WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES?

    news / May 10, 2022

    Renewable energy(clean energy) comes from sources that provide an unlimited energy supply as they constantly replenish. The sources include the sun, flowing water, wind, and plants. Biomass was the primary energy source for most of human history until non-renewable energy started to take over from the early 1800s to date. Today’s most popular energy sources are non-renewable from fossil fuel(dirty energy) – petroleum, natural gas, nuclear energy, coal, and hydrocarbon gas liquids. They are non-renewable because their supplies do not replenish daily. 

     

    There are five major renewable/alternative energy sources. 

    Solar energy (from the sun) 

    Biomass (from plants)

    Hydropower (from water)

    Geothermal energy (from the heat in the earth) and,

    Wind energy(0bviously from wind)

     

    SOLAR ENERGY

    Why Solar Is The Way Of The Future? - Build Magazine

    Solar power, the most widely used renewable energy, is sourced from the sun’s heat, and converted into thermal energy or green power. Solar energy is operated by solar panels or photovoltaic cells. The cells are arranged carefully to capture the sunlight and converted into green thermal energy in large fields. Solar panels are seen on top of roofs to accumulate heat from sun rays and generate electricity for household use in homes. Solar energy is highly sustainable and can last over a billion years. Solar energy is known to be the most abundant energy resource on earth. Most solar energy systems offer an extended warranty time, and sometimes the warranty extends for 20years. Therefore, using solar energy ensures you spend less on maintenance. 

     

    BIOMASS

    Biomass: Renewable Energy Source – Mother Earth News

    The oldest form of renewable energy, biomass energy, is power generated from plants and plant-based materials such as wood, energy crops, waste from industry and farms, agricultural and wood residues. Biomass and biofuel are often used interchangeably because the end product of Biomass can be used directly as fuel. Wood is still the largest source of biomass energy today. Besides thermal energy and fuels, Biomass can be converted into chemicals used to make plastics and other products generally made from petroleum.

     

    HYDROPOWER

    43,989 Hydro Power Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

    Hydropower energy is the power produced from the conversion of fast-running water flow into thermal energy. Hydropower is also called water power or hydroelectric power. It generates energy by altering the natural flow of a river or water body using a diversion structure or a dam. It is a sustainable and renewable form of energy production fueled by water. Beyond providing electricity, dams created for hydropower generation serve as recreational facilities for swimming, boating, and fishing for community members. Hydropower provides clean drinking water, supports flood control and irrigation as an added benefit to communities.

     

    GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

    Geothermal Energy - IPS GroupIPS Group

    Geothermal energy is the power generated from the heat produced from the earth’s crust — heat within the earth. The heat originates from the formation of the planet and the radioactive decay of materials in the earth’s core. Steam and water carry this heat onto the earth’s surface. Geothermal energy can be used for heating and cooling purposes and further produce clean electricity depending on its characteristics. Power from geothermal energy is nondependent on weather conditions which means that its energy can supply both electricity and other ancillary services for short- and long-term periods without fluctuations.

     

    WIND ENERGY

    Advantages and Challenges of Wind Energy | Department of Energy

    Wind energy or wind power results from harnessing the wind to produce electricity using windmills and wind turbines. Because wind is produced naturally every day with the constant rotation of the planet, the energy from wind is replenished daily. This makes it a reliable source of renewable and clean energy for humanity. Hills, mountain tops, and open plains are the best locations for setting up wind turbines because higher elevations naturally receive more wind. There are low operations and maintenance costs involved in operating wind turbines once it is installed, and because air is free, of course, there is no cost to it.

     

    Should You Invest in Renewable Energy?

    Renewable energy offers enormous benefits to its users and the environment. The most considerable advantage is that renewable energy is eco-friendly to the environment and saves money on energy costs once installed. The world is moving into a greener environment, and governments strive to reach a net-zero energy point. This is proof that the future is renewable energy. Wind and solar energy are the most prevalent renewable energy used worldwide. The downside is that clean energy may be expensive to install upfront and may deter people from investing in renewable energy. Agencies and most government institutions thus offer incentives to people who apply for support for their eco-friendly constructions.

    Leave a reply