STEAM Ahead - Clean Energy Initiative
STEAM Ahead is partnering with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to implement an education and outreach initiative for middle and high school students to build awareness of clean energy solutions, S.T.E.A.M. vocational and career pathways, and state and local based clean energy resources.
Explore our initiatives below and learn how you can make an impact!
What is Clean Energy?
Clean energy is energy that does not directly emit greenhouse gases. Human activities are driving climate change because of the emission of greenhouse gas which are caused by the burning of fossil fuels like natural gas, coal and oil for energy use. These fossil fuels release mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) that gets trapped in the atmosphere, causing the Earth to heat up. In fact, 2023 was the hottest year on record.
Through the use of clean energy, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions thus reducing the impact of climate change - the long-term shift in the Earth’s temperatures and weather patterns.
Common forms of clean energy are:
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Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air by using large wind turbines located on land (onshore) or in sea- or freshwater (offshore).
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Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.
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Hydropower harnesses the energy of water moving from higher to lower elevations. It can be generated from reservoirs and rivers.
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Bioenergy is produced from a variety of organic materials, called biomass, such as wood, charcoal, dung and other manures for heat and power production, and agricultural crops for liquid biofuels.
