Alternative Energy

Alternative energy is an umbrella term that refers to sources of energy other than the fossel and nuclear fuels that we most commonly use. The purpose of using these alternate source is to avoid undesired consequences associated with the heavy use of fossil fuels, which includes depletion of these fuels, climate change and dangers of radioactive waste disposal. However, all energy alternatives have their own undesirable consequences and can be highly controversial in their own right.

Our ideas of "alternate energy" has changed over the years.

Coal As An Alternative To Wood

In the late medieval period, coal was considered the new alternative fuel which would save society from overuse of wood, a thought that would seem like nonsense today, considering the heavy pollution that's blamed on coal.

Petroleum As An Alternative To Whale Oil

Whale oil was the dominant form of fuel in the early 19th century, but by mid century whale could not compete with the newly discovered source of cheap petroleum from Pennsylvania.

Alcohol As Alternative To Fossil Fuels

In 1917, Alexander Graham Bell was among the first to advocate ethanol alcohol, produced from corn, as an alternative to coal and oil. This source of energy continues to gain favor today.

Coal Gasification As Alternative To Expensive Petroleum

In the 1970s, experts began advocated coal gasification as an alternative to expensive imported oil. The program was scrapped when petroleum prices plummeted in the 1980s.

Solar Energy

Solar energy (which includes wind) continues to hold out promise as the ultimate energy source. Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.

Biofuel

Biofuel, which can be considered a type of solar energy, is advocated by many. Biofuel (or biomass) includes living and recently dead biological material such as dead trees and branches, yard clippings wood chips and even animal matter, are considered by many to be a good alternative to fossil fuels, but they have their own set of problems. The realization that converting the entire grain harvest of the U.S. would only produce 16% of its auto fuel needs, and the decimation of Brazil's CO2 absorbing tropical rain forests has made it clear to most this is not the best solution.