An Overview Of Alternative Fuel Sources

Ethanol also ranks high on the list of alternative fuel sources. Ethanol is fermented and distilled from different forms of sugar and starch, which include corn, barley and wheat. An energy bill passed by the present administration requires ethanol to be a major part of the country's alternative fuel sources by 2012. The technology hopes to utilize wood byproducts, stalks and switchgrass. Meanwhile, alternative energy research continues.

Solar power currently provides less than 1 percent of the nation's energy supplies. However, the push for cleaner and safer energy will make it a viable option for enhanced development of alternative fuel sources. Harnessing the sun's energy is usually done with solar cells and these cells convert the sun's light directly into electricity.

Wind power is among the fastest growing alternative power sources in the United States. The use of this method of generating electricity has grown about 32% annually over the past five years, making it another contender for a choice among alternative fuel sources. The wind industry is proving itself capable of providing power needs at a level that is quickly becoming comparable to what conventional power sources offer.

Hydrogen fuel cell energy is produced from a reaction of oxygen and water. A fuel cell is made of many thin flat cells that are layered together to produce electricity and the byproduct is water. Oxygen and hydrogen are fed into the proton member exchange of a fuel cell stack. With this arrangement, enough electricity can be produced to power an electric vehicle. The industry is just starting to test this type of technology, and it's too early to know the true cost associated. However, it's a sure bet that it will be among the major alternative fuel sources in the near future.

Hydroelectric power ranks high among the world's alternative fuel sources and supplies about 19% of the world's electricity. Mico-hydro power is becoming a popular source of energy in areas that are remote and no other power sources are available. Because the technology can be used on small streams or rivers, it makes the system environmentally friendly to use. Additionally, the system is easy to install.

Where there's an ample supply of water, hydroelectric power is high ranking on the list of alternative fuel sources. Around the world, 19% of electrical energy is supplied by this source. In countries like China, the use of mico-hydro power is being pioneered. The world is becoming increasingly smaller and each country can set an example for the next in making the planet livable for the next generation.

Natural gas is also a viable alternative and is produced from gas wells or through the production of crude oil. Its clean burning qualities and availability, coupled with its storage qualities make it easy to transport and obtain. Perhaps the greatest benefit over traditional gas or diesel vehicles is a 90% reduction in the carbon monoxide produced and released in the atmosphere. This makes natural gas a top choice when considering alternative fuel sources.

Just about everyone in the Unites States uses natural gas for something. Roughly, six out of ten homes use natural gas for heating purposes, which includes water heaters, stoves and clothes dryers. In the future, there is no doubt it's going to play an even bigger role creating electricity. Natural gas plants produce energy far more efficient than coal producing plants and they produce energy with far less pollution. Alternative fuel sources are going to be the major focus of attention in this new millennium. So get educated and decide on the type of power you're going to go with.