Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy

By: Jason Henzel

Solar Energy

Solar Energy

1. Solar power harnesses the natural energy of the sun to produce electricity. Specifically, solar cells
capture certain wavelengths of solar radiation and convert them to electricity for our homes,
calculators, and more.

2. Photovoltaic cells in solar panels cause a reaction between photons and electrons on an atomic
scale. When photons (light rays) collide with electrons, the electrons get catapulted loose. Then, the
electrons are captured and channeled into usable electricity. Pretty neat, huh?

3. Photovoltaic cells are commonly made from different types of silicon.

Solar Energy

Solar Energy

1. Solar power is one of the cleanest, most sustainable, and most renewable resources in the world.
2. Apart from the pollution given off during panel manufacturing, solar power produces no pollution,

which is a by-product of non-renewable energy consumption and one of the biggest global killers.3
Pollution affects as many people as HIV or malaria and has serious effects on children, older adults,
and all living plants and animals.
3. Solar power does not create any noise pollution; solar panels silently create energy from the sun’s
rays.

Wind Energy

Wind Energy

1. Wind energy is valued because it is a clean source of energy and causes minimum pollution. Operational
costs are minimal after the erection of turbines. Mass production and advances in technology are making
turbines cheaper than never before. Wind energy is also receiving subsidies and benefits from governments
keen to popularize this clean source of energy.

2. Wind energy is the fastest growing mode of electricity production across the planet. In 2012, $25 billion was
spent on wind energy investment. Modern turbines harness over 15 times the electricity generated in 1990.
Wind power in the U.S. is a $10 billion a year industry. The biggest source of new generation capacity for
electricity in 2012 was wind energy accounting for 40% of total capacity.

Wind Energy

Wind Energy

1. Wind power is also unique for the fact that it does not use any water. By 2030, wind power will save around
30 trillion bottles of water in the U.S.

2. Wind farms can be constructed in offshore locations. Winds are steadier and stronger in offshore locations
but setting up infrastructure is costlier.

3. Isolated locations are provided power by small onshore wind farms. Power from small wind farms are
purchased by utility companies.

4. Wind energy is renewable and pollution free source of energy. It is mostly used to generate electricity and is
abundant source of energy in many parts of the USA.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy

1. Geothermal energy accounts for 25% of Europe’s electricity production. The European Geothermal
Energy Council published a report in May 2014 stating that presently, 4,174 districts heating geothermal
systems exist that operate in 3,731 cities throughout Europe. Geothermal energy has been greatly
embraced in nations such as France, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary and much more.

2. Geothermal energy has been tapped in the U.K. since the Roman times through the hot springs at Bath and
other areas. Since that time, successful exploitations have occurred with cities like Southampton,
Newcastle, Cornwall, and Eastgate heavily benefiting from the project.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy

1. Geothermal energy is the main source of electricity in Iceland. Iceland has vast natural geothermal energy
locations. In fact, 26% of the country’s electricity production comes from geothermal energy and 87% of homes in
Iceland are heated by geothermal energy. Iceland is strategically located where volcanoes are prevalent, which
makes it a prime destination for harnessing of geothermal energy.

2. Approximately 10,000 years back, Paleo-Indians utilized hot springs found in North Africa for cooking. The areas
around the hot springs were marked as neutral zones. Warriors of worrying tribes would bath together in the spring
without commotion.

3. The largest geothermal power plant in the world is the Geysers Complex, situated in the Mayacamas Mountains, 72
miles north of San Francisco, California. The geothermal complex consists of 22 geothermal power plants with a total
installed capacity of 1520 MW.

Tidal Energy

Tidal Energy

1. Tidal Energy is the oldest form of renewable energy, which was used in the water mills by the
Romans when they occupied England. It was later used for the same purpose, give power to the
mills, along the shores of Spain, France and Britain.

2. Tidal energy is clean renewable green energy and does not use any fossil fuels, thus has zero CO2
emissions and zero impact to the environment.

Tidal Energy

Tidal Energy

1. Tidal movement occurs twice a day by the gravitational effect of the moon.
2. Tidal power is used mostly for the production of Electricity.
3. Tidal Energy can be captured by either exploiting the kinetic energy or the potential energy of the

tides. It all depends on the technology and the location used.
4. Potential Energy exploitation in the case of Tidal Energy has 80% efficiency which is considered to

be high compared to other forms of renewable green energy sources.