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alternative forms of energy

Fossil fuels are a finite resource that is getting more expensive every year. This trend will only continue as it gets harder to find, extract and deliver to the consumer. Apart from this, burning of coal and vehicle engine emissions are just some of the fossils fuels that are causing concerns about the environment as they deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. So are there any alternatives to fossil fuels. Of course there is. This article will list a few alternative sources of energy.

Probably the most common alternative to fossil fuels is solar energy. The sun has been used as a source of energy since earliest times. Although we have come a long way from those times and now use it to power all sorts of appliances.

There are two ways that the sun gives us energy. These are heat energy and light energy.

Using the heat supplied from the sun is the most obvious application of using the sun's energy. You can use it to get hot water or dry clothes or cook food. In fact, this has gone on for thousands of years.

Using the light energy provided by the sun is a more modern application. The technology used to take advantage of light energy is called the photovoltaic cell (PV). PV cells are made of a silicon compound that reacts with sunlight to displace and electron. When there are a number of cells together this creates direct current (DC). Direct current can be used to power a number of devices. It can also be stored in batteries for later use. Or it can be converted into alternating current (AC) for use in the home or transportation.

Wind power seems to be getting far more attention recently. This may be more and more wind turbines seems to be sprouting out of the countryside. Wind turbines are the main way that we take advantage of wind power but they get a mixed reaction of their size and shape. Some people are fascinated by them, whilst other find them obtrusive and a blot on the landscape.

A wind turbine is a towering structure that uses the power of the wind to turn a number blades. The kinetic energy is used to power a generator that creates electricity. Countries such as Germany, Denmark and the United States are increasing the number of wind turbines every year. They represent a clean and cheap way to create energy.

Water power is another alternative source of energy. Traditionally, the building of a dam across a river has created hydroelectric power. This has problems in that it is expensive to make and you need a river. It also has environmental consequences for the surrounding region.

Wave energy is another alternative source of energy that is getting some mention. There are two types currently being used. Fixed and floating. The principle behind them is to use the energy in a wave to turn a generator. This could be directly or by increasing and decreasing the air pressure around a generator to turn it.

Geothermal energy is another useful alternative to fossil fuels but it is location specific. Geothermal energy is the use of heat from the Earth's core. The earth is still cooling down and it gets hotter the closer to the center you get. Areas that are volcanic have faults lines that release the heat. This can be used to heat water. The water can be used itself or transformed to steam that can power a generator for electricity.