There are a lot of great sources of energy out there which are going underused as of yet. Whether from lack of research and development efforts or simply because the merits are not yet appreciated, these energy sources are sure to grow in popularity as people come to see the value of lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and the benefits of clean energy.
One of these alternatives is wind power. The development of wind turbines continues to progress, with each new generation being more cost efficient; “wind farms” have begun to be used in many countries and these have been placed better than in the past, when they were often a threat to migratory birds.
One of the better known alternative energy sources is solar energy. Solar energy involves using solar cells which can store the energy received from the sun and transform this into electricity (or sometimes, the heat is used to heat water for homes). Solar energy, like wind power, creates no pollution.
Ocean waves are being looked to by private investors and governments alike as a source of energy. There is an ocean wave generator currently in use in France which has performed very well – the U.K., and Ireland are experimenting with similar generators.
Hydroelectric power is not exactly a new idea; however, it is an effective means of generating clean electrical power. Of course, not every location can benefit from electrical power since this requires having a large dam. There have been small, local dams built in many places, but of course these can not generate the amount of power that a large river and dam can.
Geothermal energy is a promising alternative energy source; it is abundant, being right under the Earth’s surface. This energy is produces by water being converted to steam by the heat of the Earth’s molten core. This steam can drive electricity generating turbines. There needs to be more research done into how to best utilize this potentially great source of energy.
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 is a gasoline substitute sourced from plants; these sources include (most notably) corn, but can be produced from any cellulose-containing plant materials; even wood chips! There is still doubt that the extraction process can become efficient enough to really be a serious alternative to gasoline other than on a regional level, but the production process is becoming ever more efficient.
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.