What is Alternative Energy?
There are a lot of great sources of energy out there which are going underused as of yet. Whether from lack of research and development efforts or simply because the merits are not yet appreciated, these energy sources are sure to grow in popularity as people come to see the value of lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and the benefits of clean energy.
One of these alternatives is wind power. The development of wind turbines continues to progress, with each new generation being more cost efficient; “wind farms” have begun to be used in many countries and these have been placed better than in the past, when they were often a threat to migratory birds.
One of the best known alternative energy technologies is solar power. Energy from the sun can be stored in solar cells, where it can be used to heat water for homes or to generate electrical power. Like wind power, solar energy does not generate any pollutants.
Ocean waves are being looked to by private investors and governments alike as a source of energy. There is an ocean wave generator currently in use in France which has performed very well - the U.K., and Ireland are experimenting with similar generators.
Hydroelectric power is not a new technology of course, but is a very efficient and pollution free method of producing electric power. However, this is not a solution for every location since not every area can boast of a large river and dam to put this power to work. Small hydroelectric power plants have been springing up to serve regional needs however.
Geothermal energy has a lot of potential. This is an energy source which lies largely untapped right under our feet - the heat of the Earth’s core turns water into steam, which can drive turbines to produce electrical power. More research and development must be done on geothermal power, but there is great promise here.
Waste gas energy, mostly from methane is unique in that it turns what is normally seen as a waste product into energy. Methane can be used in fuel cells and even in gasoline powered generators to produce energy.
Ethanol is a gasoline substitute sourced from plants; these sources include (most notably) corn, but can be produced from any cellulose-containing plant materials; even wood chips! There is still doubt that the extraction process can become efficient enough to really be a serious alternative to gasoline other than on a regional level, but the production process is becoming ever more efficient.
Biodiesel is made from plant oils. Biodiesel has been made from sunflower, rapeseed and soybean oils. Biodiesel is not generally produced on an industrial scale, but some corporations are starting to take interest. This fuel creates far fewer pollutants than do petroleum based fuels.
Atomic energy is created through the process of nuclear fission. While a very efficient way to generate energy, concerns persist about the radioactive waste produced, which can take centuries to decay to the point where it presents no health hazard.
June 27th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Intelligent content =D Will definitely visit soon
June 27th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Well written writing.. Will come back=)