Alternate Potential Sources Of Energy

The concept of limiting the use of fossil fuels to prevent unwanted climatic changes was considered way back in 1896 when a Swedish scientist became the first person to state that burning of fossil fuels could contribute to global warming. The burning issue has become a matter of great concern over the last few decades. Today, each and every person around the world is aware of the depletion of the ozone layer inEarth’s atmosphere and the unprecedented climatic changes taking place all over the planet. A major shift can be seen towards environmental awareness and the new alternative eco-friendly sources of energy are coming under closer scrutiny. When compared to the use of fossil fuels, all the alternative sources of energy though may not be commercially viable but adds something positive towards making this planet green and safe. They provide us with lower emissions of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases at comparatively lower cost and maintenance. Most prominent alternatives seem to have the potential for increased uptake in the upcoming years.

Some prominent alternative sources of energy:

1) Hydrogen gas :

The wrong with the burning of fossil fuels is the emission of toxic substances into the atmosphere, whereas hydrogen is completely clean burning fuel. A fuel (hydrogen) cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water. The fuel cells produce usable electric power as long as hydrogen is being supplied. Research works are in progress to make it more cost effective and more efficient source of energy.

2) Biomass energy:

The most popular renewable source of energy that comes from plants and animals so it is quite cost effective and requires low maintenance due to its indigenous nature.Biomass includes solid biomass such as wood products, dried vegetation and crop residues which are burnt to produce heat energy. In power plants, wood waste, animal manures can be burned to generate electricity.

3) Tidal energy :

Tides are the potential source of clean renewable energy for future use. All it takes is a steam generator, tidal turbine to convert the kinetic energy of ocean water to power turbines and generate electricity at a lower cost of operation and maintenance.

4) Wind energy:

A clean energy source that can be trusted on for the long term future. a wind turbine always creates cost-effective and pollution-free energy which is sustainable. For household purposes, one wind turbine Is sufficient to generate the required amount of energy. All it takes is a wind turbine that captures wind which in turn makes the rotor spin. While the rotor spins , the kinetic energy of moving blades drives a generator that generates electricity.

5) Solar energy:

Sun’s energy is an inexhaustible resource, but harnessing 100% of solar energy into electricity is under research process. Today, solar panels can be seen in every civilized area around the world. Working of solar panel’s photovoltaic cells is based on photons or the particles of light knocking down the electrons from the atoms that cause electrons to be free and their flow under potential differences generates electricity.