Which is the cleanest form of energy?

a) Coal

b) LPG

c) Wind

d) Kerosene

 

The correct answer is (c) Wind

Wind energy is considered one of the cleanest forms of energy because no fuel is burnt to produce electricity and it does not release smoke, greenhouse gases, or harmful pollutants during operation. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of moving air into electrical energy using blades connected to a generator. Since wind is renewable and abundantly available in many regions, it helps conserve fossil fuels and reduces air pollution and carbon emissions.

Why the other options are not the cleanest

• Coal: A fossil fuel that produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, leading to air pollution, acid rain, and global warming.
• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): Burns more cleanly than coal and kerosene and produces less soot, but it is still a petroleum product that releases CO₂ and is non-renewable.
• Kerosene: A petroleum fuel that gives smoke and harmful gases on burning; dirtier than LPG.

Key points to remember

• Clean energy = energy produced with minimal pollution and emissions (e.g., wind, solar, hydro).
• Renewable energy = energy from naturally replenished sources (wind, sunlight, water).
• Wind energy helps fight climate change and improves air quality, though it needs suitable windy sites and storage/back-up for times when the wind is low.