Here’s an overview of the various alternative energies that could be our future sources of power:
Solar: Solar energy, which comes from the sun, is among the most common sources of alternative energy. The sun is a giant nuclear reactor that emits massive amounts of energy and light. Solar energy is derived by collecting that energy and turning it into electricity. This form of energy is completely renewable.
Wind: Considered one of the cleanest and most accessible, wind energy can be produced from small-scale windmills or wind turbines on residential properties to large-scale offshore oceanic wind farms. It’s constantly renewable due to the continuous nature of winds.
Hydroelectric: Hydro energy is the process of using the flow of water to generate electricity. Electricity from this energy is produced through the rotating turbine blades of a dam. However, hydro energy can also be generated without dams. For example, some people have even built machines that use the flow of water in rivers to generate electricity.
Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy is derived by splitting the core of an atom, a process better known as fission. It is known for its highest capacity levels, as it can produce a maximum power of over 93% of the time on an annual basis. Whether nuclear energy is renewable or not is a debate still on the rounds.
Hydrogen Gas: This important energy carrier is a potential candidate for clean energy. Though hydrogen gas is produced from fossil fuels, bio-hydrogen provides a more sustainable version as it can be derived from organic, biodegradable waste. Hydrogen can be used efficiently with a systematic storage system. For example, an underground storage system can help transform surplus wind energy into hydrogen through electrolysis.
Biomass Energy: Consists of several forms, which include burnt wood and burnt waste. Biomass in the form of burnt wood is similar to a central heating system. Though renewable, biomass cannot be considered a source of green energy.
Biofuels: Biofuels take a similar nature to biomass, except that they are produced through biological matter. Biofuels derived from plants are renewable, but the dedicated machinery used for their extraction may indirectly contribute to carbon emissions.
Tidal Energy: Tidal energy is produced when the kinetic energy of the water movement is converted into electrical energy. This energy form can produce large amounts of energy, irrespective of the speed of the tide.