It may be surprising to learn that the world uses many different types of renewable energy. While coal and oil are both resources that are used in large quantities, renewable sources can also be used on a much smaller scale. For example, you can use your own home’s water to heat your home. You can also collect rainwater in a barrel and reuse it to make water for your own consumption.
Ocean Energy One of the largest benefits of ocean energy is the fact that, while natural oil and coal are both limited as regards the supply of these resources, geothermal energy is virtually unlimited. This means that there is no shortage of geothermal power. As a result, living within countries with geothermal resources such as the Philippines, Iceland and New Zealand have become much more practical for residential as well as commercial purposes. You can install panels to collect energy from the ocean, and then use the heat to warm your home. There are even specially designed homes that have been built to take full advantage of ocean energy.
Biomass Energy Many people associate biomass energy with making wood pellets for their own personal consumption. However, this resource is actually used to generate electricity. Biomass, which is simply a material composed primarily of carbon, is in fact very powerful when it is burned, and it has the ability to produce a large amount of electricity without releasing any pollutants into the air.
Hydroelectricity Many experts believe that the single most significant benefit of using renewable forms of energy is the fact that it can generate a good deal of electricity without releasing any greenhouse gases or pollutants into the atmosphere. Hydroelectricity is generated by using the natural flow of water to move turbines. The turbines in turn, using the force of moving water against the force of gravity, create electricity. Using hydroelectric power can allow you to significantly reduce your monthly power bill, as the amount of power that must be generated is much less than what it would be for a traditional fossil fuels-based power plant to produce the same amount of electricity. You can also utilize hydroelectric power to completely eliminate your need for traditional fossil fuels.
Geothermal Energy The earth’s natural heat is used to help create geothermal energy. You may hear this type of energy referred to as “ground source” or “solar.” This is because the source itself is powered by the earth. The warmth naturally present in the soil absorbs the energy that is in the air, and this source of renewable power is extremely reliable. Geothermal plants use borehole pumps to draw their waters from the earth. You can use this source of renewable power to heat your house, or to pump water for other types of household needs.
Solar Power You have likely heard about solar power, but what you may not know is that it is an excellent source of renewable resources. Solar power uses photovoltaic cells (sometimes called “solar cells”) to transform the rays of light into usable energy. It has been around for quite some time and is a great way to significantly reduce your electric bill and to help fight global warming. Using solar power is additionally beneficial because you can place the panels anywhere that receives a good amount of sunlight. Additionally, placing your panels on your roof is an excellent way to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are being emitted into the atmosphere.
Wind Power is another excellent source of electricity. Wind is naturally created as the result of wind blades spinning across the face of a location. Many people invest in windmills, which are used to harvest wind power and convert it into electricity. These windmills do not have to be hooked up to the local electricity grid in order to provide this form of alternative energy, so you do not have to worry about whether or not your local utility company will be able to supply you with electricity.
Biofuels Another alternative source of renewable energy comes from plants and animals using biofuels to create their own energy. These are typically considered better than fossil fuels because they are generally cleaner burning and do not contribute to global warming. There are many different biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel. This type of energy is commonly seen in farm fields, but can be used anywhere there is an abundance of plant life.