Almost 85% of the energy demands we have is met by non-renewable energy sources like oil, petrol, coal etc. Unfortunately, these resources are limited and with indiscriminate use will deplete and eventually dry up. Using these fuels also tends to emit carbon [...]]]> Clean Energy – Do the Right Thing for the Environment by Green Earth Community

Almost 85% of the energy demands we have is met by non-renewable energy sources like oil, petrol, coal etc. Unfortunately, these resources are limited and with indiscriminate use will deplete and eventually dry up. Using these fuels also tends to emit carbon into the atmosphere which is toxic and a pollutant. This is the primary cause of the green house effect and global warming.

So what is the solution to this? How do you do the right thing for the environment? The answer to this lies in Clean energy.

Clean energy is known alternatively as Green energy, Renewable energy or Alternative energy. Basically, clean energy is non-fossil based. Clean energy is considered to be non-polluting, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Generally sources of clean energy are natural sources which are harnessed to produce energy – wind energy, solar power, hydropower, tidal power, geothermal energy and biomass.

Clean energy is increasingly gaining popularity amongst individual consumers as well as businesses and organizations. It’s the best choice for those looking to do their bit for the environment and also increase their nation’s energy independence. In the US nearly one million homes have purchased Green certificates to support this form of energy.

One of the more common sources of clean energy is wind power. For centuries we’ve seen wind energy being harnessed and used by humans in the form of wind mills and sail boats. This source of energy makes use of airflows to run wind turbines. Basically, higher the wind speed more is the power output. Thus wind power is a very good source of energy in areas with strong winds which are constant, such as offshore and high altitude sites. Wind turbines are being used to pump water, for grinding grains and also to charge batteries. Germany, Denmark, India, Spain and the US account for about 80% of the world’s installed wind energy capacity. Find out if your area too is suitable for utilising wind energy.

Water Power, also known as Hydro energy is a very popular and highly effective source of renewable energy. Water has immense potential as an energy source as it about 800 times denser than air. This means that even a slow flow of water or a moderate sea swell has the ability to generate quite a bit of energy. Hydro power is one of the best, cheapest and cleanest sources of energy. Of course, building dams to harness this energy may prove expensive and pose environmental issues. Energy from water can be harnessed using large-scale hydroelectric dams, micro hydro systems, damless hydro systems deriving energy from rivers and oceans, tidal stream power, wave power, saline gradient power etc.

A third source of clean energy, and one that is the most freely available is solar energy. With solar energy there is no issue of boundaries of countries and who the resource belongs to. Solar energy is also very important as it is virtually pollution-free and therefore environmental friendly. Solar energy has gained increasing popularity since the 1970’s ever since oil prices started increasing. In many countries, solar energy is used in daily chores like for drying clothes, vegetables, for pickling etc. Similarly, there are now solar panels available which can be used to absorb sunlight and use the energy for heating and cooking purposes. In fact such is the potential of solar energy that newer factories being set up are using technology to utilise solar energy, helping the environment and reducing their own costs. Solar energy can be used for cooking, heating, distillation, power generation, cooling, refrigeration, drying etc. For harnessing solar energy products like solar cookers, water heaters, hot air systems, power tower, etc are available. You too can easily setup any of the solar power based equipments in your backyard or on your terrace. While the initial cost of setup may be on a higher side as compared to the AC powered equipments, in the long run solar power run equipments prove highly economical. Apart from that certain states also offer tax rebates, concessions and soft loans on purchase and installation of such clean energy harnessing products at home or in offices.

Biomass is another clean energy source. It is derived from the waste of human and natural activities. The major sources of biomass include by products from agricultural crops, raw materials from the forest, major chunk of household waste etc. Biomass is very efficient as a renewable fuel as it does not add any additional carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as it absorbs as much when being developed. In countries like India, villages have biogas plants which make use of farm and animal waste to produce gas for home and small industry use. In countries like the US, biomass is being used for heat and power generation.

Seeing how beneficial and economical clean energy sources are, it is definitely the right thing to do for the environment. Take a step towards clean energy today so that our coming generations get to breathe Oxygen and not CO2.

Keep up to date and learn better ways to protect the environment at Green Earth Community.

Article Source: Clean Energy – Do the Right Thing for the Environment

Renewable energy is the centerpiece of eco-energy planning. Yet all renewable energy sources are not created equal and some are far more sustainable in the long term than others. We will explore the available types of renewable energy considering the advantages and disadvantage as we go.

However [...]]]> Renewable Power and Alternative Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

Renewable energy is the centerpiece of eco-energy planning. Yet all renewable energy sources are not created equal and some are far more sustainable in the long term than others. We will explore the available types of renewable energy considering the advantages and disadvantage as we go.

However are we all clear about the difference, such as it is between renewable energy and alternative energy. Alternative energy is all energy sources other than carbonaceous sources, whereas renewable energy is energy that is replaced almost as quickly as it is used by being part of the natural carbon cycle of the earth. Renewable fuels produce carbon dioxide but since the renewable source is always being replenished the energy use is merely interceding in the natural cycle.

Alternative energy sources encompasses all the renewable sources but also nuclear, and for example, energy from municipal solid waste (MSW) which - due to its source may not be strictly a renewable source. and new types such as hydrogen power from new energy conversion process

An example of a renewable fuel is wood which is renewed by the re-growing of the forest from which the tree was felled. Another prime example of this type of energy is solar power. Many governments are setting out to increase the use of renewable power. The increasing use of renewable energy is, for example, an integral part of the United Kingdom Government's longer-term aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050. In 2000 the Government set a target of 10% of electricity supply from renewable energy by 2010, and in 2006 that nation announced our aspiration to double that level by 2020.

Renewable energy is produced from sources that are replenished as they are used, such as the wind, water flowing in streams, rivers and seas, the sun and sustainably grown crops. In order to harness these sources and reduce our dependency on finite reserves of oil, coal and gas, renewable energy professionals need to understand the scientific principles of renewable energy technology and have the management skills to ensure that UK and international carbon emission reduction targets are met.

All alternative energy is best derived from inexhaustible sources such as wind, the sun, sea, or replaceable sources such as waste products and crops. Using sources of renewable energy should be viewed as a long-term method to tackle climate change, and will play an increasingly important part in helping reduce carbon emissions by 2050.

However, before we get really excited about the potential for renewable sources of power. Renewable energy is not all it's made out to be, it's not that cheap compared to conventional fossil fuel generating plants. Also, the production of enough renewable energy is also very hard to achieve rapidly. In comparison to a large fossil fuel power station oil, natural gas or coal each renewable power plant is really tiny. Literally thousands of large wind turbines, for example, are needed to replace just one coal, gas or oil fired power station.

The only real alternative to fossil fuels which is a well tested and mature technology, and can be built really quickly is nuclear energy.

Nuclear power should be considered "clean" and "green" when compared with fossil fuels. The carbon dioxide emissions from a nuclear plant are mostly during its construction, and are very low compared with fossil fuel sources. So, it is an alternative energy capable of reducing global waming effects if developed in a big way in the next few years.

Nevertheless, advantages and disadvantages as there may be to renewable energy. It is certain to be an area of significant investment and importance for future generations. The ability to develop technology that harnesses energy from wind, solar, water, and other renewable resources defines future generations of technology. The share of US power which will be obtained from alternative renewable sources including large hydro and biomass) in global primary energy is projected to be between 8% and 17% for the years up to 2010, possibly increasing to above 50% by 2100.

Its is clear to all to see that the renewable energy is bandwagon is rolling and it is becoming increasingly popular as fossil fuel prices rise. For example, the state of Iowa now has over 600 wind turbines that help supply its power.

Steve Evans writes about energy and has equally knowledgeable guest authors also writing on the subject in the regularly updated blog called Renewable Energy News This thriving and popular blog is where you'll also find articles on tide tidal power.

So why is this?

Well, the reality is that there are two main reasons.

Number one, a growing number of people see alternative energy as a way to [...]]]> Today there is more of an interest in alternative energy and alternative energy products than ever before.  In particular, there has been a surge in demand for solar powered products recently.

So why is this?

Well, the reality is that there are two main reasons.

Number one, a growing number of people see alternative energy as a way to improve the environment.  By using solar powered products, people feel that they are doing a little something to help the earth.

Number two, a growing number of people are recognizing the growing signs of economic and social collapse and they want to be prepared for whatever is coming.  The reality is that conventional energy may or may not always be there, so to have solar powered backups is becoming important to a growing percentage of the population.

But whatever your motivation is, we hope that you will find the information and resources that you are looking for on this site.  If you know of additional solar powered products that you would like to see featured on this site please let us know.