich in these minerals, are put at risk. The operations often lead to land degradation and contamination of soil and water sources. In some cases, these processes are carried out through slave labor.

The Role of China in Green Energy

China, despite its subpar environmental standards, dominates the green energy supply chains. The CO2 emissions from refineries in China are 1.5 times greater than those in the EU or U.S.

The Waste Problem of Green Energy

These energy sources also contribute to a significant waste problem. With limited large-scale recycling options, over 90% of wind turbine blades, solar panels, and electric vehicle batteries end up in landfills. By 2050, it is predicted that used turbine blades will create over 43 million tons of waste worldwide. Solar waste could reach 80 million tons. With the U.S. expected to have 33 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, that's a lot of batteries destined for landfills.

The Need for a Balanced Approach

In our rush to find solutions to one crisis, we may be creating others. Some of the environmental impacts of green energy could be more harmful than those of fossil fuels. Therefore, it's crucial to consider each energy source's environmental concerns, costs, logistics, reliability, and geopolitical factors when developing public policy. A balanced approach that doesn't create additional problems is needed.

Bottom Line

It's high time we had an honest conversation about so-called clean energy. The real-life consequences and harmful effects of these technologies demand a more thoughtful course of action. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think we should reconsider our approach to green energy? Share this article with your friends and let's get the conversation started. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.