What is Alternative Energy
The simple answer for "What is Alternative energy" is - it is an energy source that can be used as an alternative of fossil fuel namely- coal, petroleum and natural gas. Alternative energies are derived or generated from sources without using up natural resources or producing any harmful effect to the environment. Alternative energy is also referred as Renewable Energy as it comes from resources that are continually get replenishes such as sunlight, wind, waves, tide and geothermal heat.
The major form of
Alternative and renewable energy are biogas, solar power energy and wind
energy. It also includes electricity and heat generated from solar, wind,
ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen
derived from renewable resources.
What is the Importance of Alternative Energy
Alternative energy generation and usage is getting more and more importance because of the following vital reason:
Scarcity of Fossil fuel:-
Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and their reserves are being depleted much faster than new ones are being made. Therefore to keep up with the increased energy demands generation and use of alternative energy is getting more and more demand.
Environmental Pollution:-
The burning of fossil fuels produces around 21.3 billion tonnes (21.3 gigatonnes) of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, but it is estimated that natural processes can only absorb about half of that amount, so there is a net increase of 10.65 billion tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year. Carbon dioxide is one of the major contributors to the global warming - an increase in earth’s average temperature that poses a great threat to cause major adverse effects.
Public Health Concern:-
Burning of fossil fuel such as coal emits toxic substances such as sulphur dioxide, lead, mercury and other heavy metals that known to cause serious health problems, including cancer.
Economic benefit:-
Generating and using alternative energy will reduce import of fossil fuel and electricity. This will also insulate the economy from fossil fuel price spikes due to supply shortage or disruptions. Generation and production of alternative energy will increase economic development and job creation.
Sustainable Energy:-
Use of alternative energy does
not deplete natural resources and conserve it for future generations. Thus uses
of alternative energy meet the needs of people today and in the future in an
accessible, equitable and efficient manner.
Explore more on - What is Alternative Energy
What are Different Alternative Energies
If you want to know more on what is alternative energy and what are the different
types of alternative energies available in details then go to the following links:
Biogas Alternative Energy!
Solar Alternative Energy
Wind Alternative Energy
Geothermal Altenative Energy
Biofuel/Ethanol Alternative Energy
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Alternative Energy
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