If we only try to research and develop the necessary technologies, we can use a lot of energy. By using alternative energy sources, we can move away from fossil fuels and old electricity grids.
Wind energy is one of these alternative energy sources. More energy-efficient and cheaper wind turbines are constantly being developed. Wind farms have sprouted up in many countries, and over time they have been placed more strategically so they don't endanger birds like older wind turbines.
One of the most well-known alternative energy sources is solar energy. This requires the manufacture of solar cells that collect and focus the energy emitted directly by the sun and convert it into electricity or in some cases hot water. Solar power produces zero pollution like wind power.
Governments and investors see ocean wave energy as having enormous energy-generating potential. In France, a generator has been operating for years and is considered a great success, and experimental plants are operating in Ireland and Scotland.
Hydroelectric power has been around for a while and is a powerful electrical generator that is cleaner than a grid. However, there are some restrictions on the availability of suitable sites to build a large dam. Because of this limitation, many river beds or small and local hydroelectric generators have been installed in recent years.
Geothermal energy is abundant because it is found directly under our feet, just a few miles below the earth's surface. This energy is produced by the heating of water resulting from the activities of the earth's extraordinarily hot molten core. The water condenses into steam, which can be captured and used to power turbine engines that generate electricity. Geothermal energy must be subjected to extensive research and development.
Waste gas energies, mainly methane, reverse the usual energy-pollution relationship by generating energy from wastes and some air pollutants. This gas can be used in fuel cells as well as standard gasoline generators.
Ethanol is a gasoline substitute made from wheat, sugarcane, grapes, strawberries, corn, and even sawdust and cellulose. There is debate over whether this fuel will be truly economical or practical outside of very local areas, but technologies for its extraction and mixing are constantly being developed.
Biodiesel energy is produced from oils found in plants. So far, soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower oils have been used to create commercial biodiesel tanks. At the time of this writing, biodiesel is typically produced by entrepreneurs or those interested in alternative energy experiments, but commercial interest from companies is growing. It is much cleaner to burn than oil-based diesel.
Nuclear fission is used in atomic power plants to generate atomic energy. This energy is extremely efficient and can generate large amounts of power. Some people are worried about what to do with the relatively small amount of waste products emitted by atomic energy, which is radioactive and takes hundreds of years to become harmless.
Biodiesel energy is produced from oils found in plants. So far, soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower oils have been used to create commercial biodiesel tanks. At the time of this writing, biodiesel is typically produced by entrepreneurs or those interested in alternative energy experiments, but commercial interest from companies is growing. It is much cleaner to burn than oil-based diesel.
Nuclear fission is used in atomic power plants to generate atomic energy. This energy is extremely efficient and can generate large amounts of power. Some people are worried about what to do with the relatively small amount of waste products emitted by atomic energy, which is radioactive and takes hundreds of years to become harmless.
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