Solar energy: Our sun is the largest source of energy we know of today, it comes to us freely and is efficient. It is quite possible that solar energy could replace traditional electricity sources in many places, especially where there is abundant sunlight. Unfortunately, not all places are ideal for solar energy. In high latitude areas there is not enough sunlight in a day to produce efficient energy, and the same in places where it rains a lot.
Wind Power: Wind is very efficient at producing electricity. Obviously you need a lot of wind, such as along the coast and at high altitudes. Wind power could replace up to 20% of our total electrical consumption in the foreseeable future. Wind is a clean source of energy with no harmful byproducts like carbon dioxide. However, the huge blades of windmills pose a danger to birds and a lot of space is needed to build a sufficient number of windmills.
Hydroelectric power: This type of energy is mainly obtained from dams. The production of electricity from the movement of water is clean and does not produce waste material. However, the type of ideal places to build this is very limited and it is very expensive to build the dams.
Tidal Power – Tidal power works in the same way as hydropower, but on a smaller scale, using the ocean’s natural tides. However, there are several drawbacks. Due to the sometimes violent and unpredictable nature of the ocean, they cannot be built in many places. So far only around 9 locations have been identified to build this type of power plant. And these power plants can have a negative impact on migratory birds and also on fisheries.
Biomass: Biomass can be used to produce an alcohol that is comparable to coal and can be used to replace our gasoline needs. Biomass can consist of fermented animal waste, agricultural crops, grains, and other natural products. However, the use of the resulting fuel still produces greenhouse gases.
Other forms of energy, such as fusion, geothermal, and nuclear power, can power the world, but they all have a negative impact on the environment.
It seems that all forms of alternative energy have some drawbacks, but they are all better options to replace our current reliance on coal and oil.
