Energy is the ability to do work.

While energy surrounds us in all aspects of life, the ability to harness it and use it for constructive ends as enconomically as possible is the challenge before mankind. Alternative energy refers to energy sources which are not based on the burning of fossil fuels or the splitting of atoms. The renewed interest in this field of study comes from the undesirable effects of pollution both from burning fossil fuels and from nuclear waste byproducts. Fortunately there are many means of harnessing energy which have less damaging impacts on our environment. Here are some possible alternatives:

Solar

Solar Power Solar energy is used commonly for heating, cooking, the production of electricity, and even in the desalination of seawater. solar power works by trapping the sun's rays into solar cells where this sunlight is then converted into electricity. Additionally, solar power uses sunlight that hits solar thermal panels to convert sunlight to heat water or air. Other methods include using sunlight that hits parabolic mirrors to heat water (producing steam), or simply opening a rooms blinds or window shades to allow entering sunlight to passively heat a room. Pros

Solar power is a renewable resource. As long as the Sun exists, its energy will reach Earth. Solar power generation releases no water or air pollution, because there is no chemical reaction from the combustion of fuels. Solar energy can be used very efficiently for practical uses such as heating and lighting. The benefits of solar power are seen frequently to heat pools, spas, and water tanks all over.

Cons

Solar power does not produce energy if the sun is not shining. Nighttime and cloudy days seriously limit the amount of energy produced.

Solar power stations can be very expensive to build.

Wind Power

Wind energy harnesses the power of the wind to propel the blades of wind turbines. The rotation of turbine blades is converted into electrical current by means of an electrical generator. In the older windmills, wind energy was used to turn mechanical machinery to do physical work, like crushing grain or pumping water.Wind towers are usually built together on wind farms. Now, electrical currents are harnessed by large scale wind farms that are used by national electrical grids as well as small individual turbines used for providing electricity to isolated locations or individual homes. In 2005, worldwide capacity of wind-powered generators was 58,982 megawatts, their production making up less than 1 of world-wide electricity use. Pros

Wind power produces no pollution that can contaminate the environment, Since no chemical processes take place, like in the burning of fossil fuels, in wind power generation, there are no harmful by-products left over. Since wind generation is a renewable source of energy, we will never run out of it. Farming and grazing can still take place on land occupied by wind turbines which can help in the production of biofuels. Wind farms can be built off-shore.

Cons

Wind power is intermittent. Consistent wind is needed for continuous power generation. If wind speed decreases, the turbine lingers and less electricity is generated. Large wind farms can have a negative effect on the scenery.

Geothermal

Geothermal Energy Literally, geothermal means, "earth heat." Geothermal energy harnesses the heat energy present underneath the Earth. Hot rocks under the ground heat water to produce steam. When holes are drilled in the region, the steam that shoots up is purified and is used to drive turbines, which power electric generators. Pros

If done correctly, geothermal energy produces no harmful by-products. Once a geothermal plant is build, it is generally self-sufficient energy wise. Geothermal power plants are generally small and have little effect on the natural landscape.

Cons

If done incorrectly, geothermal energy can produce pollutants.

Improper drilling into the earth can release hazardous minerals and gases. Geothermal sites are prone to running out of steam.

Tides Tidal Power is the generation of electrical power through the harnessing of the ebb and flow of the tides. HOW DOES IT WORK? A barrage, which is in fact a huge dam, is built across a river estuary or bay. This barrage has gates in it which allow the water to flow into the barrage with the incoming tide. These gates are then closed when the tide begins to go back out. This water which is now trapped inside the barrage is now called a hydrostatic head. The greater the head the more power can be generated from the outflowing water. There are other gates within the barrage which are now opened; these gates contain hydro-electric generators, very similar to the ones used in Hydropower. These generators are now turned by the outflowing water and power is generated. The tidal range has to be sufficient in order for this to be a practical means to generate power. This range should be in excess of 5 metres otherwise the power generated is not sufficient. The main downfall of tidal power generation is the capital needed at the beginning of the project to construct the barrages and the effect on the environment by the change in the water levels. But once the barrages have been built there is a very low maintenance cost. The generators only need changing once every 30 or so years and there is very little work needed to be done. IS IT RENEWABLE? Yes, the tides will continue to ebb and flow, thus there will always be power being generated. The water is not used up, it stays in the water cycle, and can therefore be used over and over again without the need for replenishment. APPLICATIONS OF TIDAL POWER Small-scale tidal mills were used in the Middle Ages for grinding corn. The barrages which are built can be used as a means to cross the estuary with much greater ease. The main application of tidal power is as an additional means of generating renewable, sustainable energy which does not affect the environment in a negative way. ADVANTAGES It is very cheap to maintain There is no waste or pollution Very reliable We can predict when tides will be in or out The barrage can help to reduce the damage of very high tidal surges or storms on the land DISADVANTAGES It changes the coastline completely and the estuaries are flooded so any mud flats or habitats that birds or animals live on are destroyed Initial building cost is very expensive Water is not replenished, it cannot flow away so any dirt or pollution lingers around the coast much longer Silt builds up behind the barrage Disrupts creatures migration in the oceans Needs a very big piece of sea to be cost effective Not many sites suitable for this kind of power generation; building the barrage Only produces power for about 10 hours of the day

Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric Energy Hydroelectric power comes from the potential energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. Another variation is to make use of water's kinetic energy or undammed sources such as tidal power. Hydro power works by harnessing the gravitational descent of a river that is compressed from a long run to a single location with a dam or a flume. This creates a location where concentrated pressure and flow of water can be used to turn turbines or water wheels. These can then drive an electric generator. This can be compared to past days when a water wheel would drive a mill. Electric generators powered by hydro power can be run backwards as a motor to pump water back up for later use.

Pros

Water can be accumulated above the dam and released to coincide with peaks in demand. So, unlike other types of power stations, hydroelectric power stations can promptly increase to full capacity. Electricity can be generated constantly, because there are no outside forces, unlike other forms of alternative energy, which affect the availability of water. Hydroelectric power produces no waste or pollution since there is no chemical reaction to produce power. Water used for hydro power can be reused.

Cons

Dams can be very expensive to build. There needs to be a sufficient, and powerful enough, supply of water in the area to produce energy.