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Types Of Alternative Energy Sources PDF   E-mail
Written by Tommy Linsley   
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Alternative source of energy has become a necessity in the recent years. Usage of this resource will help in saving of money as well. There are many countries which are using these powerful energy sources and they seem to be convinced with its prosperity. Alternative energy like usage of wind, solar, water resources for the creation of electricity is very beneficial for common man. The natural resources available in the environment can be used to generate the required day to day energy and this will also benefit the economy.
by TommyLinsley


Alternative source of energy has become a necessity in the recent years. Usage of this resource will help in saving of money as well. There are many countries which are using these powerful energy sources and they seem to be convinced with its prosperity. Alternative energy like usage of wind, solar, water resources for the creation of electricity is very beneficial for common man. The natural resources available in the environment can be used to generate the required day to day energy and this will also benefit the economy.

Energy coming from winds definitely will not cost a dime and it is renewed every time. Wind energy is transformed into power by turbines. Using windmills the wind power is directly transformed into energy. A use of wind power is primarily in the agricultural sector like grain grinding and water pumping.

Solar energy is the use of energy from the Sun - it is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. This can be done by a variety of methods such as photovoltaic. Solar heaters can heat water tanks, swimming pools and water pumps for agricultural purposes. Technology has harnessed solar power for a variety of other uses as well, from metal smelting and solar cookers, to industrial chemical production, domestic electricity generation and vehicle fueling.

Tidal Energy - This is a type of hydropower wherein the energy created by tides is transformed into electricity and various kinds of power. Tides are a result of the gravitational forces and rotation of the earth. Therefore, it cannot be depleted unless the earth completely stopped. Although it is not yet extensively employed, tidal power is very promising.

Hydroelectricity - This is a well-known source of energy especially in tropical countries. Utilizing the gravitational force of falling water from a high place creates energy. It is a sustainable source of power and is the most commonly used alternative form of energy. Furthermore, a hydroelectric plant does not generate toxic byproducts. Fossil fuel-powered energy plants produce a high level of greenhouse gases whereas those that are powered by hydroelectricity emit lesser gases. Even though building and maintenance of dams are not environment-friendly as well as economy-wise to be employed largely, hydroelectric plants have more benefits than drawbacks.

Nuclear power - Nuclear power is harnessed by nuclear technologies that generate energy through nuclear reactions such as nuclear fission. Nuclear reactors produce steam energy through the heating up of water and then converted into electricity or the power of thrust. Among the many uses of nuclear power is powering ships and other naval vessels.

Geothermal power - Geothermal power is generated by the heat that is accumulated underground. Geothermal power plants can work 24 hours a day so from an economical standpoint, this type of energy is highly cost effective compared to the ever fluctuating prices of fossil fuels. A large geothermal plant can even power a whole city, however smaller versions can also be built to power up building structures and villages. Geothermal plants are sustainable and do not depend on weather patterns and do not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere.

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