THE 7 MOST PROMINENT TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY - ENVIRONMENT - 2025

There are many types of alternative energy. Solar energy, wind energy, biofuel, and hydropower are some of the most common alternative energy sources.

Alternative energy is defined as a renewable and sustainable source of energy. Renewable energy is a resource that is renewed in a relatively short period.

These sources are types of fuel energy that can be used instead of burning fossil fuels.

Alternative energy sources draw on the Earth's natural forces, including its internal heat, lunar gravity, and solar radiation. In fact, most of the alternative energy comes directly or indirectly from the sun.

One of the greatest advantages of this type of energy is that it does not produce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

That is why it is important that societies begin to replace them with common energy sources.

The 7 main types of alternative energy

1- Solar energy

The sun is the first source of energy in the world. It was used long before humans learned to light a fire.

Many organisms depend on this energy to survive. Solar energy is mainly used to generate light and heat.

Although only 30% of the sunlight that reaches the Earth can be used to supply the energy demand. It is one of the most popular alternative energy sources.

For example, the sun's rays are used to produce solar energy, but they are also used by humans to dry clothes and to warm themselves. Plants also use it in photosynthesis.

Energy from the sun can be converted into electrical energy by using photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Indirectly, concentrated solar power (CSP) can be used by using lenses, mirrors and tracking systems to condense a large area of ​​sunlight into a small beam.

This type of energy does not create pollution and is used by many countries. It is renewable because the sun will continue to produce solar rays for many years.

Another advantage is that the solar panels needed to collect this energy require very little maintenance and last for many years.

The negative is that it is not very useful in cold countries that do not get much sun and cannot be used at night.

2- Wind energy

It has been used for centuries; made it possible for explorers to navigate the world to faraway places.

A single mill can produce enough energy to irrigate an entire crop and to meet a family's energy needs, such as pumping water and electric lights.

However, at present several mills are used to generate the electrical energy necessary for industrial uses.

Other wind turbines capture a lot of power at the same time before feeding into the electrical grid; This is known as wind farms.

By 2030, wind energy is expected to represent 20% of global energy production.

In addition to not polluting, this type of energy has generated many jobs over the years.

But wind power can only be used in regions with high winds. Additionally, the mills produce a lot of noise.

3- Biodiesel or biomass

It is also one of the most popular renewable sources of energy. Fossil fuels produced by geological processes can take millions of years.

Instead, biodiesel generally refers to biofuels that are obtained through biological processes (agriculture and anaerobic digestion).

Fuels like bioethanol from corn or biodiesel from transesterification of vegetable oils burn cleaner fossil fuels.

4- Hydropower

It refers to the energy of moving water that can be captured. Hydroelectric power stations capture the kinetic energy of moving water and give mechanical energy to turbines.

Turbines in motion then convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through generators.

Dams around the world serve that purpose; hydropower is the largest alternative energy producer in the world.

There are several types of hydroelectric plants; their difference lies in the volume and flow of the water.

Although hydroelectric power does not produce greenhouse gases, it can cause adverse effects on marine life, reduce water flow (which affects agriculture), and is costly.

5- Geothermal energy

This energy is what is collected from the depths of the planet; it is completely clean and renewable. Geothermal energy has been used for several years.

Earth contains magma, which produces heat. After 10,000 meters down, the temperature is so high that the water can be boiled. And the boiling water produces steam that activates the generators.

Countries can use this energy to generate electricity, but only places with high underground temperatures are likely to do so.

These areas are the ones that have volcanoes and are prone to earthquakes. Geothermal energy is renewable as long as the Earth produces heat.

Most of the geothermal reserves are located in Iceland, Alaska, Indonesia and Hawaii. The advantage of this type of energy is that it is non-polluting and inexpensive. But the downside is that it cannot be collected from all places.

6- Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, but it is not generated naturally on Earth, like a gas.

Instead, it can be found in organic compounds like hydrocarbons and water. Also some algae and bacteria can produce it under certain conditions.

This compound is high in energy but does not pollute when burned. Hydrogen fuel generates electricity, creating water and heat as waste products.

Hydrogen energy is used to refine oil, treat metals, produce fertilizers, and process food. There are also a few vehicles that run on this fuel.

7- Tidal energy (tidal energy)

Tides are predictable, making them a viable alternative energy source for regions where high tides exist.

The largest power plant of its kind is located in France and uses turbines to generate electricity. Recently this method was also incorporated in Australia.

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