Green encyclopedia
Gravitational energy storage – how it works and is it the future of electricity storage?
As the world struggles with an increasingly severe environmental crisis, the demand for Renewable Energy Sources is rising dramatically. Wind and tidal energy are strongly limited by location, while solar energy seems widely available and inexhaustible, but its efficiency suffers due to the day–night cycle. One of the modern innovations addressing this challenge is gravitational energy storage. How does this solution work?
Geothermal energy – how it works and whether it can be an important source of energy in the future?
Among renewable energy sources, geothermal energy is usually not mentioned among the top options. For this reason, most investors don’t even consider using it. And that’s a shame, because the geochemical processes occurring inside the Earth generate truly large amounts of heat that—if properly harnessed—can be used in everyday operations. But what exactly is geothermal energy, and how can it be exploited?
At What Times Is Electricity Cheaper? Tariffs and Ways to Save
Electric power available in the power grid is essential for the operation of businesses and households. However, while the electrical parameters of current within a given voltage class remain the same, its price can vary. So, at what times is electricity cheaper, and when is it worth considering a change of tariff?
Electric Energy – What It Is, How It Is Produced, and How We Use It
Both consumers and businesses use electric energy every day, and it’s hard to imagine life without electricity today. However, this hasn’t always been the case—back in the 18th century, artificial sources of electric energy did not yet exist. Let’s take a step back in time to explain where electric energy actually comes from and trace its history. Where is the development of electrical engineering headed?
Power outage – causes, solutions, and where to report a failure?
Access to electricity today seems like something completely natural. In practice, however, short-term outages occur regularly, significantly disrupting the lives of not only consumers but especially entrepreneurs, whose ability to conduct business typically depends on having a reliable power supply.
What are the common causes of power outages?
Who should you report them to, and what can you do to minimize the negative effects of such failures?
How does a nuclear power plant work? We explain
Nuclear energy is currently regarded as the future of developing societies. Extremely efficient and environmentally safe, it allows for the generation of a tremendous amount of electric power, albeit at a fairly high cost. Learn about the principles of how a nuclear power plant works and find out what plans Poland has in this regard.
How does the ozone hole form and what does it cause? How can this phenomenon be prevented?
Our planet is surrounded by an invisible ozone layer, which spreads like a bubble at an altitude of several dozen kilometers. Its existence was discovered surprisingly late, only in the 1960s. It was not immediately established that the structure of the ozone hole is not constant and can be damaged. Such a loss is referred to as the ozone hole. What is the ozone hole and can it be prevented
Wind turbines — how do they work and what should you know about them?
Renewable energy sources are not limited to photovoltaics or hydroelectric power. In areas with strong winds, it is also possible to harness their potential to generate electricity. Here, we take a closer look at wind turbines—both large-scale industrial installations and smaller household solutions. How do they work, and is wind power a cost-effective source of energy?
What is greenwashing? Examples of the phenomenon
Today, being “eco-friendly” is a global trend that more and more companies are following. Many do so in good faith, with the genuine intention of benefiting the environment. However, there are also companies that, under the guise of implementing ecological initiatives, hide actions that have nothing to do with sustainability. Such unethical practices are known as greenwashing. Read on to learn how to recognize greenwashing and how to counteract it — what is it really?
How is electricity generated? Everything you need to know
Today, it may seem obvious that practically every home has access to electricity, with power flowing from every outlet. However, electricity itself was not invented—it simply exists. The history of electrical engineering, on the other hand, is relatively short and dates back to the 17th century. Of course, several centuries had to pass between William Gilbert’s invention of the first versorium and the production of photovoltaic panels, but in both cases, electricity is involved. So, what exactly is it, and how is it generated?
How does a home sewage treatment plant work?
Every residential building, including year-round single-family homes and summer cottages, must have infrastructure to handle wastewater disposal. In large housing areas, such as apartment complexes, internal installations are typically connected to the municipal or district sewage system. Wastewater management looks a bit different in dispersed housing areas, where household sewage treatment plants are becoming increasingly common. How does such a system work, and why is it worth choosing?
Green building certifications overview: LEED, BREEAM, WELL and other
In the mid-1980s, media attention focused on tragedies such as the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, the Bophal disaster in India, and the Exxon Valdez spill. As economic development increasingly interfered with the environment, people began to look for ways to make building structures safer. This is how the concept of Green Building was born. What certifications can companies planning infrastructure apply for today, and why invest in green building?