On the one hand, with its near-zero emissions, it stacks up favorably against conventional, polluting sources of energy.

FORBES: Hydroelectric Revolution: A River Runs Through It

Our energy problems essentially boil down to the fact that we waste too much energy and get too much of that energy from polluting sources.

CNN: Can a 'smart grid' turn us on to energy efficiency?

Wind farms are being planned as part of the UK and Welsh governments' push to produce more electricity from less polluting sources, and reduce the use of coal, oil and gas.

BBC: Mid Wales

Newell says getting businesses to develop cleaner types of fuel depends on government providing incentives for the environmentally friendly technology, and regulating higher-polluting fuel sources.

NPR: Will Pricey Fuel Prompt Greener Energy Habits?

Or what will help you figure out a way to use the sun and the wind to power a city and give us new energy sources that are less polluting.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama��s Third Annual Back to School Speech

Imagine a deal involving emission sources in China, which has some of the world's most polluting coal-fired power plants, and California, which is on a course to become one of the most stringently controlled states in carbon emissions.

CNN: Quicker fix for climate change

"We can tackle climate change without having to resort to polluting nuclear power if we ensure all forms of renewable energy, including wave and tidal sources, are used, " he said.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Positive waves over power project

Another is to allow local people to be able to choose low-carbon local energy sources, rather than being obliged to rely on large-scale electricity grids run on polluting coal.

BBC: Harrabin's Notes: Population overload?