It has being observed that the consumption of non renewable sources has caused more environmental damage than any other human activity. Electricity generated from fossil fuels such as coal and crude oil has led to high concentrations of harmful gases in the atmosphere. This has in turn led to many problems being faced today such as ozone depletion and global warming.
Thus alternative sources of energy have become very important and relevant in today’s world. These sources such as sun and wind can never be exhausted and are thus known as renewable. These sources cause less emission and available locally. The different renewable sources of energy are:
Solar Energy
The energy generated from the sun is the solar energy. It is the most important form of energy since it is non-polluting and also helps in lessening the green house effect. Solar energy can be used for cooking and heating water through solar panels. It can also be used to meet our electricity requirements.
Hydel Energy
The energy derived from water is the hydel energy. The energy from the flowing water can be used to produce electricity. This is one of the best cheapest and cleanest source of energy, although with big dams there can be some environmental and social problems.
Biomass
Biomass, including, firewood, animal dung, biodegradable waste from cities and crop residues- is a source of energy when it is burnt. Biomass does not add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as it absorbs the same amount of carbon in growing as it releases when consumed as a fuel. Its advantage is that it can be used to generate electricity with the same equipment or power plants that are now burning fossil fuels.
Geothermal Energy
It is derived from hot dry rocks, magma, hot water springs, natural geysers, etc. This energy is also being used for heating and generating electricity.
Ocean Thermal Energy
This energy is derived from waves and also from tidal waves. This energy is also used for power generation.
Terry Vaughan said,
June 6, 2009 @ 1:45 am
I don’t totally agree with your sources of geothermal energy. The examples you give are extremes on the high temperature side. These are not generally available whereas the geothermal energy differential of the earth just 5 or more feet below the surface is available in the majority of populated areas. At that depth the earth is cooler in summer and warmer in winter and is able to provide efficient cooling in summer and efficient heating in winter.