What is Alternative Energy Power?

There are a variety of alternative energy forms that are being harnessed to a greater or lesser extent at present. Much more research and development into these environmentally-friendly  technologies needs to be done. We urgently need to make real shifts away from using fossil fuels by turning to other viable alternatives in a more determined way.

What follows is a brief overview  of the different forms of alternative energy that are available. As individuals and members of our local communities, we need to be more assertive in our demands for fuels that are far less damaging to our planet. 

 This is a Geothermal Well - a clean energy source. Active geothermal wells supply steam to a power facility. See geothermal energy below.

• Wind Power an example of these alternative energy resources. Wind turbines that are progressively more energy efficient and less costly continue to be developed. “Wind farms” have been springing up in many nations, and, over time, they are becoming better strategically placed  so that they do not harm birds as earlier styles of wind turbines did.

• Solar Power is another well-known source of alternative energy.   This involves the manufacturing of solar cells which gather and focus the energy given off directly by the sun, and translate it into electricity or, in some cases, hot water. As with wind energy, solar energy creates absolutely zero pollution.

• Ocean Wave Energy is a third type and is regarded by governments and investors as having enormous energy-generating potential. Such a generator has been in operation for many years in France and is considered to be very successful. The Irish and Scots are also engaged in this sector and are running experimental facilities.

• Hydro-electric Power has been around for some time already and, where it is set up, it is a powerful generator of electricity which is cleaner than that off the grid. Of course, building dams for these types of power-generating schemes is in itself a problematic issue for the environment. Therefore, it is important to use different kinds of generators that can operate within the normal flow of the river and, as long as they are clean and non-invasive could be a better solution large-scale hydro-eletric schemes. In keeping with this more environmentally friend way, run-of-the-river, small and localized hydro-electric generators have been commissioned and are doing well.

•  Geothermal Energy is abundant since it lies directly beneath our feet, just a few miles below the surface of the earth. This type of energy is generated by the water being turned into steam when it is heated by the molten core bneath.Natural steam geysers are an excellent example of this phenomenon.The steam can be harnessed and used to drive turbine engines which in turn generate electricity. Much more research and development into ways of tapping our geothermal energy is urgently needed.

• Waste Gas Energy which is essentially methane gas which can be used for making different purposes. Energy is created from the garbage and waste in landfill dumps. This gas is suitable for fuel cells and can be used in standard gasoline generators.

• Ethanol    is a gasoline substitute and is created from such material as wheat, sugarcane, grapes, strawberries, corn, and even wood chips and cellulose. There is a fair amount of controversy about this kind of fuel-generation. Questions about arable land being used for growing plant-matter to be used as fuel rather than food are hotly debated especially with regard to developing nations where poverty and hunger are national crises. Another issue is whether ethanol production could ever become truly economical or practical except in very localized areas. Technology to improve the process is continually being updated.

• Biodiesel is made from plant oils. To date, commercial stores of biodiesel are made from soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower oils. Used oil from fast food outlets is also being used as biofuel. Often biodiesel is produced by entrepreneurs or the environmentally aware individual who wants to experiment with alternative forms of energy, but commercial interest is on the increase as biodiesel burns much cleaner than petro-based diesel.

To conclude, let us all contribute where and whenever we can by ensuring that our carbon footprint becomes smaller each week or month and not larger.

Incidentally, should you buy a product from a link on this page, I will recive a small affiliate commission for your purchase. :)  Editor