Alternative Energy

2011-11-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is another fascination alternative source of energy. Like wind, it can produce energy on either a small or large scale.

On a small scale, geothermal heat pumps provide very effective home heating.

On a large scale, some parts of the world have geology that allows geothermal energy to produce electricity on a large scale. For example the Philippines already produce 25% of their electricity from geothermal powered plants.

Power obtained by using heat from the Earth's interior. Most geothermal resources are in regions of active volcanism Hot springs, geysers, pools of boiling mud, and fumaroles are the most easily exploited sources. The ancient Romans used hot springs to heat baths and homes, and similar uses are still found in Iceland, Turkey, and Japan. Geothermal energy's greatest potential lies in the generation of electricity. It was first used to produce electric power in Italy in 1904. Today geothermal power plants are in operation in New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, Mexico, the U.S., and elsewhere.

Nuclear Power

I’m mentioning nuclear power for completeness. It’s an alternative energy in the sense that it’s not a fossil fuel and that there hasn’t been a new plant built in the US in decades. The issue of course is nuclear safety and what to do with the radioactive waste. I prefer the other forms of alternative energy, but I also think we should keep an open mind.

Facts about Nuclear Power

· Nuclear energy is energy that is released either by splitting atomic nuclei or by forcing the nuclei of atoms together.

Nuclear energy is produced by a controlled nuclear chain reaction and creates heat—which is used to boil water, produce steam, and drive a steam turbine.

Nuclear energy (nuclear power) accounts for about 19 percent of the total electricity generated in the United States, an amount comparable to all the electricity used in California, Texas and New York, three most populous states.