Alternative energy sources can reduce the impact of nonrenewable resources on the environment. Alternative energy sources include water, solar, wind and switchgrass. Each of these sources has its unique advantages in supplying the world with clean, renewable energy. Exploring alternate sources of energy can also help conserve petroleum and slow the depletion of the world's supply of fossil fuels.
Significance
There are many reasons to use alternative energy sources. Humans cannot rely on fossil fuels forever--the supply of fossil fuels is unknown but is believed to be diminishing. When fossil fuels are harvested and used, the byproducts are bad for the environment. Scientists theorize that the Earth is changing in climate due to the effects of the gases produced by fossil fuels.
Wind
Wind energy is a solid clean, renewable energy source. It is one of the least expensive renewable energy sources. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the cost of wind power can be as little as four cents per kilowatt hour. Wind power is locally produced power, so it can help build local economies and reduce the United States' dependency on foreign oil.
Wind energy can be collected in any climate, and it can help make use of land in windy areas which would otherwise be uninhabitable. A windmill is easy to build, and you can build any size that fits your space requirements. Windmills each supply a small amount of power and cannot be used as a main power source. If you need to produce larger amounts of energy, you should use a wind turbine. A wind turbine can be used in a windy climate to harness more wind energy, but it is larger and requires more space for construction.
Grass
Switchgrass is a hot ticket in the biofuels industry. Once endorsed by George W. Bush as a viable renewable energy source, switchgrass may hold the key to our renewable energy future. The U.S. Department of Energy believes that switchgrass may--with the help of developing scientific technologies and processes--convert into several fuels already in use today, including gasoline, diesel and methane. The Department of Energy theorizes that planting fields of the amazing biofuel crop may help offset some of the damage that fossil fuels have done to the environment.
Water
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water power--also called hydropower--is a clean and renewable source of power. Though there is a finite amount of water on Earth, water is considered a renewable resource because conservation efforts are effective in alleviating shortages of water. The Department of Energy says that the hydroelectric plant can benefit the public by creating a reservoir for water--keeping a valuable water supply on hand--which will also function as a local fishing hole, adding recreational value to the plant.
Solar
Solar power is a clean power source. Solar energy comes from the heat and light from the sun. Solar energy is generally harnessed in one of two ways: by using the sun's heat to warm water and heat homes, and by collecting the sun's energy in solar cells which convert the energy to electricity. Solar power is abundant. The solar panels can be purchased in any size you need. The amount of energy you collect is largely dependent upon the surface area of the solar panels.
