Alternate energy sources refer to energy sources which are not based on the burning of fossil fuels. A renewed interest in alternate energy sources comes from the undesirable effects of pollution from burning fossil fuels. Following are some of the possible alternates:
Solar Power
Solar power is one of the best alternate energy sources for the future. One of the reasons solar power is so popular is because we receive around 35,000 times the total energy used by man each year from the sun. Solar energy is currently being used on a small scale in furnaces for homes and to heat swimming pools. On a larger scale, solar energy as an alternate energy source is being used to run cars, power plants, and some space ships.
Wind Power
Wind power can be used without producing by-products that are harmful to the environment as an alternate energy source. Using the wind to generate power is like using solar power, it is highly dependent upon the weather and the location where the windmills are installed. Any power generated by wind power as an alternate energy source can be sold to and utilized by a local power company.
Geothermal Energy
Alternate energy sources such as geothermal energy are not as cost effective as some of the other methods. Geothermal energy is obtained from the internal heat of planet and can be used to generate stream to run a steam turbine which in turn produces electricity. Geothermal energy would only replace a small portion of the energy that would be needed in the future.
Hydroelectricity
Alternate energy sources such as hydroelectricity uses the potential energy stored in water. Water that is stored in dams is released at high pressures and its kinetic energy is transferred onto turbine blades and used to generate electricity. This type of alternate energy source has high up front costs, but relatively low maintenance costs and provides power very cheaply. Currently in the United States, only about one third of the hydroelectricity that could be used as an alternate energy source is being utilized.
