Alternative Energy

The sun has unlimited amount of energy
we can harness for our energy needs.

Wind is the second most abundant energy on
earth. Wind turbine in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
One turbine can generate enough electricity
for a barangay.

Abe V Rotor

Before, the basic needs of man as defined by early economists like Samuelson, were Food, Clothing and Shelter. Today Energy is next in importance to food.

Fuels give us heat, light, and power. The main fuels - coal, oil, and gas are non-renewable and they are fast being used up. Uranium on the other hand, poses great danger through radiation and leaves deadly waste behind.

Here is a list of alternative sources of fuel. Actually many of these are traditional, they have been known - and used- by man even in early times. It is actually revival.

1. Energy of the sun - electricity from sunlight, solar cell, solar panel, solar stove.
2. Green Energy - biofuel (methanol, ethanol, vegetable oil), firewood, charcoal, biogas digester.
3. Energy of the wind - wind farm, new sails, wind turbine generators (WTGs).
4. Surging energy of the sea - gully wave power, trapping the tides, Ocrean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), salt energy (desalination, osmosis).
5. Energy of falling water - hydroelectric power, potential gravitational energy (water moving uphill and downhill), SWIP (Small Water Impounding Plant)
6. Fire from the Earth - geothermal energy, volcanic heat, hot rocks, fumaroles (volcanic vents), hot springs.
7. Saving energy (energy conservation) - green house, wall energy (wall reflects sunlight, directs wind power and direction), efficient design of building to conserve energy, efficient cars, recycling, heat from garbage, storing energy.
8. Animal power - work animals - bullocks, horses, sled dogs.
9. Manpower - back to manual work, reviving dignity of work, work cum hobby.
10. Combination/s of alternative energy sources.

Research on these energy sources in the library and on the Internet, and write an essay about the topic.

Living with Nature 3, AVR