Understanding Alternative Energy

There are a lot of energy resources which are going largely untapped. If we could develop the necessary technologies to take advantage of these resources, we could begin to move away from fossil fuels and indeed, the existing electrical grid by using these alternative sources of energy.

One such source is wind power. This is an old idea, but one which has developed to the point where it is a cost effective energy source. Some countries have begun building “wind farms” to harness this energy - out of the paths of migratory birds; which has been a problem in the past.

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.

Many governments and private investors are looking too ocean waves as being a potentially great source of energy. There is one generator which has been in use in France for sometime now with great success. In Ireland and the U.K., there are experimental generators in use as well.

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 is a novel idea which turns the usual energy/waste paradigm on its head. Methane gas, usually seen as a waste product can be used to charge fuel cells and even replace gasoline in generators.

Ethanol, a gasoline substitute made from vegetable matter including corn, sugarcane and even wood chips is somewhat controversial - many doubt that it can really become a serious replacement for petroleum based fuels since it requires a large amount of raw materials which would otherwise generally be a food source; however, ethanol extraction is in a continual state of improvement and may become more viable in the future.

A cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum based fuels; biodiesel is made from plant oils such as rapeseed, sunflower and soybean oils. While not produced on a large commercial scale as of yet, many companies are looking onto the possibility of doing so.

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.