Everything you need to know about clean technology

As the global population grows, so does the demand for a wider range of products and services. However, surges in demand often result in more waste from the production process, posing a significant threat to our environment.

Fortunately, cleantech (short for cleantech) offers solutions to this coming crisis. Cleantech encompasses environmentally friendly processes and systems that not only meet the needs of society but also protect our natural environment.

The cleantech market is about to expand

ReportLinker’s “Global Clean Energy Technology Industry 2023” report shows that the global clean energy technology market is expected to grow to US$448.8 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%.

Since the clean technology market is set to grow rapidly, interested parties may want to familiarize themselves with these terms.

Learn about clean technology concepts

TechRepublic Premium has compiled a quick glossary of 58 essential concepts to help readers navigate this ever-evolving industry.

This resource breaks the multifaceted landscape of clean technology. It provides definitions of terms such as carbon taxes, which are taxes levied by governments on the carbon content of fossil fuels or greenhouse gas emissions associated with specific business activities or operations. Typically, taxes are charged per ton of carbon emissions. Emitters, such as power plants or industrial facilities, pay taxes based on their emissions. Rates may vary depending on the carbon intensity of the fuel or activity.

You will encounter the concept of decentralized energy systems, which refers to distributed energy generation and distribution networks that operate independently or semi-independently from a centralized power grid. It often involves small-scale renewable energy sources (such as solar panels, wind turbines and microgrids) to meet the energy needs of local communities or regions.

This glossary provides an in-depth understanding of e-waste recycling (short for e-waste recycling). It is the process of responsible collection, disassembly, processing and recycling of discarded electronic equipment and components to recover valuable content and reduce environmental harm. E-waste includes all forms of electronic and electrical equipment (such as old computers, mobile phones and appliances) that have reached the end of their useful life or are no longer needed by their owners.

Dive deeper into the resource and understand the complexities of the Renewable Portfolio Standard. This is a regulatory policy that requires utilities, energy suppliers or other related entities to produce a specified proportion or amount of electricity from renewable energy sources. Its policies aim to encourage the use of renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and optimize energy sustainability.

This glossary explains source reduction, a waste management strategy that emphasizes reducing the generation of waste materials from the beginning of the product life cycle. It requires adjustments to product design, materials used and consumer behavior to minimize the amount and harmful effects of waste produced.

This resource also examines terms related to clean technology, such as clean energy, eco-labelling, and net-zero emissions.

If all of this piques your curiosity, check out TechRepublic Premium’s 13-page quick glossary for just $19.