The Race For Greener Alternative Energy
Humanity’s overdependence on fossil fuels must come to an end. The race for greener and more sustainable alternative energy is on. With the help of modern technology, it is hoped that in the coming decades the energy market would be singing a different tune.
As one of the promising energy resources, wind power generation is now generating a lot of interest from different players and investors. Researches are continually developing more energy efficient and cost effective wind turbines. Taking advantage of the wind power, wind farms sprouted all over the country. In response to animal rights activists, new wind turbines are not endangering birds which is a problem with the older type of wind turbines.
The most popular alternative energy supply is actually the energy from the sun or solar energy. To harness the power of the sun, solar cells are being utilized to gather as well as focus the energy directly from the sun, and convert it into electricity or hot water. Just like wind power, solar energy is zero in the pollution scale.
Scientists are now also looking into ways on how to exploit ocean wave energy. It is recognized by the government and the energy sector that ocean wave holds huge power potential. In France, an ocean wave generator is successfully doing business and other interested investors in Ireland and Scotland are also interested to further develop the technologies behind ocean wave energy. Hopefully, more and more investors will pour in their money for alternative energy generation.
A perennial favorite, hydroelectric power has been utilized for decades already and this is known as cleaner energy compared to a grid. But then, because hydropower will only be possible with the presence of huge amount of water, it is essentially limited both in scope and applicability. To remedy this situation, some groups are encouraging small hydroelectric generators which usually supplied power to specific and exclusive local communities.
Next in line is geothermal energy. Geothermal is considered as abundant because it lies below the surface of the earth. The energy is created through the heating of water by earth’s extremely searing molten core. The cycle goes this way: the water is converted into steam and steam can be exploited and utilized to drive turbine engines on and this finally generates electricity. With geothermal’s great potential, studies and research are now underway to optimally develop it for the greater good.
Looking for more, interest on the so-called waste gas energies is winding up. This is actually referring to methane gas – which is in a very unique position to turn around the customary energy-pollution bond through the creation of energy from waster materials. The technology behind harnessing methane gas is very much applicable in garbage dumps. Methane gas can be use for fuel cells and in standard gasoline generators.
A politically charged and highly debated energy source, ethanol is a gasoline replacement and is a by-product of wheat, sugarcane, grapes, strawberries, corn, and even wood chips and wood cellulose. With the looming food crisis and the government subsidy to this sector, it is not a wonder why ethanol is at the center of many political debates.
For green-minded fellows, biodiesel energy is for you. Biodiesel are manufactured from plants’ oil. So far, identified sources of biodiesel are soybean, rapeseed, coconut and sunflower oils. Biodiesel is cleaner than the regular diesel fuel. With a big potential market here and abroad, investors are now finding their place in this sector to hopefully cash in when the right time comes.
Atomic energy or nuclear energy is now widely used by many industrialized nations. Using nuclear fission, the energy derived is cheaper and efficient compared to the traditional power generation. The only big concern though is the disposal of the radioactive waste product.
As a person concerned with the connection between a healthy ecology and a healthy individual, it is my prevent wish that eventually we will find more alternative and greener energy sources.


