In part one I talked about solar power, geothermal and biomass energy as renewable heat options for homes today and in the future. Part two talks about compressed natural gas, nuclear power and wave or tidal power.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) has traditionally been used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engine cars that have been converted into bi-fuel vehicles. Natural gas vehicles are on the increase in Europe and South America due to rising gas prices. CNG is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline, diesel or propane fuel. Unfortunately it does still generate greenhouse gases but it is a more environmentally clean alternative to the common fossil fuels. Also it is far safer than say gas in the event of a spillage.
Nuclear power technology is designed to extract usable energy from atomic nuclei via controlled nuclear reactions. Nuclear fission is the only method used today but this type of renewable fuel is developing so watch this space. Nuclear fission is one of the most remarkable phenomena in nature and is the process of splitting atoms. When an atom is split it releases energy which can then be channelled to create electricity.
Wave or tidal power is where energy is transported by waves. Wave energy can be tricky to harness as the ocean and wave direction is unpredictable. But with technology evolving all the time I am sure they will find a solution.
There are so many more renewable energy options so it's best doing a bit of research to see what is best suited to your needs. But for sure this is the way of the future. Fossil fuels are only going to increase in cost and one day run out. It's pretty much guaranteed that your grandchildren will be living in homes that generate their own energy.