What’s unique about carmelina is that it requires low amounts of fertilizers while giving a high amount of oil yield, and the availability of by-products such as biomass and meal. The study took into consideration the whole process, from planting of the carmelina up to the resulting emission from an airplane’s tailpipe.

Until today, I was not familiar with carmelina sativa, so I did some research. It turns out that it belongs to the mustard family. It is also known as “gold of pleasure,” and “false flax.” It is native to Europe, requires low maintenance, and can be grown in rotation with wheat. It also strengthens the soil in which it is planted.

Another good thing about carmelina is that it only takes around 85 to 100 days before one can harvest it. The plant is also frost tolerant so it can be planted early. Excess carmelina can be used for animal feedstock.

At present, North Dakota, South Dakota, Eastern Washington, and Montana are cultivating carmelina. But once the demand for it increases, then other dry areas across the country can be used to cultivate the crop.

Carmelina oil may be an ideal substitute for jet fuel. It meets, and at times even exceeds, petroleum jet-fuel specifications. Engines don’t need to be converted to use it. Ethanol is already off the list, because jets can’t use oxygenated fuels.

The Boeing Company tested carmelina oil in cooperation with Japan Airlines earlier this year. The test results were reportedly astounding. Billy Grover, Boeing’s managing director of environmental strategy, stated that it performed better than traditional jet fuel and that it supports the company’s goal of looking for sustainable and renewable fuel sources which can help the aviation industry reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Although carmelina is seen as the best replacement for fossil jet fuel, there are some obstacles in the way. There are questions about availability of commercial-sized quantities of the crop, as well as its price. Most farmers are unaware of carmelina’s viability, and there are few refineries that process it. But if these factors are taken care of, this crop can bring in more jobs and opportunities, especially for those in the rural areas.

If the bill concerning the fight on climate change is passed by the House of Representatives, electric utilities will be required to generate 20 percent of their power from sustainable sources by 2020. While the obvious choice is solar and wind powers, some locations might just not have enough sunshine or wind.

This is the reason why electric utilities in the Midwest and Southeast are now building large biomass plants that will use wood and other plant materials. The utilities would receive federal tax credits for producing renewable energy.

One such building is the $135 million biomass power plant that Atlanta-based Southern Co. will be erecting in the Atlanta suburbs. Another Atlanta power cooperative, Oglethorpe Power Corp, has bought land to build two 100-megawatt biomass power plants that costs $400 million each. Progress Energy Inc., has also announced that it will be buying power from a biomass power plant in Hartsville, South Carolina.

Forecasters predict that by 2030, biomass power will comprise 4.5% of the total energy consumed in the United States. Wind will count for only 2.5%, while solar will come in third place. The three renewable sources will still lag behind the more established power sources, such as nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, and coal.

The proposed legislation that would penalize greenhouse-gas emissions and at the same time get tax credits and loan guarantees for renewable energy sources, is giving the needed boost to plant-based fuels. One advantage biomass has over other renewable energy sources is its dependability. As long as there’s biomass that will be fed into the furnace, the plant will continuously provide energy.

Some might say that greenhouse gas is still released when biomass is burned in the furnace.  But the process is considered to be carbon-neutral. The biomass only emits only the carbon that the plants absorbed while growing. This is the same amount of carbon the plants will naturally emit when they die and decompose. In contrast, burning coal releases carbon that should not have been released to the atmosphere at all.

Biomass power plants can use scrap wood from their region’s timber industry, while other utility companies are pondering on planting crops such as energy-rich grasses that are designed to be burned in power plants.

Geothermal Energy

The earth’s core is where geothermal power comes from. The deeper you go, the hotter it gets. Scientists believe that humans have utilized this energy type ever since the cavemen era. In the United States, only one percent of the nation’s energy comes from geothermal sources.

For residences, people can use a ground-source heat pump to generate energy. These work by drilling and installing water-filled pipes into the ground. The pipes must travel below the frost line, and will be used to transfer the Earth’s heat to a pump. The pump will then divert the heat to the home via air-ducts. There are ground-source heat pumps that can run in reverse, to lower temperatures during summer time. They can also be used to heat the water supply of your home.

The efficiency of your geothermal system depends on the water usage. It gains and loses heat far more efficiently than air does. Another factor you must take into consideration is the nature of ground water temperatures.

Wind Energy

Wind has also been a source of energy for men. Windmills were used in ancient Persia, for irrigation and milling. Today we have wind turbines to harness energy and convert it into electricity. Wind’s major disadvantage is that it depends on the weather. Power will not generate when the wind ceases to blow.

Constructing a wind turbine in your home will depend on many factors. First you need to look at your local zoning regulations to see if they allow the construction of a wind turbine one your property. You will also need to check whether the structure will fit on your property. A ten-kilowatt model features a 23-foot turbine, and requires an 80-100 foot tower. You might also have to confer with your neighborhood association regarding your plan.

These two clean energy sources can be harnessed to power your home. A cleaner environment will be beneficial for everyone. Wind and Geothermal energy can bring in more jobs, and decrease our dependence on foreign oil.

ZTE, in partnership with network operator Digicel, will be launching the product in Samoa, Haiti and Papua New Guinea. They estimate that their sales will reach up to several hundred thousand. For the many people who have limited or no access to electricity at all, ZTE’s mobile phone will connected them to the rest of the world.

ZTE’s phone is called Coral 200 Solar. It utilizes Dutch technology that boosts the current from a single solar panel located at the back of the mobile. The solar panel measures 3 cm by 7 cm. An hour’s worth of charge is equal to 15 minutes of talk time. The phone can be charged by conventional power supply as well.

Digicel has stated that power interruptions are common in the places where they conduct their business. This is the reason why a solar-powered phone will be a hot commodity in those areas. The company is active in the Central American, Caribbean and Pacific regions. At present, they offer solar-powered chargers for their clients.

Solar-powered phones might also be a hit in some African countries. Charging stations, or booths, exist in that part of the world where people pay to plug in their phones because they don’t have electricity in their homes. ZTE is already talking with other network operators aside from Digicel that are interested in carrying the new phone.

Samsung unveiled their Blue Earth, another solar-powered mobile phone that features a small solar panel in the back. It is a high-end phone that’s targeting the green market in developed countries. The phone has already created a buzz during the Mobile World Congress which was held this week.

LG has also unveiled their solar-powered phone but it is yet to be named and is not yet ready for the market.

Mobile phones are just the start. The improvements in solar energy technology can lead to more consumer products powered by the sun. Gone are the days where solar power is used for calculators alone. Expect other electronic devices to feature mini solar panels in the future. You’ll never know when you’ll need a solar flashlight.

A solar electric system will be connected to an existing oil pump. This will be implemented by Caledonia-based oil company, Unico. Once implemented, it will be the first ever solar powered pumping station on Mexican soil.

Most of oil wells are far from power grids. Most pumps are powered by generators running on diesel, gasoline, or propane. That means high maintenance costs for fuel supply.

Joseph Glover, Unico’s Vice President on Alternative Energy Division, branded this company’s oil as the “Green Oil” because their process produces less greenhouse gas emissions. If only their final product produced less greenhouse gases, when in use, as well.

In was last December when Glover presented to the Unico board with the idea of using solar energy for their oil pumps. This May, the prototype will be ready to be installed. The solar power station will use 27 solar panels to run the 240-volt motor that will be used to pump oil. The system will also power up the computer-monitoring system of the well.

Glover states that cloudy days should not hamper operations. The only time the solar system will be hampered will be during heavy rainstorms. Their backup plan is to use a gasoline generator, or a fuel cell, so that the oil will keep on flowing.

The solar power system was made with data according to December solar radiation. During the summer months, Unico will have excess energy. They still don’t have any plans as to what they’ll do with it. They can’t sell it back to the local utility company because the wells are off the grid.

The solar power station will cost approximately $75,000 and will have a service life of 20 years. Unico estimates that the payback time will be five to seven years. They point out that, the worse the location, the faster the payback will be.

The costs of fuel and transportation will increase in the future, but the costs of solar panels and batteries will go down as improvements are made in technology. 

Isn’t it ironic that fossil fuel companies are already using solar power and other forms of alternative energy in their operations? Green oil might not be the future, but at least it’s a good start.

This is a big step for the United States to convert from a fossil-fuel-dependent country into a green one. There are several reasons why this is a good move – going green will lessen the greenhouse gas emission, and further, it will make the country less dependent on oil producing nations.

In the long run, alternative energy sources will be less expensive than the continuous exploration for fossil fuel resources. The country will also not be effected by the erratic oil prices. A green economy will not be at the mercy of the oil barrel.

But everyone must do their part to make it work. It’s not just the federal, state and local governments that must get their acts together. The citizens must do their part in promoting the use of alternative energy. The car industry can help by mass producing hybrid cars. Building designers must incorporate green designs in their future projects. That way people will consume lesser energy.

The government should offer more financial incentives for companies who wish to finance on the development of viable alternative energy. Consumers should not suffer because of the expansion the utility companies are doing, in upgrading their system to run on green energy. In this way, more and more companies will turn to utilizing green energy. This can also stimulate economic growth that can provide jobs for people.

Alternative energy can come from solar, hydroelectric, biofuel, wind, and geothermal sources. Some people argue that atomic energy is green energy – but there are many risks involved with its use, and an accident could cause a catastrophe to the surrounding area.

What needs to be done is to improve on the generation of alternative energy and its storage systems. We need more efficient batteries, to store the produced energy, when it is not needed yet. These sources should be connected to the main power grids, and hopefully they will run on 100% clean energy in the future.

The government will have a big impact on keeping the Earth clean for future generations. President Obama’s plan might look like impossible, to some, but with everyone’s help it can become a reality.

Wind is a powerful source of energy which, for centuries, has been harnessed for different uses. More and more scientists and researchers consider that wind can be used effectively as a clean renewable energy source.  But this can only be done when power within the moving air is harnessed properly.

The Wind Energy Industry has grown rapidly since the 1990’s and is considered to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the power generation industry. Some European countries have installed wind turbines that have now been in operation for almost 20 years now, and this entire operation has been quite successful as well. Using wind turbines to create energy has brought down energy production costs, and is a viable option for the replacement of coal-fired power stations.

According to one study, the UK has the largest potential wind energy resource in the entirety of Europe.  Wind is therefore regarded as their most promising future source of renewable energy. Currently, wind turbines in the UK are producing electricity which is delivered to almost 390,000 households, and is reaching around 1 million people. Furthermore, the use of wind energy has reportedly reduced carbon dioxide emissions by almost 1.46 million tones per annum.

How is wind converted into energy? With a wind turbine. The wind turbine is basically a rotating device, like a huge fan, whose blades turn when the wind passes through them.  They convert the wind’s kinetic energy into mechanical energy.

When this mechanical energy is used by any type of machinery (such as a pump) then the machine is known as a windmill. If the same mechanical energy is converted to electricity, then the machine which does the conversion is called a wind generator or a wind turbine. It is also sometimes known as a wind energy converter (WEC) or a wind power unit (WPU).

The first use of the wind in machines was actually for grinding grains, as early as 200 B.C, in Persia. It was later introduced into the prosperous Roman Empire in 250 A.D. The year 1900 saw the maximum number of windmills in use in the country of Denmark. Almost 2500 windmills were installed at that time, to provide the much needed mechanical load to pumps.  They gave a peak power supply of 30MW.

Why Should Wind Turbines be Used?

Wind turbines can effectively help to create mechanical energy, which can then be used for multiple purposes, such as the generation of power and electricity.

Some of the other uses include the following:

• There is only a one-time installation cost for setting up a wind generator, after which the electricity produced by the wind turbine will be free.
• It is a source of clean and renewable energy which will not generate any greenhouse gases, nor emit pollution or even produce any dangerous waste material.
• Each unit of electricity produced by a wind turbine replaces a similar unit of energy from a conventional power station. Wind turbines have highly successful where they have been commissioned in the UK, preventing the emission of almost 1 3/4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
• Wind is an abundant and reliable source of energy. The UK, possibly being the windiest country in Europe, has abundance of wind energy which is used for making electricity. As do other windy areas such as Denmark and other parts of Scandinavia.
• Wind power contributes significantly to the overall energy production of any country. Denmark is one country which gets almost 20% of its electricity from wind power.
• Wind turbines use an extremely robust technology, which is designed for both local operation as well as for remote operation, and requires only periodic maintenance.

Advantages of Solar Power

Since solar energy comes directly from the sun, it is not only renewable, but also accessible in any part of the world.  As long as the proper equipment is utilized, unlimited amounts of solar power can be collected and put to good use.

Solar power is also one of the cleanest forms of energy, since it creates no pollution, and produces no greenhouse gases or waste products. 

For residential uses, the use of solar power minimizes negative impacts on the surrounding environment, making it a safer alternative to wind or hydro power.

Not only is solar energy non-pollutant, in terms of gases, but it also causes zero noise pollution – since there are no moving parts in any of the devices which are used to capture the sunlight.

Because no moving parts are used, maintenance costs are low as well – only occasional cleaning and periodic battery replacements are needed.  Most manufacturers of solar panels provide twenty-year warranties for their equipment, guaranteeing long-life operation.

Solar panels placed on rooftops also double as a heat absorbers, slightly cooling the top area of the house which is directly below the roof.

Disadvantages of Solar Power

The most obvious drawback of solar energy is its sole dependence on the sun.  Once the weather becomes cloudy, or nighttime strikes, energy collection comes to a halt.  However, recent advancements of technology now allow the generated power to be stored in special batteries which provide roughly enough electricity to last a night.  This is why solar-powered devices, including flashlights, are gaining in popularity and are proving to be efficient energy savers.

Solar panels can also be expensive, because of the materials that are used to create them.  And even when these materials are taken out of the equation, the entire process, considering the other devices involved, can be a bit costly.  This includes portable devices that utilize solar energy.  But most of the cost involved is in the initial purchase and installation of a solar power system – not running costs.

Fortunately, there are some people who sell damaged solar cells, which are much cheaper.  These damaged solar cells can be used to build fully functional solar panels, using the application of simple do-it-yourself techniques.

Although in every part of the world, there is at least some point in time when the sun shines, it is also true that direct sunlight is needed in order to make the most of the sun’s energy – and to generate the highest amounts of power.  This significantly restricts the placement of solar panels.  And some areas in the world may receive little benefit, due to lesser sunlight.

What’s the Bottom Line?

More research and development continues to be invested into this growing technology, and that’s a good sign for the future of our households – as solar power may one day be used more frequently than other energy sources.  Of course, solar energy isn’t perfect, but it makes a great complimentary addition to other energy forms.

To learn more about solar power, please visit Solar Power Information.

Renewable energy is power which has been generated from renewable resources – in other words, it does not “run out” or eventually become depleted.  It can be continuously re-created.

It’s not just the prices of oil that has people searching for clean and renewable energy sources.  Global warming concerns, and international pollution problems, have triggered this concern as well.  Governments around the world have begun to support research on improving the renewable energy technologies.

Currently, the five common renewable energy sources are biomass, hydropower, geothermal heat, wind, and solar power.

Biomass

Biomass consists of organic material which has been produced by animals and plants.  Biomass energy uses  stored energy from the sun.  This is a result of the natural process which any plant uses to survive – photosynthesis.

Because we can always grow new crops and trees, biomass is considered a form of renewable energy.  Furthermore, organic waste can be used to create biomass as well.

Some commonly used biomass fuels include crops, wood, garbage, and manure.  When these materials are burned, they emit heat which produces steam, that can in turn be used to create electricity.  Some biomasses are converted into other usable energy forms, such as methane gas or biodiesel.

Hydropower

Hydropower is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy.  It  was used in ancient times to grind grain.  Coal was once the only source of power in the United States.  But in 1880, the first Hydropower plant was built, and since then, more of these have been erected in order to provide the people with electricity.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy comes from within the Earth itself.  The steam or heat which comes from the center of the earth can be used to regulate the temperatures of buildings, and to generate electricity as well.
This is considered one form of renewable energy because water can always be replenished by rain, and because the earth’s core maintains its temperature.

Wind Power

Even the ever-present wind can provide a renewable energy source.  Wind is created because the uneven heating on the earth’s surface causes the air to move.  Thus, wind power is essentially a bi-product of solar power.  Wind propellers are used to collect the wind’s kinetic energy, which turns turbines that are in turn used to create electricity.

Solar Power

This form of renewable energy will be available as long as the sun shines.  Solar energy can either be used as thermal energy, or it can be converted into electricity.

As a thermal energy, it can be used to heat water or spaces.  Through the use of solar cells or similar photovoltaic devices, it can be used to create electricity.  The heat of the sun can also be used to create steam, which turns turbines and thus produces electricity.

Learn more about Renewable Energy Technologies.

History of Solar Power in the Ancient World

The Assyrians may have been the first to implement the use of solar energy by using magnifying lenses. The Nimrud lens, a 3000-year-old crystalline-rock, may have been used as part of an ancient telescope (which could explain why they were good astronomers) but it’s also been proposed that this could have been used to burn objects by focusing sunlight on them.

It’s almost unrealistic to assume that no one in that era would have looked through the glass and discovered its magnifying properties, as well as accidentally discovering that sunlight could easily be focused to heat or burn things. The Greeks certainly marveled at these lenses. The wrote, in amazement “… that beautiful, transparent stone with which they kindle flames …” around the 4th century BC.

The Greco-Roman era eventually developed a design, using shield-mirrors, to light torches for various purposes. Archimedes is said to have used bronze shields and lenses to focus sunlight and set fire to the invading Roman fleet at Syracuse. Half a world away, and later in that era, the Chinese used the same principles.

The Greco-Roman world then developed architectural designs that used sunlight to warm bathhouses and other buildings, by strategically placing openings or windows which faced southwards. Some designs also incorporated the use of glass, to bounce light to other parts of the building. The Romans also used these concepts to build greenhouses. These designs paved the way for the Romans to establish humanity’s Right to Light (or Right to the Sun). In the Seventh Century BC, during the Byzantine Era, they incorporated this fully into the legal system.

History of Solar Power in the Modern Era

The first solar collector was invented by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, in the year 1767. The original concept, of trapping heat by using glass, was then improved upon further, and it became possible to implement new methods of utilizing and storing solar power. One example of this was the use of the sun to boil water inside a glass-box. Thus, the world’s first solar water heating systems were devised.

The discovery of Selenium, in 1817, propelled an early study of Photovoltaics, and with it began a new phase of development in solar-collector technology. Sunlight was found to amplify the conductivity of Selenium, which produced an electrical current. This opened the door to new designs, which were created and used for the manufacture of other devices, as the years passed on.

Solar Power in the Twentieth Century

In the early 20th century, Albert Einstein and a number of other scientists studied the behavior of light. A process they called “the photoelectric effect” became an important factor which inventors used to improve upon solar-collector technology, and to create more efficient ways of using solar energy.

With the study of the photoelectric effect and the increasing use of silicon, came the rise of photovoltaic technology in the 1950’s.

The first true photovoltaic solar cells exploded onto the scene as industries all over the world jumped at the technology and developed them for efficient use. Solar panels began being utilized to power satellites and other large systems, and modern solar technology gradually replaced all earlier devices, such as glass hotboxes. Solar energy also became known as an alternative to fossil fuels, and was incorporated into power plants.

Solar Power and The Future

The need to use clean forms of energy is becoming rapidly more apparent, as mankind becomes increasingly aware of the consequences global irresponsibility. Fuels are becoming more costly, and we begin to realize that our sources of fossil fuels are finite and not endless. We have a duty to protect ourselves and our home planet. We must start to look ahead and realize that the answer comes from above. The sun is free, and it is well within our rights to use it.

But what is biofuel, and how does it differ from fossil fuel?

Biofuel is produced from recycled elements of the food chain, and from plants.   It is used in vehicles, and is considered a sustainable and renewable source of energy, as compared to majority of liquid and gas fuels used today.  Conventional fuels are fossil-based, and there are limited sources available.  These sources are depleting fast, and if we don’t find a good replacement, one day our cars will basically stop running.

Types of Biofuels

Biofuels can be used in their pure forms, or they can be blended with other fossil fuels.  There are two basic types: biodiesel, and bioethanol.  These are currently available on the market and most engines are compatible with them.   There is no need to modify one’s existing engine in order to use them.

Biodiesel

This type of biofuel is created using a process that combines oil with alcohol, in the presence of a catalyst, to produce either methyl or ethyl ester.  The alcohol used can either be methanol or ethanol. The esters are then blended with the standard diesel fuel, or can be used in their pure forms (100% biodiesel).  Biodiesel can replace diesel or can be combined with it in such a way that it helps run diesel engines with little or no modifications required.  Biodiesel is said to be better for the environment because it produces less in terms of emissions, while at the same time being made from renewable supplies.

Bioethanol

Bioethanol is made by oxygenating various agricultural stocks, such as sugar and starch crops.  It can be used in existing engines, although a small amount of conventional fuel is needed for cold starting. Vegetable ETBE is used at present, as a fuel additive that can enhance octane rating.  The vegetable ETBE is a replacement for MTBE, which is made from unsustainable sources.

Controversy

Biofuel might appear to be a promising renewable energy solution, but there are still some issues that need to be addressed regarding its use.  While its use may lower the level of carbon emissions on the planet, the production of biofuel has caused debate.  The concern is whether crops should be used for fuel or be reserved for use as food.

Hopefully these problems can be resolved.  Biofuel might be an inexpensive and renewable source of energy, but people certainly shouldn’t starve because of it.

Alternative Energy

When we speak of alternative energy, we refer to sources of usable energy that can replace conventional energy sources (usually, without undesirable side effects).  The term “alternative energy” is typically used to refer to sources of energy other than nuclear energy or fossil fuels.

Throughout the course of history, “alternative energy” has referred to different things.  There was a time when nuclear energy was considered an alternative to conventional energy, and was thus called “alternative energy.”  But times have changed.

These days, a form of “alternative energy” might  also be renewable energy, or clean energy, or both.  The terms are often interchangeable, but definitely not the same.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is any  type of energy which comes from renewable natural resources, such as wind, rain, sunlight, geothermal heat, and tides.  It is referred to as “renewable” because it doesn’t run out.  You can always get more of it.

People have begun to turn to this type of energy due to the rising oil prices, and the prospect that we might one day deplete available sources of fossil fuels, as well as due to concerns about the adverse effects that our conventional energy sources have on the environment.

Among the different types of renewable energy, wind power is one which is growing in its use.  The number of users who have some form of wind power installed has increased, with the current worldwide capacity being about 100 GW.

Clean Energy

“Clean energy” is simply any form of energy which is created with clean, harmless, and non-polluting methods.

Most renewable energy sources are also clean energy sources.  But not all.

One such example is geothermal power.  It may be a renewable energy source, but some geothermal energy processes can be harmful to the environment.  Therefore, this is not always a clean energy.  However there are also other forms of geothermal energy which are harmless and clean.

Clean energy makes the less impact on the environment than our current conventional energy sources do.  It creates an insignificant amount of carbon dioxide, and its use can reduce the speed of global warming – or global pollution.

As you can see, these three terms: alternative energy, renewable energy, and clean energy, are very similar. But it’s important to know that there are differences.

There are many steps which can be taken to help reduce greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Some of these steps can be taken in your own home. Many clean energy solutions can can be easily installed, and some kits or DIY systems are quite affordable.

It is important to start making changes now; if we want to save our planet for our children, for the flora and fauna of the Earth, and for the future of mankind.

Carbon emissions, and other forms of pollution are not only created by heavy industrial factories. They are created by the common household as well. Energy efficiency has become an important aspect of our lives. If we start to change our habits on an individual level, others will begin to follow our example, and a real change can occur world-wide.

Clean alternative energy systems for the home can also save one a lot of money on electricity in the long-run, but it can be expensive to have the systems installed by a commercial company. It’s quite possible to build your own wind or solar power system at home, however, for a fraction of the cost. And advanced technical knowledge or skills are not a requirement. There are several good, popular guides available which will teach you exactly how to do this, and give you step-by-step instructions.

For more information, on some of the best-selling guides available, please see this post on Best Selling DIY Wind & Solar Power Guides.

This principle has been used by man, throughout history.  It was utilized in ancient times, to mill grains such as corn.

In 1878, the Cragside House in England was the first house to be lit by this process.  In 1882, hydroelectric energy was used to power two paper mills and a residential building.

Hydroelectric plants harness power, by putting up a dam to store water in a reservoir.  Water is then be released in a regular basis so that it flows into the pipe, which turns a turbine.  The turbine drives a generator, which produces electricity.

Storage plants use a two-way reservoir system.  They pump water up from the river, to be stored in a higher reservoir when not in use.  The water is released later on, to produce electricity when needed.  This is an inexpensive way of producing electricity.

The higher the dam, the greater the amount of hydroelectric energy that can be produced.  The reason for this is the fact that the gravitational potential energy of water is greater at a higher level.  When it flows downward into the turbines, it produces a high pressure, which translates into a greater amount of force.

This is why countries with mountainous regions, such as New Zealand and Switzerland, get enough power from their hydroelectric plants to supply half of their countries’ energy requirements.

The Hoover Dam in the Colorado River used to supply most of the electricity needed by Las Vegas.  But as years passed by, Las Vegas has grown, and the plant’s output became inadequate – to the point where the city had to find other sources for power.

We don’t see as many hydroelectric power plants around as we could, because it can be expensive to build them.  But one advantage they has over other sources, is that the water they need in order to operate, is free.  They also don’t produce any waste or pollution, which can be harmful to the environment.  Flowing water is a far more consistent and reliable source of energy than solar or wind power.  It can generally continue to produce electricity, nonstop.

Since this type of power plant requires no fossil fuels in order to run, it will not produce any harmful carbon dioxide emissions.  Some might argue that greenhouse gases are produced during construction.  But in the long run, this becomes negligible.  The emissions that would have been produced by conventional power plants, in order to produce the same amount of electricity in the long run, are far greater.

Reservoirs which are created for production of hydroelectric energy provide another source of income to their areas.  They become tourist attractions, and can even be used as facilities for water sports.  Dams in some areas act as flood control mechanisms as well.

How does Geothermal Energy Work?

Hot water or steam from within the earth can be used to heat establishments, or to produce electricity. It is one source of renewable energy because, water can be replenished by the rain, and the heat itself flows consistently from within the earth’s core.

Around 4,000 miles below the earth’s surface, temperatures can reach levels hotter than the sun’s surface. This is where geothermal energy is generated.

The planet is made up of several layers:

1. The core consists of two parts: an inner solid iron core, and the outer core which is full of molten magma.
2. The mantle, which is made up of rocks and magma.
3. The outermost layer is the crust. The crust is composed of plates.

Magma can rise up toward the earth’s surface, through the plates. As one goes deeper into the earth, the temperature of the rocks and water gets hotter.

Uses of Geothermal Energy

Modern technology has made it possible to harness geothermal energy to generate electricity, or to produce heat for various purposes.

Within the United States, geothermal reservoirs are located in Hawaii, Alaska, and in some western states. On the sites of these reservoirs you can find geothermal power plants that use the steam rising from the reservoir, to power a generator, which in turn creates electricity.

There are other uses for this type of energy.  Hot water can be used to directly heat a building, can be used in greenhouses, can help to dry crops, or can be used to pasteurize milk. These are just some examples of how the heat itself can be used, aside from producing steam which generates electricity.

As of 2008, geothermal energy consisted of just 1% of the total energy used around the globe.  Hopefully, in the near future, we will see an increase in the usage of this form of energy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

Not only is this a renewable energy source, but it is also clean.  It doesn’t emit harmful gas emissions. No fossil fuel is used, and the rising oil prices are a non-issue where geothermal energy is concerned.

The downside is that the temperature produced is much lower than that of most steam turbines.  That means geothermal plants are far less efficient in producing electricity, than conventional coal plants.

Another issue which causes some worry is the environmental impact of some practices. Enhanced geothermal systems, for example, inject water into hot dry rock.

But the advantages of geothermal energy still overshadow the disadvantages, and the drawbacks themselves do not hinder its progress.  It is simply a matter of continuing research, and continuing the development of better ways to harness the earth’s heat.

Wind has been a source of energy for a long time.  It was used by the Chinese and by the Babylonians 4,000 years ago, to power pumps for irrigation.  In The Middle Ages, Europeans use windmills to grind corn.

At present, wind power can be harnessed to produce electricity.

This is basically done by erecting a tall tower, with a propeller on top.  The wind makes the propeller rotate, and the rotating mechanisms then generate electricity.

A wind farms is an area with several such towers operating, which, combined, produce enough energy to provide power to a whole area.  The more towers there are, the more electricity is produced.

Location is key to maintaining a productive wind farm.  The area should have steady, strong winds, blowing at all times. Ideal regions include coastal areas, open plains, top of hills, and mountain gaps.  Some wind farms are located offshore.  The average wind velocity should be around 25 km per hour.

Aside from the location, the size of the propeller is an essential factor as well.  The bigger the propeller, the bigger the volume of wind that can be harnessed, in order to extract energy.  The blades can be angled, to cope with the wind speed.

Some wind towers are designed to turn the propeller with the direction of the wind.  There designs utilize vertical turbines.

The height of the towers should also be set to the wind’s strongest point.  In some areas, the land below is used as farmland.  That maximizes the space and productivity of the area and ensures that the land is not be wasted at all.

Pros and Cons of Using Wind Power

There are advantages as well as disadvantages to using wind power.

When the wind isn’t blowing, a  farm won’t produce power.  Another disadvantage is that many suitable areas have a high real estate value, especially in the case of coastal lots.  Some don’t like it when the win towers block scenery, and consider windmills as eyesores.  Wind generators are noisy, which can be very disturbing to some.

Wind power has its advantages as well.  Some wind farms are tourist attractions and bring visitors into an area.  Remote areas which are off the main energy grids can use the wind, for a supply of electricity to their communities.   It is free, and the turbines don’t need to be powered by fuel in order to run.  It also produces no harmful side effect, and doesn’t emit any dangerous gases into the air.

But, while it is true that there are drawbacks to using this form of energy, the disadvantages involved with the uses of polluting fossil fuels are probably far more problematic.