What is Alternative Energy? Definition and meaning of Alternative Energy
Alternative Energy is denoted as non-conventional source of energy or renewable source of energy that can be renewed time and again. As far as the types of Alternative energy are concerned, there are several types of Alternative energy from solar to wind.
Nuclear power is however not a type of Alternative energy, nuclear energy might be a cleaner substitute to burning fossil fuels and that nuclear power plants do not contaminate the air with toxic carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions as do fossil fuels, however nuclear energy still falls under the coal category. Nuclear processing and nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste which can give rise to environmental disasters.
Alternative energy is simply alternate to burning fossil fuels.
Solar Energy- Solar Energy is the main type of alternative energy. Radiant electromagnetic energy derived from sunlight and as much as the Earth’s most abundant and freely available energy resource. Solar energy from the Sun can be converted into electrical energy by using solar photovoltaic cells.
Wind Energy- Wind Energy is power derived from the movement of the wind extracted by windmills, sails and more commonly wind turbines. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind by converting its kinetic energy into rotational mechanical energy that will drive an electrical generator.
Hydro Energy- The most common form of hydro energy or hydro power uses dams or barriers to form large reservoirs of water which can then be used to rotate electrical turbine generators producing electricity.
Tidal Energy- Tidal energy is another form of hydro power that uses kinetic energy of the oceans in the form of the tide, to transfer a huge amount of water twice each day as the tide goes in and out. These tidal currents are used by tidal turbine generators to generate electricity in much the same way as wind turbines use the wind. Tidal energy turbines operate just below the seas surface or are fixed to the sea bed.
Geothermal Energy and Biomass Energy- Geothermal utilizes natural heat from the earth’s core to generate electricity or to heat buildings. Geothermal energy comes from the hot areas under the surface of the Earth crust that remain at a relatively constant temperature.
Biomass energy uses materials from palnts like wood, peat, straw and crops grown to be burnt as fuels that are used to generate heat and power. Bioenergy is the energy derived from the Biomass (organic matter) which is sustainable as new crops and trees are grown to replace those that have been harvested.