Alternative Energy Taking Root Worldwide Mankind has been laboring under the worry about alternative energy. Currently most of the energy comes from fossil fuels and nuclear power. Each comes with its own risks. Fossil fuels are liable to run out one day (leaving the large number of cars and power plants hungry for energy). They also pollute harmful chemicals into the breathable air, bringing unpredictable consequences. Nuclear power, on the other hand, terrifies the public because of its radioactive properties. Nuclear power requires special handling and is difficult to dispose of (as radiation doesn’t dissipate overnight). If the world were to rely on nuclear energy, it would soon have no place to store it.
Sources of Alternative Energy So engineers have been working their way through schematics and designs for alternative energy. Each experiment has met its own success and limitations. Electric, geothermal, solar, tidal, wind, and hydro power are just a few examples. Ask an energy supplier in Texas and you’ll get an opinion on each type. Each type is clean, and each can be helpful. Check out places around the world that have had success with them around the world. Germany adopted solar power generation to replace nuclear power over the past decade. The sun’s rays will hit the earth no matter what happens. It’s not polluting the earth, nor is it hurting it in any way. In fact, it’s because of the sun that life can exist on earth. So why not use it to sustain the electronic life as well. Solar energy technology has increased so much over the past couple decades that it is able to provide sustainable energy for a cheaper cost than ever before.
Alternative Energy: Proof of Concept Germany is catching on to this new energy source and loving it. As they’ve pulled solar power in, they’ve pushed nuclear energy out, dropping from 31% of Germany’s electricity consumption back at the turn of the century to just under 23% a decade later.
In England, the village of Gamlingay is celebrating the installation of a 33 meter diameter wind turbine. Wind energy holds great potential as well. Like a water wheel, just as long as the current keeps coming by, you’ll have electricity. The times the wind stops are the days you’ll have to run off of reserves. Wind energy only works consistently in windy places. Just look at Wyoming. England’s not the only one interested in wind energy. Brittany is locking in a wind turbine of their own to take advantage of their windy days. There’s nothing quite like passively benefiting from the work of the world. Wind will blow one way or another, why not transform that into energy? Alternative energy is being adopted all over the world, in secret and in public. Energy suppliers in Texas and around the world are keeping a close eye on these alternative styles of producing energy. This is an exciting time to live in. Keep an eye on the market as engineers develop new and exciting ways to take advantage of nature’s work for the good of mankind.