subject: Sustainable And Renewable Energy Sources [print this page] Sustainable energy is the condition in which energy meets the needs of the present day without compromising future generations to meet their needs. A wider explanation of this includes the use of fossil fuels as in between sources while technology advances, for new sources to be developed for future generations to use. Renewable energy sources are most often referred to as all renewable sources, such as, geothermal power, solar power, and wind power. Also it includes technologies that increase energy efficiency.
How does geothermal power work? Geothermal energy is heat that is captured from the earth that is used as an energy source. Below the Earth's outer layer, there is a layer of hot, molten rock called magma. This is where heat is continually produced, most likely from the decay of naturally radioactive materials such as uranium and potassium. The amount of heat within 33,000 feet of the Earth's surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all the resources of oil and natural gas. In many areas of the world, they are already tapping into geothermal power as an inexpensive and sustainable resolution to reducing the dependence of fossil fuels.
How is solar power used? Solar energy comes from the sun, which is an infinite and unlimited resource. Solar collectors often sit on rooftops and are used to capture the energy from the sun. Pipes in the solar collector carry liquids, which transfer heat from the box into the building. The warm liquid, which is a water and alcohol mixture to keep from freezing, is used to heat water in a tank or is passed through radiators that heat and cool the air inside.
How does wind energy work? Gathering the wind is one of the cleanest, most sustainable ways to generate electricity. Wind power creates no toxic emissions to the earth. With this, and the fact that wind energy is one of the most abundant and increasingly cost effective energy resources, makes it a practical alternative to the fossil fuels that harm our well being and environment. The wind resource, how fast it blows, how often, and when, has an important impact on its power generation. The output of energy from a wind turbine increases as a gust of wind speeds up, or if the wind speed doubles, the energy output increases by eight times. Therefore, fast winds are easier and less expensive to capture.
Today many energy companies are now offering green pricing plans, which permit customers to buy renewable energy for a slight premium. Although some of these plans are not as good as they should be, they offer the ability to put your money to good use. Check to see if your power company has a green plan, and consider signing up; if they don't, then ask why. If you live in a state that gives customers the power to choose their own power supplier, such as California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, consider buying green power from someone who sells renewable energy.
Many electric companies are now offering green pricing plans that allow customers to purchase renewable energy sources for a slight premium in price. Though some of these plans are not as good as they could be, it offers individuals a chance to save in energy and help the environment. If your utility company has a green program, consider looking into it. If you live in a state that is allowing customers to choose their energy provider, like California, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York and Massachusetts, consider buying green power from a company who sells renewable energy.
