| Renewable energy is the centerpiece of eco-energy | | | | All alternative energy is best derived from |
| planning. Yet all renewable energy sources are not | | | | inexhaustible sources such as wind, the sun, sea, or |
| created equal and some are far more sustainable in | | | | replaceable sources such as waste products and |
| the long term than others. We will explore the | | | | crops. Using sources of renewable energy should be |
| available types of renewable energy considering the | | | | viewed as a long-term method to tackle climate |
| advantages and disadvantage as we go. | | | | change, and will play an increasingly important part in |
| However are we all clear about the difference, such | | | | helping reduce carbon emissions by 2050. |
| as it is between renewable energy and alternative | | | | However, before we get really excited about the |
| energy. Alternative energy is all energy sources other | | | | potential for renewable sources of power. Renewable |
| than carbonaceous sources, whereas renewable | | | | energy is not all it's made out to be, it's not that |
| energy is energy that is replaced almost as quickly as | | | | cheap compared to conventional fossil fuel generating |
| it is used by being part of the natural carbon cycle of | | | | plants. Also, the production of enough renewable |
| the earth. Renewable fuels produce carbon dioxide | | | | energy is also very hard to achieve rapidly. In |
| but since the renewable source is always being | | | | comparison to a large fossil fuel power station oil, |
| replenished the energy use is merely interceding in | | | | natural gas or coal each renewable power plant is |
| the natural cycle. | | | | really tiny. Literally thousands of large wind turbines, |
| Alternative energy sources encompasses all the | | | | for example, are needed to replace just one coal, |
| renewable sources but also nuclear, and for example, | | | | gas or oil fired power station. |
| energy from municipal solid waste (MSW) which - due | | | | The only real alternative to fossil fuels which is a well |
| to its source may not be strictly a renewable source. | | | | tested and mature technology, and can be built really |
| and new types such as hydrogen power from new | | | | quickly is nuclear energy. |
| energy conversion process | | | | Nuclear power should be considered "clean" and |
| An example of a renewable fuel is wood which is | | | | "green" when compared with fossil fuels. The carbon |
| renewed by the re-growing of the forest from which | | | | dioxide emissions from a nuclear plant are mostly |
| the tree was felled. Another prime example of this | | | | during its construction, and are very low compared |
| type of energy is solar power. Many governments | | | | with fossil fuel sources. So, it is an alternative energy |
| are setting out to increase the use of renewable | | | | capable of reducing global waming effects if |
| power. The increasing use of renewable energy is, | | | | developed in a big way in the next few years. |
| for example, an integral part of the United Kingdom | | | | Nevertheless, advantages and disadvantages as |
| Government's longer-term aim of reducing CO2 | | | | there may be to renewable energy. It is certain to |
| emissions by 60% by 2050. In 2000 the Government | | | | be an area of significant investment and importance |
| set a target of 10% of electricity supply from | | | | for future generations. The ability to develop |
| renewable energy by 2010, and in 2006 that nation | | | | technology that harnesses energy from wind, solar, |
| announced our aspiration to double that level by | | | | water, and other renewable resources defines future |
| 2020. | | | | generations of technology. The share of US power |
| Renewable energy is produced from sources that are | | | | which will be obtained from alternative renewable |
| replenished as they are used, such as the wind, | | | | sources including large hydro and biomass) in global |
| water flowing in streams, rivers and seas, the sun | | | | primary energy is projected to be between 8% and |
| and sustainably grown crops. In order to harness | | | | 17% for the years up to 2010, possibly increasing to |
| these sources and reduce our dependency on finite | | | | above 50% by 2100. |
| reserves of oil, coal and gas, renewable energy | | | | Its is clear to all to see that the renewable energy is |
| professionals need to understand the scientific | | | | bandwagon is rolling and it is becoming increasingly |
| principles of renewable energy technology and have | | | | popular as fossil fuel prices rise. For example, the |
| the management skills to ensure that UK and | | | | state of Iowa now has over 600 wind turbines that |
| international carbon emission reduction targets are | | | | help supply its power. |
| met. | | | | |