However, the last few centuries of burning fossil fuels have left a catastrophic impact on the earth. Sustainable, eco-friendly solutions are viable options to meet energy demands as we advance. This article will highlight some alternative energy sources and how they are making a difference.
No Fossil Fuel ? No Problem
When it comes to alternative energy, the most widely accepted sources are hydro, solar, and wind energy. These green energy sources have had decades of development and are widely adopted worldwide. Follow this link to learn everything you need to know about green technology. There are even more alternative energy sources that are gaining traction today. Here are four of them:
Tidal Waves
Also known as ocean energy, this energy source utilizes technology designed to draw power from the ocean. There are two ways that the sea can be farmed for power: kinetic and thermal. The ocean’s waves are an abundant source of kinetic energy. Tides and waves are regular, never-ending phenomena from which power can be harvested.
It must be said that ocean energy systems have a long way to go in terms of development. Several experimental designs have shown promising results. In theory, the potential gains from ocean energy surpass present and future consumption globally. However, ethical debate still exists about how this technology affects marine life.
Bioenergy
This is a specific energy source derived from all kinds of organic waste, called biomass. Biomass waste materials include wood, charcoal, animal waste, and similar products. They have been used in rural areas for cooking, lighting, and heating for a long time. However, modern uses of biomass are significantly different. Today, biofuels are being explored as a viable alternative to fossil fuels used in vehicles.
Biofuels are comparable to biomass, but they are not the same thing. Biofuels are biological matter converted into usable fuel reserves similar to petrol and diesel. They can be used in internal combustion engines with little or no modification. Sources of biofuels include plant matter or used cooking oils. They are much cleaner than fossil fuels and also renewable. Unlike fossil fuels, plants are a non-exhaustive resource.
High-altitude Windmills
Windmills are not a new technology. In fact, some countries, such as the Netherlands, satisfy most of their energy needs with windmills. However, the quest for innovation has revealed a unique method of harnessing wind energy through high-altitude windmills. High-altitude windmills are floating devices that hover hundreds of feet above the ground. It is three or more times higher than traditional windmill structures.
The reason for higher altitude is that airflow is smoother and more powerful in high altitudes. These high-altitude windmills generate more power and are more efficient than traditional windmills.
Hydrogen
In the early 1990s, hydrogen rapidly came to the forefront of the energy conversation. Fuel cells were thought of as the future of vehicle transport. Today, hydrogen-powered vehicles are still in production by some brands. However, they are by no means a popular vehicle type globally. Coincidentally, hydrogen is referred to as an energy carrier, not an energy source. Pure hydrogen is chemically reactive, so it has to be handled carefully. Obtaining energy from hydrogen requires splitting it from naturally occurring compounds. Seawater is an overwhelmingly abundant source of hydrogen, and that is what the most research is currently covering.
Alternative Energy and Commercial Activity
Awareness has increased concerning the effects of industrial energy usage on environmental pollution. As a result, many businesses have ceased or minimized the use of fossil fuels. In many places, commercial activity makes up the bulk of the pollution causing climate change and the general degradation of the planet.
Benefits of Adopting Green Energy for Businesses
A corporation can enjoy a variety of benefits by switching to sources of alternative energy. Here are a few of them:
Lower Energy Costs
When making the switch to green energy, corporations also have to implement more efficient energy usage methods. Both of these actions often combine to reduce energy requirements significantly. One of the benefits that can be seen immediately is a decrease in recurring electricity costs. Of course, making the switch may have a high initial price. However, the long-term savings cannot be dismissed.
Better Public Relationship
Customer satisfaction is the most powerful factor in the success of a business. More and more consumers are letting environmental awareness impact their marketing decisions. They support companies that take real action to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt green energy. A business that makes a real effort, not greenwashing, has more appeal in the public eye.
Since the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels have been the solution to the world’s power needs. There are many experimental methods of harnessing natural resources more cleanly. From solar roads to sand silos, they are significantly affected by environmental conditions. Optimally, a country’s power grid needs a combination of different power sources to satisfy corporate and industrial energy requirements.