5 Most Dynamically Developing Alternative Energy Sources

• There are a number of alternative energy sources being developed, and some of these show great potential
• Renewable power sources for the future must be ones which are very environmentally friendly, and do not pollute or harm the ozone layer
• Algae, food and municipal waste, tidal power, and fungi are all alternatives that are dynamically developing when it comes to clean energy

1. Algae

Algae is one of the alternative energy sources which has been developing very rapidly. Many strains of algae are very high in oil content, making them ideal for biodiesel. Colonies of this substance can be replaced every single day, because of the rapid growth. This could lead to large amounts of energy being produced to meet the global power demands. This feedstock does not require fertile land or food crops, so there is no worries about food shortages or rising prices. Biofuels and alternative energy sources can replace fossil fuel and end the dependence on foreign oil that plagues the entire world. Algae is very environmentally friendly, causing no damage to the land, air, or water, and as an added benefit this feedstock removes pollution from the air while growing as well.

2. Tidal Power

Tidal power is one of the alternative energy sources that many are looking at, in part because of the potential it holds, and the way that this source has been developing. The tides hold enormous amounts of power even in calm weather, and using tidal turbines to capture this power can be one of the leading sources utilized in the future. More coastal areas around the world are considering planning and developing tidal power plants to help offset future power needs, but the criteria must be perfect, with powerful tidal currents running through the waters where the turbines are placed. The disadvantages of this source may include a negative impact on the marine life in the area, but this is normally monitored closely to ensure the fish and other marine populations are not harmed.

3. Municipal Waste

Municipal waste is one of the most promising alternative energy sources that has been developed so far, in part because of the enormous amounts of municipal waste that litters the earth and oceans, and pollutes the environment. The abundance of this waste already available, plus the large amounts created each day, make it renewable. This source of energy does have some disadvantages, because it can be done using a number of methods, and some are cleaner than others. This method of generating power does offer an answer to two separate issues though, the problem of fossil fuel use and the problem of waste disposal.

4. Fungi

Fungi is one of the most dynamically developing alternative energy sources. In recent years there have been new fungi discovered which can be used as a source of biofuel, and this means that biodiesel does not necessarily need land or water for feedstock. One fungus can actually make long hydrocarbon chains just like petroleum, but the downside is that there must be conditions present which have very low oxygen levels. More research and development is being done by a number of scientists and energy companies to make certain fungi more effective and efficient as a power source, one that is clean and eco-friendly.

5. Food Waste

Food waste is another one of the alternative energy sources, one which is considerably better than fossil fuels like oil or coal, and that does not damage the environment. With this process food scraps from homes and businesses are put in a machine called an anaerobic digester, or in a landfill which is specially designed to serve the same purpose. The conditions must be warm and moist, with bacteria added to help speed up the organic decomposition which occurs. During the process, methane and other gases are released, and these are captured and used to generate energy. This process offers the benefit of capturing the greenhouse gases created, where in a traditional landfill these gases are released to harm the environment.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.