Alternative sources of energy

There are many sources of energy that are renewable and considered to be environmentally friendly and harness natural processes. These sources of energy provide an alternate ‘cleaner’ source of energy, helping to negate the effects of certain forms of pollution. All of these power generation techniques can be described as renewable since they are not depleting any resource to create the energy. While there are many large-scale renewable energy projects and production, renewable technologies are also suited to small off-grid applications, sometimes in rural and remote areas, where energy is often crucial in human development. Tidal energy can be generated in two ways, tidal stream generators or by barrage generation. The power created though tidal generators is generally more environmentally friendly and causes less impact on established ecosystems. Although not yet widely used, tidal power has potential for future electricity generation. Tides are more predictable than wind energy and solar power .Wave power is the transport of energy by ocean surface waves, and the capture of that energy to do useful work — for example for electricity generation, water desalination, or the pumping of water (into reservoirs). Photovoltaic (PV) Solar power is harnessing the suns energy to produce electricity. One of the fastest growing energy sources, new technologies are developing at a rapid pace. Solar cells are becoming more efficient, transportable and even flexible, allowing for easy installation. Wind power is the conversion of wind energy by wind turbines into a useful form, such as electricity or mechanical energy. Large-scale wind farms are typically connected to the local power transmission network with small turbines used to provide electricity to isolated areas. transmission costs. Hydroelectricity is electricity generated by hydropower, i.e., the production of power through use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy. Once a hydroelectric complex is constructed, the project produces no direct waste. Small scale hydro or micro-hydro power has been an increasingly popular alternative energy source, especially in remote areas where other power sources are not viable. Radiant energy can perform the same wonders as ordinary electricity at less than 1% of the cost. Geothermal energy is a very powerful and efficient way to extract a renewable energy from the earth through natural processes. This can be performed on a small scale to provide heat for a residential unit (a geothermal heat pump), or on a very large scale for energy production through a geothermal power plant. It has been used for space heating and bathing since ancient roman times, but is now better known for generating electricity. Geothermal power is cost effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly, but has previously been geographically limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries Biomass, as a renewable energy source, refers to living and recently dead biological material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. In this context, biomass refers to plant matter grown to generate electricity or produce for example trash such as dead trees and branches, yard clippings and wood chips bio biofuel, and it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibers, chemicals or heat. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline, diesel, or propane fuel. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill (natural gas is lighter than air, and disperses quickly when released). CNG is used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engine cars that have been converted into bi-fuel vehicles (gasoline/CNG). Nuclear power is any nuclear technology designed to extract usable energy from atomic nuclei via controlled nuclear reactions. The only method in use today is through nuclear fission, though other methods might one day include nuclear fusion and radioactive decay. All utility-scale reactors heat water to produce steam, which is then converted into mechanical work for the purpose of generating electricity or propulsion. These renewable energy sources produce energy without emitting carbon into the atmosphere. They may cost money to set up however ultimately, they recoup the cost and save money in the long run. Solar, wind, and water are renewable sources of energy that are friendly to the environment. With awareness to the limits of our natural resources, practically everyone is considering renewable energy solutions. In addition to using alternative energy sources, we can use energy wisely and make sure that our houses are well insulated. A disadvantage of using renewable energy sources is that it is more difficult to produce as much electricity as those plants that use fossil fuels. Another problem with generating alternative energy is the reliance on the weather. The generation of solar and wind energy are absolutely dependant on the quirks of Mother Nature. Another disadvantage of using alternative energy sources is that it is more expensive to put the technology in place to generate power. Although many alternative energy sources are renewable, they also present some disadvantages. The unfavorable effects of alternative energy tend to be less than those produced when using conventional fossil fuels to generate power. The quest for cost-effective, environmental friendly alternative energy sources is ongoing. It is hoped that much of the world’s power will be generated using clean energy sources in the future.