General
Green energy refers to energy derived from natural, renewable sources that generally produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Solar, wind, geothermal, and responsibly developed hydropower are common examples. Biomass may be described as green only when its fuel sourcing and full lifecycle impact meet the relevant sustainability standard. Green energy, clean energy, and renewable energy overlap, but they are not perfect synonyms. Renewable describes whether a resource is replenished naturally; clean focuses on emissions; green also considers broader environmental effects. For investors, the label alone is not enough. Project quality still depends on contracts, construction, operating performance, grid access, and the durability of cash flows.