Top 7 Renewable Energy Sources

Heavy Fossil Fuel Usage Worldwide

Fossil fuels represent 86.6% of all fuel usage in 2006, according to the Energy Information Administration. The same reports show that of the 86.6% in fossil fuel usage, petroleum use represents 36.8% and coal usage was 26.6%, with natural gas and other fossil fuels making up the remainder. 6. In terms of worldwide energy usage in 2006 only 13.4 % , hydroelectric usage was 6.3%, nuclear at 6%, and geothermal, solar, wind, wood and other renewable energy sources combined were only 0.9% of all energy used.

Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from pressure and heat within the earths crust to form petroleum, coal, natural gas, and other forms of combustible energy. Although the worlds reserves of fossil fuels are vast, they are in fact limited and not endless. From the inception of the iridescent light bulb, and other electrical devices invented by Albert Einstein, and with the mass productions of Cars by Henry Ford, our reliance on fossil fuels has grown continually, until now, the entire economy is effected by the price of oil.

Below: A typical ocean based oil platform (sometimes called an oil rig). Workers use highly specialized equipment to drill deep into the ocean floor to tap into oil deep below the Earth's surface. Fossil fuels are not a renewable energy source because the worlds oil reserves are in limited supply.

Renewable Energy

Fossil fuels are by no means the only form of energy. However, they are readily available, provide large amounts of power, and require less technology to utilize than renewable energy. Renewable energy sources are any types of power that are not limited in supply, and also tend to be environmentally friendly. The most popular and well known forms of renewable energy are: solar power, wind energy, hydropower, biomass energy, hydrogen, geothermal energy and ocean energy. All of these energy sources are clean, environmentally friendly and available in virtually limitless supply.

Fossil Fuels Pollute

Generally, fossil fuel usage creates byproducts which damage the atmosphere, contribute to global warming, and pollution. The heavy usage of coal during the industrial revolution provides a well known example of just how damaging heavy fossil fuel usage can be on our environment. The Exxon Valdez Oil spill is another example of how carless profiteering can result in massive damage of wildlife and our environment. Exxon chose not to use double hulls because they were more expensive, and they chose to save a few dollars rather than protect the environment Using clean renewable energy sources helps reduce fossil fuel usage which cuts down on acid rain, CO2 emissions and other pollutants. Renewable energy sources will never run out either—this is important for the sovereignty of nations. Being dependant on any other country for raw materials is never a good position to be in, and should always be avoided when possible.

Below: fossil fuels, such as coal release dangerous byproducts when burned or consumed, such as heavy metals, chemicals and CO2, creating acid rain, adding to the global warming effect, destroying nearby land and water for other uses, and generally polluting our atmosphere. Aside from the pollution these fuels create, they are also in limited supply, and the economies of the world are dangerously reliant on these fuels to sustain current living-standards worldwide.

Seven Types of Renewable Energy

1-Solar Power (Photovoltaics):

The sun provides virtually unlimited, clean power which we have learned to harness to a small extent through solar power. Through sun energy we may heat water or create electricity. Although solar power installations have grown exponentially for over a decade (in installed Megawatts and Gigawatts), it represents less than 1% of all electricity or power used worldwide. Some experts predict one day most of our energy needs may be supplied by the sun, instead of coal or natural gas burning power plants.

Below: A commercial solar power plant converts sunlight into electrical energy through the use of photovoltaic cells.

2. Wind Power:

as various parts of the atmosphere heat and cool, convection currents are generated, creating wind. Mankind has used the power of the wind for centuries, whether for windmills or sailing ships, or other uses. More recent technology has allowed us to capture the kinetic power of the wind and convert it to electrical power. Unfortunately, there are some environmental concerns with wind power, because birds sometimes fly into them and die.

Below: wind driven turbines convert kinetic wind energy into electrical power.

3. Hydroelectric / Hydropower:

large bodies of flowing water contain massive amounts of kinetic energy. As the heat of the sun causes water to evaporate, eventually the water returns to the earth in the form of rain or snow, creating rivers from rain and snow melt-off. Flowing water can push water wheels which transfer the kinetic energy to electricity by turning turbines or generators.

Below: Clyde dam in New Zealand converts kinetic energy from water into electrical power.

4. Biomass Energy:

Biomass energy includes food crops, grasses, plants, wood, or organic components from industrial waste, and even methane emissions from landfills. Biomass is in virtually endless supply, and can be used to fuel engines or manufacture products in place of non-renewable fossil fuels.

Image Below: This plant pictured below, based in Alaska, USA burns over 1 million gallons a year of 50/50 fish oil/ diesel to generate electrical power.

5. Hydrogen Energy:

Hydrogen has great potential, but technology has not yet advanced far enough to tap into this great renewable resource. Water is two thirds hydrogen, which makes hydrogen one of the most common elements on the surface of the earth. Hydrogen has the potential to power vehicles, replace natural gas, and even generate electrical power.

6. Geothermal Power:

The heat from the earth can produce steam to power generators and convert the heat energy into electrical power (or to heat water). Deep drilling or some geographic locations may give access to the heat.

Built in 1958, this Wairakei, New Zealand Geothermal power station was the first of its kind. It is owned and operated by Contact Energy, the same company which owns and operates the hydroelectric dam displayed above.

7. Oceanic Power:

The ocean is another source of renewable energy: wave and tide kinetic energy can be converted to electrical power, and ocean thermal energy can be used to create electricity as well. Although currently ocean power is not yet cost-effective, it may become usable in the future with advances in technology.

I think some people are too paranoid about fossil fuel usage. There's actually enough supply to last over 500 years with present demand, so we have more time than some people want to imply. I do think that it becomes a national security issue when the fuel you need to electrically power your country, or fuel your vehicles, or even fuel your weapons of war is actually hostile to you. 86.6% of all our energy comes from fossil fuel? I'm not surprised. Hopefully, we can make some technological advances that will make us less dependent on fossil fuels before we run into a disaster, and not after.

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