Types of Green Energy That Can Be Used in Florida

Types of Green Energy That Can Be Used in Florida
Page content

Presently, the energy needs of Florida are fulfilled with only about two percent green energy. Fortunately many private companies, schools, and state officials are working diligently to increase that number and hopefully this trend will spread across the country. This article discusses the various types of green energy and its use in the state of Florida.

Biomass

When energy is derived from renewable biological resources, it is a form of green energy called biomass. Some items that are converted into energy in Florida include waste paper, landfill gas, and the waste from sugar cane processing. Plants utilizing this power can be found in several counties including Palm Beach, Putnam, and Broward.

Wind

Unfortunately, wind is not likely to be an option in Florida in the near future. Because most of the land is quite low in Florida, it is difficult to adequately harvest wind for energy there. Perhaps when harvesting becomes more efficient it may one day be possible to create wind harvesting stations off the coast.

Hydroelectric Power

Because of the flat and low nature of the land in Florida, traditional hydroelectric power is not often found in Florida. It is very difficult to get the downward flow of water needed to turn a water turbine to create the electricity. However, there is a great deal of coastline in Florida giving the state a lot of access to a new form of ocean energy. While this is still being developed there are high hopes that eventually abundant energy will be harvested from the natural movement of the water off the coast of Florida.

Solar

Solar power is definitely the winner in Florida. There are tax credits and rebates available for private citizens and companies to incorporate solar power. Additionally, the state is set to have the second largest solar thermal power plant in the world by 2010. This is expected to reduce carbon emissions in Florida by almost three million tons over thirty years.