Multiple Sources Of Renewable Energy

Constructing homes that are not only energy efficient, but powered by renewable energy sources is becoming the trend for the 21st century. The sources range from solar collection cells and wind turbines to biomass and hydroelectricity. It is finally becoming clear that energy independence is paramount. The thought of sending money to hostile foreign nations, money used to fund efforts against us, to supply our energy needs is sickening.

Solar energy has the ability to provide electricity via heat engine or photovoltaic means. Solar energy can be more useful than merely generating electricity. Solar energy can also provide hot water. Space heating can be achieved in active and passive buildings. Surprisingly enough, solar energy can also provide space cooling by means of absorption or vapor-compression refrigeration. The thermal energy provided by the Sun can also be used to cook your food.

The power of the wind can be harnessed and converted into electricity. Only 1% of the world’s electricity is generated by the wind. Nearly 20% of electricity in Denmark is derived from wind power. Spain and Portugal derive 6% of their energy needs from wind power. Individual locations can generate adequate amounts of electricity, although the nature of wind still requires connection to local power sources or to be used in conjunction with other alternative sources.

Biomass is commonly thought of as plant matter grown to generate electricity or biofuel, however plant and animal matter used in producing fibers are also considered biomass. Numerous varieties of plants are used for producing biomass. The type of plant is typically not important to the end product, but it does affect the processing of the raw material. Certainly, some will be easier and more productive to process. Included in these are hemp, corn, poplar, sorghum, switchgrass willow and various other tree species. Fossil fuels began as ancient biomass, despite this they are not considered biomass because the carbon they contain has been out of the carbon cycle for many eons. Due to this fact the combustion of fossil fuels upsets the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Electricity generated by hydropower is known as hydroelectricity. Hydropower is the production of electricity by way of the gravitational force of falling water. After the construction of a hydroelectric complex, it produces no direct waste. In 2005, hydropower accounted for 19% of the world’s electricity and 63% of electricity from renewable sources.

Alternative Energy is not only available from numerous sources; it has the capabilty to free the world from dependence on fossil fuels. There still remain some technological advances before we can be entirely reliant upon renewable resources. Despite this, the benefits are already being seen.