In recent times, when the whole world is facing war on a massive scale, the biggest concern right now for people is to look for stable energy sources. As countries like the USA, Iran and Saudi Arabia are in a tussle with each other due to their high resources for fossil fuels and crude oil reserves, countries are in a struggle to gain control over these energy sources.
The non-renewable source of energy, or the fossil fuels, are one of the biggest sources of running industries all around the globe. Be it the petroleum or the plastic industry, every industrial sector is connected to the consumption of fossil fuels. Especially, the petrochemical, manufacturing and automobile industry greatly rely on these fossil fuels.
However, these energy sources are next to impossible to reproduce and are also not safe for nature and the environment in the long run. In that case, finding an alternative energy source is very important and thus, has become a major need of the time. Many innovations are made in searching for alternative sources of energy. Many of them are gaining popularity and are now used in the mainstream on a wider scale.
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Why Are Alternative Energy Sources Required?
There are many reasons which makes the alternative energy sources a very essential necessity in today’s time. The first and foremost reason is the non-renewable nature of these fossil fuels. As they cannot be replenished once depleted, these fossil fuels are highly expensive. Thus, in such a case, looking out for alternative energy sources is very important. Also, with the rise in energy consumption, the dependency on only fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources is not a smart move anymore.
Though research and developments are used on many renewable energy sources, these practices and energy sources are highly recommended and are the only option. Some of the major and important alternative sources of energy that will become a major trend in future for running of the industries are as follows:
Solar Power
The sun is the biggest and most constant source of energy for life on Earth. The heat and light received from the sun not only make the existence on earth possible but also are a major source of energy. For a long time, solar energy has been a very effective and renewable source of energy that helps in meeting the energy needs of people on Earth. The solar-powered energy solutions through solar panels and sheets for the houses, solar chargers for the power banks and energy points, and solar-powered vehicles are also gaining high popularity. Besides this, solar technologies in wearables like watches are also a better environment friendly option.
Wind Power
After the sun, wind mills and wind turbines have been very popular renewable power options for centuries. Flour mills and water mills powered by wind energy have gained a great deal of usage in European countries. In modern times, the countries with deserts and beaches have set up heavy-duty wind turbines, which are fulfilling their energy needs to a greater extent. In addition to this, the wind turbines are also an effective way to harness cyclonic winds, converting them into kinetic energy in the form of electricity.
Biomass Energy
The usage of biomass for energy includes the use of biodegradable and organic resources that can be renewed easily to create an alternative fuel option for vehicles and lighter automobiles. The most common biomass options are hemp seed oil, castor oil and sugar cane waste, which is further converted into biogas or ethanol-based fuel. They are also safe for the environment as their emission count is very low to negligible. However, certain specific engines are required to be calibrated to utilise these alternative energy options to their full potential.
Tidal Energy
It is the most popular form of alternative energy in coastal and sea-facing cities and countries like New York, Australia, London and Hong Kong. Here, the tidal waves of the sea and ocean are converted into sustainable energy, which is further transmitted to generators and a grid-based power supply. The advantage is that during the high and low tides, the energy production is maximum. However, the setup and maintenance costs of the power circuit and energy system are relatively higher.
Hydropower Energy
Similar to tidal energy, hydropower energy or power plants are widely used in countries with a large number of rivers and reservoirs. The dams and hydropower plants are set up on these rivers and reservoirs, which are further stored as potential energy. When the energy is required, the gates of the dams are activated, causing a massive flow of water that rotates and creates the momentum of a turbine. This is further connected to a dynamo which causes the production of electricity to an attached power grid. This can be said as the advanced version of a traditional water mill.
Geothermal Energy
The geothermal energy solutions include the use of the natural heat of the Earth’s core to generate electricity and power. This technology is still under development. However, the results so far have been highly positive and look promising. Dead volcanoes and natural geysers or hot water springs are also used for a similar purpose. It is an environmentally friendly power-generating approach.
Nuclear Energy
The most popular and highly efficient form of alternative energy comes from atoms. The controlled chain reaction of radioactive compounds like uranium and thorium in the form of nuclear fusion and nuclear fission reactions yields an enormous amount of energy that is clean and can be used for a longer period of time. The only risk factor associated is the unstable reactor, which can lead to hazardous radiation, causing catastrophes like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What’s the best way to conserve energy for the future?
Controlled use of energy and fossil fuels in a responsible way is the best way to conserve energy for the future.
Q2. Do EV’s will replace traditional fuel-based vehicles?
Not completely though, but experts suggest that EV’s will take over a larger share of the automobile market due to fuel crises.
Q3. Is Biofuel a good option?
To some extent, biofuel is a better option than conventional fossil fuels. It is easy to produce, has fewer emissions and is much more affordable.
Q4. Why is solar energy still not widely used?
Despite being the best and most constant source of power, solar energy is not widely used due to climatic and natural constraints. Cloudy weather and moderate to weak sunlight during the monsoon are major reasons behind its inhibition. However, better power-saving and distribution options are under development, which will improve its efficiency.
