"Renewable energy" comes from fuel sources other than those derived from fossil fuels. Examples include: wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal energy." Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy promises cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a sustainable future. The terms "Renewable energy" and "Alternative energy" are used interchangeably.
Solar power is harnessed in two ways. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly to electricity and Solar thermal energy systems collect and use radiant heat from sunlight.
Wind power generation converts the energy in the wind to electricity. The environmental impacts of wind power are minimal compared to fossil fuel alternatives.
Biofuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol are direct replacements for other combustible fuels.
Biomass is a broad description of living (or recently dead, as distinguished from fossil fuels) things that can be processed for fuel. Everything from switch grass to rain forest has been used as biomass.
Hydroelectric power, wave, and tidal power each take advantage of water flow and gravity to run generators to produce electricity.
Geothermal power systems range from heat pump systems for the home to generators harnessing the hot water from volcanic activity. Iceland and The Geysers in northern California are two places where regional power is produced by volcanic heat.
(Photo Credit: Johnny Klemme, Flickr)
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I am of the belief that a combination of these alternative fuels depending on your location may be used to adequately meet all house hold needs. They key for me, is that we must begin applying our needs from a local community level rather than a global aspect. Our food production also requires an overhaul and return to a level where we ate what is available to the local environment rather than such a greedy mass production of import and export.