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A Darrieus Wind Turbine

Almost all countries of the world are starting to realize that the time for the exploitation of the power of the wind is right now. We realize that due to the surging power demand and the burgeoning environmental problems associated with generating energy, we are now faced with the challenge of getting things done.

Yes, in some respect, the entire problem can sometimes be disappointing and to a certain degree depressing. However, we are still fortunate because there are now emerging solutions to the world’s power needs if they are simply applied and developed to their fullest and most efficient potentials. Solar energy is starting to make a big headway in technology and implementation comparable to other alternate energy solutions.

Aside from solar technology, one of the other alternatives is wind turbine energy. The wind is a great source of renewable clean energy that is actually making great strides in reducing the use of coal power energy.

What is a wind turbine? A wind turbine utilized in the generation of electricity is not all that hard to comprehend even for ordinary citizens like you and me. It is actually functioning and designed like the water wheels which people of centuries ago used in the making of the flour. The main variation is that here we are using wind rather than water. The wind is the one that pushes the blades of the wheel to turn which in turn creates electricity in conjunction with some gears, magnets and resistance. As of the present, the energy created from the turbine cannot yet be stored in batteries so it is very necessary to use back-up systems but. Generally, however, it is a quite proficient system.

In generating energy from the wind, it is all about three factors: location, location and  location. Because we can not store the generated energy in batteries for subsequent use, it is important to emphasize where the wind turbines are located. Since the electricity generated has to be sent along the power lines and used right away, the turbines need to be located in a place where the wind is regularly blowing. The turbine needs to be located where there is a constant wind most of the time, but it also needs to be located in a place where there are other turbines as well.

While one turbine can generate quite a bit of energy, it may not be adequate to make it economically feasible. You must have hundreds of turbines to make it works feasibly and profitably. There are many places around the world where this is possible but the overall notion is very much regional in nature. In other words, the power made in Vegas should be used for consumers in the Vegas area. The energy generated in West Texas must remain in that place. This is not actually a good idea so that larger cities can derive some of their power from the wind turbines decreasing the demand for coal power.

With a new focus on alternative power sources, we are positive that wind power is only at the start of its surging popularity.

Worldwide Renewable Energy

When we talk on renewable fuel development, Germany is the leading country on this very promising field.  In 2006, Germany a very ambitious power program at the staggering cost of more that $10 billion dollars for research and development of renewable fuel such as biogas, solar cells and wind turbines.

As a form of innovation, the country’s so called “feed laws” allow residents to link to the electrical grid by use of renewable energy and afterward sell back any excess energy generated based on retail prices.

With a very attractive incentive program, Germany pole-vaults into its current position as the top producer of renewable energy.   Current figure puts the capacity for renewable energy at around 10% against the total energy output.  Only in 2006, the whole country stepped up its solar energy program by installing around 100,000 units strategically placed in various localities.

Not to be left behind, in USA, BP Corporation founded an Energy Biosciences Institute or EBI which mandate is to extensively researched clean renewable energy particularly biofuels for the transport industry.  Spread for the next ten years, an investment of around US$50 million will be delivered each year.

The research institute is centered at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In partnership with BP, University of Illinois will be spearheading research and development of better biofuels plants as well as machineries in the production and processing of the crops.

At the same time, the University will also zero in on genetic engineering with the aim of creating more advanced and adept biofuel crops in the future. Moreover, EBI will be working with new innovations that have the potential to convert hydrocarbons into greener and cleaner fuels.

On the other hand, there is an ongoing battle between US Congress and the Geothermal Energy Association or GEA.  Just recently, GEA’s Executive Director Karl Gawell sent a memorandum to congress and Department of Energy advising them of the importance of holding congressional hearings on geothermal energy and some of its problems.

Gawell is very clear on his position that as proven by different reputable studies on the matter, there is a need for continuing and even expanding geothermal research and development.  It is just amazing that there is no enough public awareness of this very essential issue. The development of renewable energy sources is very critical for the sustainability of the country’s economic clout.

For the information of all consumers, energy from geothermal is cheaper to produce compared to coal.  And this is readily available and very accessible by just drilling.  Taking advantage of the geothermal potential for power, a company named Ormat became the 3rd largest producer of energy and is generating business to the tune of more than a billion dollars.

The road towards renewable energy is getting brighter everyday! We, the consumers should be well-informed of the choices available and must use our purchasing power to demand cleaner and greener energy.

Wind Power

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.

Wind Turbines

The search for green and renewable energy is projected to be a trend that will last for many generations to come. Driven by economic forces and geopolitical realities, alternative and renewable energy is the future the nation is heading into. Right now, some homes are run by alternative energy sources such as wind turbines and solar collection cells to hydrogen fuel cells and biomass gases. I personally believe that this green movement will persist into the 21st century and even beyond.

We all know that we must stabilize our energy supplies and as much as possible become more energy independent – meaning not heavily dependent on fossil fuels sourced from wobbly and antagonistic countries. On the individual level, there is a need to get “off the grid” and gradually shift our overreliance huge oil producers. These big corporations are in control of the people as far as heating our homes is concerned.

According to a senior analyst with CarbonFree, the expansion of distributed generation would inevitably result into the reshuffle of the retail electricity market as well as the infrastructures for generation, transmission and distribution. Seeing this future, power businesses have to spread their interest to minimize lost revenues. The analyst is pointing to the conclusions by different studies and research done by their group. CarbonFree has been watching eagerly the increasing shift trend toward alternative energy by homes in developed countries.

The trend is encouraged by government subsidies as well as assistance from alternative energy research and development, the high oil cost, ecological concern, and need to be energy independent. Using the current energy prices level as assumption, CarbonFree concludes that we will see the eventual rise of micro-generation – getting a part or all of a home’s energy requirements thru alternative energy applications like solar panels or wind turbines. If this will come true, then we will see a major revolution on the energy sector.

Not to be left behind,  energy firms are already jumping into the water as they want to position themselves with this multi-billion dollar paradigm shift. They are taking advantage to leverage micro-generation as part of their strategies of opening up new sources of profit generation. For instance, some electricity companies are now funding research and development for better geothermal energy facilities. Geothermal energy production is a very profitable wave of the future.

Solar water heating technology is another very proficient technology – an expensive investment that really pays off.  The disadvantage is that it is not yet cost-effective for big corporations to apply.

Wind turbines hold some potential for reducing home electricity costs. However, just like the solar water heating technology, this could be expensive to install. It is hoped that makers of these devices would soon find ways to bring their prices down.

In conclusion, there is no debate that the future of energy production is shifting towards greener and renewable resources. Hopefully, this trend would be good for our environment as well as our pockets.

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