Sustainable Alternative Energy

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As more and more people are concerned with global warming and energy depletion, a number of research initiatives are focused on the viability of sustainable energy. Governments are now giving more attention to finding alternative energy sources to provide heat and power systems which are not dependent on fossil fuels and are less polluting.

What is sustainable alternative energy?

Sustainable alternative energy, also known as renewable energy, refers to energy derived from natural resources that are readily available and are easily replenished. The main sources of sustainable alternative energy include geothermal heat, rain, sunlight, tides, water, and wind. Other types of renewable energy include biofuel and solid biomass, which are fuel derived from processed agricultural crops.

Comparison between sustainable alternative energy and traditional forms of energy: pros and cons

The main advantage of using sustainable alternative energy is that it is not detrimental to future generations, meaning there would be enough energy for years to come. In addition, renewable energy is also referred to as green energy, because it is more eco-friendly compared with fossil-fuel sources which emit carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. However, the transition to alternative energy is hindered due to the costliness of building and developing the required infrastructure and technologies. While conventional sources of energy may have adverse effects on the environment and may entail dependence on fuel and oil producers, the operational costs are lesser at present. Weighing the pros and cons between these forms of energy mainly depends on what people value more and whether or not we are willing to make lifestyle changes.