Stepping Up Efforts To Use Alternative Energy Sources
With continuing concern about global warming and depletion of non-renewable resources, the push is on to develop alternative energy sources around the globe. Fossil fuels continue to be the leading resource for providing electrical energy and heat, but predictions remain that in the near future the availability will be vastly reduced, requiring the use of alternative energy sources in the near future and research should be stepped up to incorporate them now instead of waiting until it is too late.
Some of the alternative energy sources currently in use include the sun, the wind and water, which are all considered renewable resources and they are all available in varying degrees throughout the world. While some geographic locations may be better served by different types of alternative energy sources, at least one of the resources can be relied upon in every area of the world.
For example, in the southwest part of the United States, there are many areas that experience abundant sunshine, which can be turned into electricity by using photovoltaic cells. In other parts of the country, the sun may not be as reliable, but the use of wind turbine generators can produce electricity, as can water-driven turbines. With the different types of alternative energy sources available now, environmentalists are pushing to move them into the mainstream.
Many Advantages To Using Alternatives
Saving the natural resources is one reason for the push to use alternative energy sources but the economic benefits can also be cited as an advantage. Solar energy, either for producing electricity or for capturing heat can reduce a home's reliance on the power grid and following the initial investment will be virtually cost free. The power from the sun is readily available and provides one of the non-polluting alternative energy sources.
Windmills in areas of the country with a steady breeze can turn turbines to generate electric power and even small waterfalls can be used to turn turbines, much like the ones used, on a much larger scale, at Niagara Falls. These alternative energy sources are available and the technology is in place to harness the natural powers presented to eventually eliminate the reliance on coal, oil and natural gas.
As more people become aware of the advantages and cost-savings associated with the use of alternative energy sources, they are more likely to begin trying to end their use of fossil fuels to save money as well as put an end to pollution. However, there are some that struggle in accepting the alternative energy sources as a viable means of sustaining that which they have grown accustomed.
