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Alternative energy sources are non-depletable and environmentally friendly, but there are no commercially viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Solar energy and wind power are two popular alternatives, while geothermal, tidal, and biomass energy are also options. Thorough research is needed for these sources to replace fossil fuels.
Alternative energy sources derive from sources that do not consume natural resources and do not harm the environment. They are alternatives to fossil fuels, nuclear energy and large-scale hydroelectricity, all of which are depletable sources of energy that have varying degrees of harmful effects on the environment. However, there are no commercially viable alternative energy sources such as oil, which together with coal are the main types of fossil fuels.
When considering alternatives to fossil fuels, most people think of solar energy, which is one of several procedures used to harness the energy that comes from the sun. The main method used to convert sunlight into electrical energy is through the use of photovoltaic cells, which are arranged on solar panels in such a way that the maximum amount of sunlight is absorbed and transformed into electrical energy. Currently, the biggest problem with solar energy is cost, as solar cells and panels can be very expensive.
Another alternative energy source is wind power, which uses large turbines to turn wind into electricity. Many of these turbines can be located where wind is abundant, and wind farms can be connected to a power grid to which they contribute electricity. A windmill can also be used to harness wind energy, but instead of turning wind into electricity, it converts wind directly into mechanical motion to get the job done.
Some alternative sources of energy receive energy from land-based sources, such as geothermal energy, tidal energy and biomass. Geothermal energy comes from heat sources within the earth, such as natural geysers, and converts this heat into electricity. Harnessing the power of waves in the ocean and other bodies of water on the planet is known as tidal power. Biomass energy is obtained from organic material from plants and animals, and is more commonly known as a renewable energy source as it creates a waste by-product. All of these alternative energy sources need to be thoroughly researched if any of them are ever to replace fossil fuels as the primary energy sources worldwide.
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