Alternative Energy Sources

The need for alternative energy sources is not a new concept. The present United States energy consumption is at an all time high and is showing no signs of slowing down. What our society needs is a realistic evaluation of the various available alternative energy sources for the next ten to thirty years. During this time, oil and natural gas will basically be exhausted and the focus will more than likely move to coal, nuclear energy, solar energy and synthetic fuels. Obviously, other alternative energy sources should also be developed given that they could present adequate solutions to specific regions.

Some of these alternative energy sources are renewable, such as solar radiation, hydro, wind, ocean thermal, and salinity gradient energy. Others are deploytable, but relatively untapped, such as geothermal heat or synthetic fuels from coal or wastes.

Other alternative energy sources include: solar energy, ocean thermal energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydro- and salinity gradient power, nuclear breeders and nuclear fusion, synthetic fuels from coal and wastes, hydrogen production and uses.

However, energy conservation is still vital and must be constantly employed in all sectors of economy. The major conclusion we need to reach is that while effort must be put forth to develop alternative sources of energy, the extent of their contribution over the next decade will be very limited, and it will be necessary to rely mainly on fossil and nuclear sources well into the 21st century. The fossil fuel component will undoubtedly have to come mostly from coal with perhaps some being supplied by shale oil.

So while alternative energy sources are on the rise and will one day have to replace our existing sources, that day is nowhere close, so start turning off your lights.