Utilizing Natural Sources of Energy Fossil fuels are costly, both economically and environmentally speaking. This article discusses the various forms of renewable energy which can be utilized for far less. The power used in many countries is generated by burning coal, oil, or natural gas, despite the fact that use of such fuels can lead to problems in the future. One day we will run out of these types of fuels because they are not naturally renewed by the Earth. The costs of obtaining these types of fuels are very high because of the great amount of labor required to transport them from the source to the places where they are needed. In addition, fossil fuels create high environmental costs as well. Hazardous gases are released into the atmosphere when these fuels are burned. Leaks can pollute the water and soil around a storage facility. There are, however, clean alternatives, such as wind, hydro, and solar power. These sources of energy do not cause the pollution that fossil fuels do. Also, unlike fossil fuels, we will never run out of wind, water, or energy from the sun. This means that we can rely on them for years.
Solar Energy One of the best sources of energy is the sun. The energy provided by the sun can be used for many different purposes. Solar power has been used for lighting, heating and cooling of buildings, creating electricity, and even for industrial purposes. The possibilities would seem to be almost endless. In fact, the sun is responsible for many of the varieties of renewable energy sources which we utilize. The interaction of warm and cold air is what makes the wind blow. When the air is warmed by the sun, it rises. Colder air naturally sinks and fills in the space formerly occupied by the rising air.
Wind Turbines Since the beginning of time, wind has been recognized as a good source of power. Sea travel was powered by wind for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
Recently, wind driven turbines have been developed which enable us to utilize the power of the wind. The concept is based on the windmill which also has existed for quite some time. The heat of the sun also is a major factor in the water cycle which is the source of hydropower. The flow of water carves canyons.
Hydro Power By placing turbines in the flow of the rivers, we are able to harness the power of water to our benefit. Each year the snows melt and the rains come, bringing even more water to power the turbines. Water in lakes and oceans evaporates because the sun heats it. The evaporated water condenses into clouds as it rises. These clouds bring rain to the Earth. The rivers fill, and their flow becomes more powerful. The energy sent out by the sun is also critical to the growth and development of plants which are also used for energy. The sun is truly invaluable as a source of energy. Man discovered early on that wood burns and provides heat. Today, we have discovered that trees are not the only plants that can provide energy. Other types of plants such as grains have been used to create fuels for cars. These fuels are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.
Plant Fuels Fuels and chemicals made from processing other plant types are used in many different circumstances. As more research is done, more possibilities and applications are discovered. These biomass forms of energy can be used to replace fossil fuels in production processes that often require the burning of coal, oil, or natural gas. The element hydrogen is very common on this planet and throughout the solar system. It is combustible and can be used to power many different mechanical processes.
Hydrogen Hydrogen can even be used to generate electricity. Another way in which electricity can be produced naturally is by using steam power. The Earth naturally produces steam through internal processes. The hot water vapor rises up through the crust.
This rising motion can be used to power turbines, as is done in steam engines. We can obtain this geothermal power by drilling holes in the crust at appropriate places. Another form of energy which is produced naturally is wave energy. The moon pulls the Earth’s oceans, creating the tides. The power of waves can be immense, but even small waves can generate a great deal of power. However, the technology does not yet exist to efficiently obtain energy from the ocean. It is probable, though, that the technology will be developed after a while. Renewable energy may soon overtake fossil fuels as the primary source of power for the planet. If you are looking for solar flashlights or radios, give our site a look. Photo Credit: Sebastiano Pitruzzello, Statkraft