Alternative Energy Research

  

Alternative Energy Research presents the following article that outlines the basics of alternative energy sources.  There is already a great deal of research going into these sources, and others including harnessing the considerable power of waves along coastlines.

What are fossil fuels?

Essentially there are three fossil fuel sources available to the world but each of them are dwindling. The most abundant is coal; coal is widely used and inexpensively extracted. As such, we have come to rely exceptionally heavily on coal and while there is still quite a large amount of coal left it is estimated that America’s remaining coal will sustain the country for the next 200 too 300 years but it is by no means a perfectly clean form of power.

The biggest problem is that coal is made up of carbon, like living beings, and the burning it needs to go through in the production of energy forms carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxides traps the earth’s heat and is a major contributing factor that scientists believe to be causing global warming. On a more positive note, though, scientists have created a more effective method to burn coal that traps 99% of the impurities and harmful gases that are emitted.

Apart from coal we heavily rely on natural gas and oil that are also in limited supply, and this is where the problem lies. The human race is consuming more and more energy with every day that passes and our resources of fossil fuels are being seriously depleted thanks to the way we live. The answer to this problem seems to lie in alternative energy.

What is alternative energy?

Alternative energy are non fossil fuels and do not deplete the earth’s resources of fossil fuels any further. Countries across the world are being pushed into investing money into the research and production of alternative energy and many countries already have natural energy sources producing usable energy.

Wind energy.

One of the first used forms of alternative was wind energy. Many countries have developed wind farms, both off shore and mainland wind farms. Turbines are turned by wind, creating a viable renewable energy source. The problem with wind energy is that turbines can’t be located near housing districts because of the noise they create, although with further research and investment technologies associated with wind energy and wind turbines will undoubtedly keep improving.

Solar Energy.

In many countries grants are now available to help pay for photovoltaic tiles which collect the heat from the sun’s rays and convert it into an exceptionally safe and renewable form of alternative energy. Whether used to create electricity or to simply heat water or a central heating system, solar energy is easily obtained and the technology is very affordable. With solar energy consumers are assist with the protection of the environment.

Biomass.

Biomass is still a relatively unused form of energy in many parts of the world but more and more money is being put into funding of biomass. Biomass is the creation of energy using plant materials, and is another source of clean, renewable energy. America is one country that uses Biomass to quite big effect, being the largest source of renewable energy every year since the year 2000.

These are only a few alternative energy sources that are available around the world, and more and more funding is becoming available for the production and research of these sources.

Author: Peter Lenkefi

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lenkefi

Alternative Energy Research presents the following article on some fun and interesting "Who, What, When, Where and WHY the need for alternative energy research.

First, "What" is Alternative Energy? Most reading this probably already know but let’s define it to be sure. Alternative (Renewable) energy derives it’s source (or method) of producing energy from natural resources such as the sun, wind, water (rain and tides) and geothermal heat among others.

Secondly, "When" should Alternative source of Energy be used? The answer to that should be a unanimous: AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE! High energy prices, shortage and climate concerns should be enough reasons to agree with that response.

Thirdly, "Who" should be concerned? For all the reasons already stated (and then some) the answer is EVERYBODY on planet Earth. Our long term survival may depend on it. Fortunately the move toward creating a zero carbon future has been fast forwarded by awareness particularly with climate concerns. In the not too distant future the answer to that question may sound more like: Who isn’t? (concerned about Alternative Energy solutions).

Fourth question: "Where" are changes taking place? That answer to that is not in enough places fast enough. Obviously impoverished nations are unable to contribute much to the cause of change when it concerns Alternative Energy advancements however many of the more prosperous nations are now providing funding for research. In addition public and private ventures are investing in research, inventions and production. Now the only thing that stands in the way of accelerating the goal of protecting valuable (depleting) resources and the environment is a coordinated, non-political effort.

Finally the last question: "Why" should we make a big fuss over Alternative Energy? I think the Who, What, When and Where questions already answered that so as a final statement I think an appropriate answer to the "Why" question would be another question: WHY NOT?

Author: Frances Robinson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frances_Robinson