What are Renewable Alternative Energy Sources

Renewable alternative energy sources are often referred to as energy from a source other than the conventional fossil fuel source such as oil, natural gas and coal.


Renewable alternative energy sources are not able to overtake oil, natural gas and coal as the main energy sources yet.

However, with the support of governments, renewable alternative energy sources will become the main energy sources in the future. There is no doubt that oil reserve is low and at risk of running out in the near future. All of us feel the impact from the increase of oil prices in recent years. We know that the days of cheap oil price is definitely over, and oil price is heading north.

Renewable alternative energy sources are not in widespread use yet, even though renewable alternative energy sources are usually environmentally friendly.

Renewable alternative energy sources are often just known as renewable energy. Several renewable alternative energy sources are solar, wind, biomass , hydroelectric and tidal waves.

Many people do not think of themselves as the consumers of energy. Many people, especially those in the cities, do not realize that they consume more energy every day than people in developing countries or rural areas. People consume food , wood, fresh water, minerals and energy every day.

The increasing energy consumption is leading to the depletion of conventional energy sources, such as oil. The increasing energy consumption is leading to pollution problem as well.

The fact that we watch TV , we surf the net, we drive, we switch on the fans or air-conditioner , and many small actions every day are causing the oil reserve to deplete.

We are currently using fossil fuel and other non-renewable energy sources. Actually fossil fuels are renewable. The problem is that it takes million of years to fully replenish what we had used up over the years.

The usage of fossil fuel causes great harm to the environment. It has affected the health of many people in the world, especially those in the city areas. Most of the us rely on oil, natural gas, fossil fuel and coal for energy needs. The problem is that renewable alternative energy sources are not cheap. The technology to make use of renewable alternative energy sources is not efficient.

Fossil fuels are extremely slow-renewable source of energy. Fossil fuels could run out before nature renews the fossil fuels.

When we use fossil fuels, they produce carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas because it traps heat from the sun. Carbon dioxide also prevents the heat from escaping out of the Earth’s atmosphere into the outer space. The amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere is increasing. It leads to global warming and causes disruption to the weather pattern worldwide.

Renewable alternative energy sources are necessary to replace the reliance on oil and fossil fuels. If we cannot find renewable alternative energy sources when oil reserves run out, that will be a major disaster for world economy.

Renewable alternative energy sources come from resources that are regenerative or regenerate after consumption. Most renewable alternative energy sources do not produce as many greenhouse gases. Most renewable alternative energy sources are not as harmful to the environment.

Many countries are providing incentives for private sector or individuals to use renewable alternative energy sources by means of tax incentives and subsidies.

Less than 20 percent of the world’s energy consumption comes from renewable alternative energy sources at this moment. There is great potential for renewable alternative energy sources market. The company that comes out with the best technology to utilize the renewable alternative energy sources is going to make big money just for selling the technology.

The renewable alternative energy sources currently in use are solar energy, wind, hydroelectric, tidal waves and geothermal heat.

Wind energy is a renewable alternative energy source from the wind power generated from wind turbines. Wind energy is a non-polluting renewable alternative energy source with low maintenance cost. However, the initial expense of equipments and construction is very high.

Solar energy is a renewable alternative energy source from the sun’s rays. Solar energy are converted into heat and electricity. Many individuals install solar panel on their roof to harvest solar energy. Many individuals use solar energy for heating water and heating spaces such as greenhouses, homes and other buildings.

Biomass energy is a renewable alternative energy source from plants and animal wastes. The raw material for biomass come from trees, waste from other plants, manure or animal wastes. Biomass energy has many benefits.

Biomass energy uses waste materials that are usually dumped and uses up methane gas (a greenhouse gas). Some people produce fuels such as ethanol from biomass and use it as an alternative to petrol.

Hydropower is a renewable alternative energy source from the power of the water when it drops in elevation. Many hydropower plants are located waterfalls or dams. Hydropower is an established renewable alternative energy source since the start of the electric age. It is a pity that many countries are not making full use of hydropower as the main renewable alternative energy source.

Geothermal energy is a renewable alternative energy source derives from the underwater heat the Earth is emitting. Geothermal power plants are not affected by the changing weather conditions.

Many governments know that we do not really have a choice between conventional sources and renewable alternative energy sources.

The fact that conventional energy sources is depleting, and take million of years to replenish is not a laughing matter.

Renewable alternative energy sources are the only answer for energy consumption in the future. The fact that renewable alternative energy sources have less negative impact on our environment is an added bonus.