As the world's population grows, so does demand for a wider range of products and services. However, this increase in demand often leads to production processes that generate increased waste, posing a significant threat to our environment.
Fortunately, cleantech, short for clean technology, offers a solution to the looming crisis. Cleantech encompasses environmentally friendly processes and systems that not only meet the demands of society but also preserve our natural environment.
The cleantech market is ready to expand
ReportLinker's Global Clean Energy Technologies Industry 2023 report revealed that the global clean energy technologies market is projected to grow to $448.8 billion by 2030, showing a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%.
With the cleantech market poised for rapid growth, those who are interested may want to familiarize themselves with the jargon.
Understand the concepts of clean technologies
TechRepublic Premium has put together a quick glossary of 58 key concepts to help readers understand this evolving industry.
This resource analyzes the multifaceted landscape of clean technologies. Provides definitions of terms such as carbon tax, which governments impose on the carbon content of fossil fuels or greenhouse gas emissions related to particular business activities or operations. Typically, the tax is charged per ton of carbon emitted. Emitters (for example, power plants or industrial facilities) must pay the tax based on their emissions. The tax rate may differ depending on the carbon intensity of the fuel or activity.
You will come across the notion of a decentralized energy system, which refers to a distributed energy generation and distribution network that operates independently or semi-independently from a centralized electrical grid. It typically involves small-scale renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines, and microgrids) to meet the energy needs of local communities or regions.
The glossary provides information on e-waste recycling, short for e-waste recycling. This is the process of responsibly collecting, disassembling, processing and recycling discarded electronic devices and components to recover valuable content and reduce environmental damage. E-waste includes various forms of electronic and electrical equipment (e.g. computers, mobile phones and old appliances) that have reached the end of their useful life or are no longer needed by their owner.
Dive deeper into the resource to understand the complexities of a renewable energy portfolio standard. This is a regulatory policy that requires utilities, energy providers, or other related entities to produce a specific proportion or amount of their energy from renewable energy sources. Its policies aim to promote the use of renewable energy, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and optimize energy sustainability.
The glossary explains source reduction, a waste management strategy that emphasizes reducing the production of waste materials from the beginning of the product life cycle. It involves implementing adjustments in the design of products, materials used and consumer behaviors to minimize the amount and harmful effects of the waste produced.
This resource also discusses terms related to clean technologies, such as clean energy, eco-labelling, and net-zero emissions.
If all this piques your curiosity, check out TechRepublic Premium's quick 13-page glossary for just $19.
