The Costs of Going Green

Share this article:

Going green, or using alternative energy as an electric power source, has plenty of benefits. Aside from generating less pollution, it helps prevent faster depletion of natural resources and global warming. Utility companies and renewable energy producers thrive with the increased popularity of green energy. Builders of commercial buildings and homes which are said to be eco-friendly now have a larger market. As national leaders encourage citizens to make the shift to alternative energy, people need to know what “clean technologies” would cost them.

What are the costs of going green?

Monetary costs

To generate electricity from alternative energy sources, certain infrastructures are needed, such as photovoltaic cells stations, wind turbines, and hydroelectric dams. On the average, the investment required to fund clean energy research and to construct the infrastructure is at $155 billion in 2008. It rose from $148 billion of the previous year. While governments motivate citizens to go green through incentive and subsidy programs, the projected cost for each kilowatt-hour is still likely to be higher relative to that of conventional power sources according to the World Energy Assessment, since green energy is not yet mass produced. Costs may also vary from country to country depending on geographical factors and natural resources.

Effects on biodiversity

While environmental groups understand the value of renewable energy, they are also concerned that the construction of infrastructures has adverse effects on wildlife. Wind turbines are feared to affect bird migration, and expansion of dams causes some animals to lose their habitat.

Are the costs worth it?

The debate on these tradeoffs continues, although most governments fully support green energy. As with any public policy, people will always have divergent views about the issue. To determine whether or not the costs of green energy are really worth it, an independent cost-benefit analysis should be done.