Alternative energy - US announces new prize for fuel-efficient planes

Washington - The US plans to offer monetary incentives to the developers of a viable substitute for jet fuel, which could bring down surging petrol costs in the aviation industry, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced Thursday.An amount was not given, but the competition, in conjunction with the X Prize Foundation, would be similar to a 10-million-dollar 2004 award given to the first private company to launch a manned spacecraft.
"The race to refuel American aviation is on, and our hope is that the X Prize will jump-start investment and spur innovation," Peters said at an aviation and energy summit in Washington.Rising fuel prices have forced US airlines to make significant cutbacks in their services in recent months, including charges for checked baggage and in-flight meals.US Airways late Wednesday announced it was removing video screens from all domestic aircraft, because the 500 pounds in saved weight per flight would reduce fuel costs by 10 million dollars per year.
A group of 12 US airlines launched a publicity campaign Wednesday, deflecting blame for higher ticket prices and pressing for legislative action on energy costs, in an open letter to customers.Peters said the new competition could change the face of the aviation industry."A breakthrough in alternative jet fuels is a potential game-changer that could bring lower airline fuel costs, greater US energy independence and cleaner air," she said.//DPA

Energy news

by The Nation

Alternative Energy - automaker Creates New Fuel cell Car

Prototype is powered by electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen
Developed by the research team of local electriccar manufacturer Clean Fuel energy Enterprise, the new Thai fuelcell car will run on electricity produced by the latest fuelcell technology - a new kind of power that uses hydrogen and oxygen.

The technology is expected to provide a new, alternative energy source at a time when the world is facing an energy crisis.
Best of all, its only byproduct - water - will cause no harm to the environment.
The company's research team has spent six years to develop the indegeneouslymade fuelcell technology for electric cars and has recently come out with the country's first prototype, which can go up to a speed of 130 kilometres per hour.
"Starting with 960 watt fuel cells, we have succeeded in improving the cell capacity to 10 kilowatts, which is potent enough to power a car," company chairman Air Marshal Morrakot Charnsomruad said.
Of the total 10 KW, he said, 5 KW of its power would be used to drive the car's motor, while the remaining power would be supplied to ancillary parts, such as the air conditioner and audiovisual equipment.
The company has received funding support of Bt14 million from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) for this project.
Morrakat said that to put the technology to practical use, the company is in talks with three to four other companies, who would be able to leverage the fuelcell technology for mass production.
The negotiations are expected to conclude soon and Morrakot expects the fuelcellbased electric car to be available commercially in the Thai market by next year.
Even though the prototype costs about Bt6 million, he believes the price will come down to about Bt2 million when the car is launched commercially and will further reduce when the production volumes go up.
Project manager Group Captain Chesda Kiriratnikorn said the company's 10KW fuel cell could be used to not only drive the car but also to generate electricity for home appliances.
For the new version, the team has developed a technology to enhance the car's hydrogenstorage capacity.
Developed from a previous model which had a storage capacity of just 280 to 400 litres, the new version can carry 900 litres of hydrogen and provide longerlasting power. The enhanced hydrogen tank can drive the car for about 40 kilometres.
The company's fuelcell technology is based on Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells. Because it can operate at low temperature and pressure, it offers a longer lifecycle of 10,000 hours, or about 13.7 years.
The NRCT also plans to push for the establishment of hydrogengas stations in the country, which will become a necessity when these fuelcell cars are available for commercial use.

Alternative energy news

By Pongpen Sutharoj The Nation; Published on August 5, 2008

Alternative energy news - Asean set for deal on oil reserves

Asean energy ministers will later this year sign an accord on creating oil reserves for an emergency to build energy security given the high consumption rate in the region plus China, Japan and South Korea, said Asean Secretary-General Surin Phitsuwan.
"The reserves are necessary due to high energy consumption. Over 80 per cent of imports come from the Middle East. energy cooperation would strengthen Asean's energy strategy and bargaining power," he said yesterday as the 26th Asean energy Ministers' Meeting came to an end.
To be considered is where the oil would be stocked. Thailand's Land Bridge project in the South is seen as a possible location.
Surin said that to become an Asean Community by 2015 as planned, further energy integration is vital so that each member can help others, and that will pave the way for shaping economic policies.
So far, there has been a power grid and the linkage of natural-gas pipelines. Indonesia also opened its door for the Natuna gas field, and pipelines are to be built to ship the gas from the field to other Asean countries.
He said Japan is also lending help in boosting energy efficiency in the region.
Asean is expected to consume 400 million tonnes of crude oil equivalent in 2020, compared to 265 million tonnes in 2000.
At the meeting, Thailand showed its prowess in alternative fuel development and pushed to turn Asean into the ethanol production and exporting hub. Thailand's energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop said this requires cooperation from other member countries.
Bangchak Petroleum president Anusorn Sangnimnuan said Thailand has the potential to become the ethanol export hub in Asean, due to its proximity to the region compared to Brazil, which is now the world's largest ethanol producer.
Anusorn said that as several countries are considering importing ethanol, which is cheaper than oil and environment-friendly, Thailand has the potential to produce ethanol, and can compete with Brazil in terms of transportation cost. Japan and Korea's ethanol demand is 2-3 million litres per day.
At present, Thailand can produce 1.5 million litres per day, and will increase to 2.5 million litres per day by the end of this year, said Anusorn.

"If we can develop our country as the ethanol production and export hub in Asia, we believe that Thailand will be the retail ethanol price reference in the region, which will replace Brazil," he said. To achieve the goal, oil retailers should be allowed to export ethanol aside from ethanol producers.
About 10 members of Greenpeace Southeast Asia Thailand yesterday submitted a letter to the Asean ministers asking the grouping to boost alternative energy production to 40 per cent of total consumption in 2020. They also asked all countries to stop construction plans for nuclear and coal-fired power plants to reduce environmental problems.
They said Asean must pay more attention to alternative fuel given that its greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise and lags behind only China and India.

Alternative energy news
by The Nation
Published on August 8, 2008

Alternative energy news - Queen of England to use only hydro power at summer retreat

London - The Queen of England plans to only use electricity generated from alternative energy at her summer residence in Scotland, the Daily Telegraph has reported.
Balmoral Castle is to become the first royal household to be energy self-sufficient.A hydroelectric power station fed by a river - the Gelder Burn - on the castle's estate is to power not just the Queen's apartments but also around 1000 homes in the neighbouring area.The manager of the power plant, Alasdair Gill said "The powerful year-round flow of water should generate about one megawatt (MW) of electricity and run like a miniature version of the massive Scottish hydro plants that can produce 300MW of power. These initiatives have been welcomed by environmental campaigners." The Queen has recently made concerted efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the royal household, such as converting the state cars - a Rolls Royce, a Daimler limousine and a Rover 400 - to liquified petroleum gas (LPG), the paper said.//dpa

Alternative energy news
by The Nation

Alternative energy-Conserve Energy with Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Today, prospective car buyers do not only look for performance and aesthetics in the vehicle they intend to buy. They specifically want a fuel-efficient engine that will allow them to save on gas, especially with today's unpredictable fuel prices. Finding a vehicle with such quality is not difficult thanks to modern vehicles that are equipped with advanced engines and supporting parts. Aside from allowing the vehicle to accelerate better than before, these modern components also enable the vehicle to be more energy efficient. Better road performance with minimal energy or fuel consumption is the idea behind the vehicles being produced these days. Rising fuel prices make these energy saving automobiles even more relevant.
Still, more and more vehicle manufacturers nowadays are designing engines that run on alternative energy sources. Proof of this is the limited number of solar-powered vehicles that have been introduced to the market. Solar panels, usually installed on the roof, convert the sun's energy into electrical energy that runs the various vehicle components. Aside from the solar-powered driving machines, hybrid vehicles are also becoming increasingly popular now. These are equipped with an engine that uses two or more different power sources. With these new inventions and innovations being presented to the world at large, consumers now have great choices if they want to take an active part in energy conservation.
Vehicles that use alternative energy sources are still costly and not everyone can afford to buy one. Nevertheless, even the common car owner can save energy in his car by practicing some helpful energy saving tips. One is to keep the engine well-tuned. Start by having a regular check-up of your under-the-hood components. In doing so, defective parts can be found and the appropriate replacements sourced as soon as possible. Another tip is to replace air filters on a regular basis. Clogged air filters are unable to supply the required amount of oxygen to the combustion chambers; hence, fuel burn is not as efficient. Impurities are also more likely of getting inside the engine if air filters are dirty. Moreover, keeping your engine parts well-oiled with the manufacturer's recommended motor oil is another means to more efficient engine performance. Observing these tips ensures a car owner with a more energy-efficient vehicle.

Alternative energy article
by Donald works as a mechanic in a car rental services company in Arkansas. His work gives him opportunities to know different car models

Alternative energy- Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the lightest alternative energy source, allowing for greater use in transportation and storage. The gas is being used experimentally for fuel cell vehicles and combustion engines. Hydrogen energy is an easily renewable energy source that can be produced using variety of methods and its use may improve air quality and reduce green house gas emission.

Alternative energy
by cnn

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: The Efficient Alternative energy in Reducing Daily Fuel Expenses

People who commute everyday on public transport wish they have their own cars to drive themselves to work, whereas most current car owners-"feeling every whip of the mounting price of fuel-"would opt for public transportation which they find to be more financially convenient. Of course, cars will not rot in the garage as scientists, academicians, businessmen, and even the government, are jointly seeking for alternative and practical ways for an energy and cost-efficient source of fuel for vehicles, and their collective efforts brought them to adapting hydrogen fuel technology and hydrogen fuel cells.
Now, water can´t be used to totally replace gasoline but to act as a supplementary fuel that will make a vehicle run. Cars run by water fuel cells are made possible because water can be converted into energy through hydrogen fuel technology. The said technology will split water molecules through another process known as electrolysis. Once water is split into oxygen and hydrogen, the properties of hydrogen gas will be a good source of energy that is efficient to make a car run.
Conventional cars need some modification through installation of a hydrogen fuel system for the electrolysis to be performed. Compared to cars that are run by regular gasoline, cars run by hydrogen fuel cells excel in two amazing ways: Reduced fuel consumption and greater mileage (about 50%-60% increase). The energy density of hydrogen is relatively higher than that of a gasoline´s and is also proven to be more efficient as a fuel source. These established facts make car fuel cells the perfect alternative solution to prevailing fuel crisis!
No wonder more and more car owners are greatly considering water fuel cells for their cars since it´s not only easy for the pocket but environment-friendly as well. The only by-product of hydrogen is water, so it doesn´t cause air pollution. Plus, hydrogen is odorless. Less irritating fumes can be inhaled from cars using a car fuel cell.
By the way, cars can be modified for less than a couple of hundred bucks, so for those who want to save on their fuel expenses, hydrogen fuel cells are here to save the day.

Alternative energy article
by Andrew Braithwaite

Hydrogen Fueled Cars - Unlocking Gas Savings With Hydrogen (alternative energy)

Everybody has heard of hydrogen fueled cars. The price of gasoline keeps getting higher these days and most believe that the days of cheap gasoline are dead and gone. Everybody is looking for a viable alternative and hydrogen seems like it may be the most logical choice. Since about 70% of the planet is covered in ocean, it looks like we have enough hydrogen to go around.
You probably first think of hydrogen cell vehicles when you think of hydrogen fueled cars, but actually hydrogen cell technology is still far from perfected and not available on the market as of yet. Sure, the ads are on TV and you may have even seen a hydrogen cell car on the road, but these are not yet available to the general public and even if they were they would not be anywhere near affordable. In the meantime, there is an old patent that has recently been dug up that may give you a short cut to saving money on gas.

The hydrogen car kit is an old patent that actually turns your car into a water hybrid. All you need to do is add a few small components (essentially, some baking soda, electrical wiring, a fuse, a vacuum hose, and a sealed, quart-sized glass jar) to your vehicle to enable it to run on both gasoline and water and possibly even double your gas mileage. Here's how it works: first, you build a device that you can put together with items you can buy at a local hardware store and add water. Then, you attach this device to your car's battery and engine. The device uses a little bit of energy from your battery to transform the water inside the device into a gas called 'HHO' which is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. This gas, also known as Water-Fuel, Brown's Gas, or Hydroxy, provides a lot of power, burns clean, and it's only byproduct is water.

The easiest way to figure out how to convert your car yourself is look online. A quick search will turn up dozens of websites that can show you how to convert your car. Though there are a few that want to charge you extravagant amounts for the information, you can get just as good information for much cheaper and the parts you need to pick up at a hardware store will only cost you about $20. Some mechanics out there know how to convert cars into hydrogen fueled cars, but they'll probably charge you about $300 or more to do it and it's also very hard to find a mechanic that knows how to do the conversion.

Conclusion - alternative energy
Who isn't interested in saving money on gas? The increase in the cost of fuel/energy affects every facet of the economy and we're all feeling the pinch from every angle. By converting your car, you're steering yourself in the right direction towards the future. Hydrogen fueled cars are a great way to save money and help preserve the environment in one fell swoop.

Alternative energy article
by Peter Johnson

Plans for Homebuilt Wind Generator Power

As the wind energy market grows and changes, many residences and small business owners are developing plans for homebuilt wind generator power. Homebuilt wind generator power has many great and far-reaching advantages. Its economical and environmental benefits cannot be overlooked. However, there are a few factors that should be examined before beginning plans for homebuilt wind power. Location and production are important and detrimental to wind energy production. With enough research and patience, any home or small business owner will be able to reap the benefits of this amazing energy alternative. Homebuilt wind generator power has many advantages. The two main reasons for home wind energy production are economical and environmental. Typically, a homeowner can save between fifty and ninety percent on their overall utility bills with the integration of homebuilt wind power to their electric grid. In some cases, the generation of wind energy can exceed the local energy use. In these cases, the utility company will purchase the excess energy from the homeowner. Wind energy is also a zero emissions energy source. The amount of environmental damage that wind energy offsets is astounding. Wind power is globally recognized as one of the cleanest energy sources, even more so when comparing it to fossil fuel derived energy sources.Plans for homebuilt wind generator power should include a budget and plans for construction. Homeowners with a larger budget may purchase a home wind power kit from a factory and pay for installation. Other homeowners with a smaller budget may find it more economical to purchase the kit from a factory but install the wind energy generation system themselves. This is entirely possibly and can save the builder thousands of dollars. Both are viable options with entirely different budgets. Nonetheless, there is a wind energy kit to suit both needs. Once the decision has been made to go forth with plans for homebuilt wind power, decisions must be made as to the location of the wind turbine. For optimal performance, builders need to pick a location with unobstructed and high wind speeds. The best locations for wind turbines tend to be in open fields, Oceanside, and mountainside. It is also important to consider others in the area. Although the technology has developed in a way that noise pollution is no longer a problem, others in the area may have concerns about the unsightliness of a turbine or satellite interference. However founded or unfounded their concerns may be, it is in the best interest to consult with concerned parties. Developing plans for homebuilt wind power is great for homeowners looking to save money with a small (or large) investment. It is also a great way for a homeowner to do their part for the global campaign for environmentally friendly goods and services. No matter the reason, homebuilt wind generator power is a great option.

by William Williams writes regularly about environment related topics.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles Or HEV -alternative energy

With the rise in the price of gasoline, more and more people are taking interest in electric vehicles as means of transport. Another major advantage of electrically operated vehicles is that these vehicles offer pollution free means of transportation. Therefore even if 70% of people start using an electrically powered vehicle, we will be free of global warming caused by emission of gases like CO and CO2. There will be almost no instances of cancer caused by pollution.
Electric vehicles are more energy efficient than the contemporary vehicles wherein the electric vehicles operates at approximately 47 percent of effectiveness, while a contemporary vehicle operates at about 19 percent only. There are studies that generally conclude that electric cars with batteries are approximately 12 to 35 percent more efficient with energy than the traditional cars which run on gasoline.
But the electric car which can truly replace a traditional car is still in the conceptual stage as the electric vehicle would need continuous electric power from the batteries. The major disadvantages of present day electric cars are the time period required for recharging the batteries and their limited range

Now, it has almost been a century since the electric car has been popularly discussed, but recent developments in the Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology and the growing concerns for the environment has revived the drive for an Hybrid Electric Vehicle and this has become a realization today

Due to this problem of recharging batteries, a new type of design conceptualized in the minds of researchers and they came out with a solution. The researchers have put forward a new electrical vehicle fitted with on board electric power storage system and means of generating power. The generated power would be stored in the storage system and would be used to drive the vehicle. This new type of vehicle is called Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV.

The present day storage system in HEV uses NiMH batteries and not the rechargeable nickel cadmium. Nickel cadmium batteries are usually bad for the environment, but the NiMH batteries that are used in Hybrid Electric Vehicle are totally recyclable.
Battery packs in Hybrid Electric Vehicles do not need to be replaced. Made to last over the lifetime of the vehicle, a Hybrid Electric Vehicle's warranty covers the battery for a time period that lasts between nine and ten years. In terms of mileage, a battery pack is expected to last between 125,000 and 200,000 miles, and would probably last longer than that.

In Hybrid Electric Vehicles the generating system consists of electric generator powered by internal combustion engine which runs on fuel. Hybrid electric vehicles are the definitive alternative fuel vehicles because their power is taken from the source fuels utilized to produce electrical power. Apart from that, the flexibility of the fuel alone can offer important beneficial and economic advantages especially in relation to a variety of available energy resources.
Researchers are optimistic about the performance of the hybrid vehicles. They are sure that the HEV will be more fuel efficient than the traditional vehicle powered by internal combustion engine.

Alternative energy
by Jay Prasad is an electrical engineer. For more information on Hybrid cars please visit the Hybrid Cars Online Resource

Alternative Energy - What Types of Alternative Energy are Available?

With all of the environmental problems happening these days it is a good idea for everyone to use alternative energy. There are many different types of alternative energy that you can use on your home and your car. You need to know what these different types of energy are so you can do your homework about them and decide which ones to use.
Using an alternative energy is especially important on your vehicle because on cars and trucks that you use regular gasoline, they are adding to the problems with the environment.

Do you know what the definition is for alternative energy?
Alternative energy is where energy is formed using sources that don't harm the environment or deplete the Earth's natural resources. Now that you know what it is you need to know what the different types are.
Here are the different types of alternative energy you can use for your home and especially for your cars.

One: Hydro Power - This is formed by using a small water generator that is known as micro-hybrid turbines that are put into the flowing water's stream.
Two: Solar Power - This type of alternative energy is made by converting sunlight into electricity using cells make from silicon, which, when it is exposed to sunlight it will create an electric charge.
Three: Wind Power - This energy is created by a turbine that is placed on a tall tower and uses wind to kinetically produce electricity.
Four: Ethanol - This is one alternative fuel that is made to replace gasoline in vehicles. It is made from ethyl alcohol, which is a common alcohol that is made using corn or wheat.
Five: Biodiesel - This is an alternative energy that is for petroleum diesel and is made from vegetable oils and animal fats.
Six: Hydrogen - This alternative energy is the most abundant element in the world and it can be made from fossil fuels, biomass or by electrolyzing water.
So, as you can see, there are many different types of alternative energy. You want to do your homework about these types of energy for your home and your vehicle. When using alternative energy you will be able to save money on gas and other things, plus you will be helping to keep the environment as clean as possible. Just remember to do your homework first before you choose what types of energy that you are going to use for your home and your vehicle.
Summary:
Do you know what types of alternative energy that you can use for your home or your vehicle. There are many different types that you need to know about. It is important for you to learn about alternative energy before you use any of them. Find out more now

by Mike Hepburn
Mike Hepburn is a growing authority and researcher on Natural Health prevention, cures and all things green. Mike is deeply concerned about our planet in peril and wants to help reduce our carbon foot print. http://www.youralternativehealthnetwork.org/

Water Fuel Cell: The Next Best Thing among Car Owners

With the staggering price of fuel, more and more people are beginning to rely on public transportation, if they do stay with their cars they will just have to bear the additional financial burden. Much to the motorists annoyance.
Still, there´s a newfound solution or alternative to this fuel crisis: A new form of energy that will run cars on water instead of fuel. Yes, you read that right. It can be made possible with the right application of technology combined with the wonders of science of a car fuel cell.
Don´t think that water alone will make the car run. That would be science fiction already. What will happen is that a small amount of water will be used (it will be converted into gas actually) combined with gasoline.
Electricity is sourced from the battery. Water and electric is passed through a membrane, and this is what´s behind the concept of a fuel cell. An electrolysis device should be mounted to the car´s engine for one to have a water fuel cell. Since there are two molecules of hydrogen in water, hydrogen gas or H2 can be taken from it through electrolysis. Once taken out and gathered, it will be released in the car´s engine air intake system. From there, it will travel to the combustion chambers where it will eventually get united with gasoline vapor. Alongside with the process of electrolysis, a hydrogen generator is needed to convert water into hydrogen gas.
Proven to be three times more powerful than normal gas, hydrogen gas will make the engine function better and stronger, and there will be less exhaust emissions as well. The materials that are required to run cars on water are easily obtainable from local hardware store or right from one´s garage. The budget usually plays at around $150.
With the incessant rise in fuel cost, taking advantage of a water fuel cell for your car would be the next best thing to do, and there is more information regarding how a car fuel cell will help you save money and at the same time boost your engine´s performance available at this website

Alternative energy article
by Sturat

How Wind Power Works - alternative energy

Wind is a natural environmental occurrence in which air flows at varying rates throughout isolated areas or on a global scale. Since wind is a force, it can be put to use if harnessed appropriately.
Wind power is not new, and has been used for thousands of years, albeit it is only recently that it has been converted in to electricity for those power companies who are going green. Even today, sail boats use wind as their means of transportation. It was not until 1979 that the wind industry we know today came in to existence. Since then, countries have quickly adopted it, and in recent years, wind power has been the fastest growing source of renewable energy. Denmark is a leading example of how useful wind energy can be, as they generate one-fifth of their national electricity from wind.
Air is a fluid comprised of gaseous particles, and since particles have mass, they exert kinetic energy when in motion. Wind turbines simply convert this energy in to a more useful form. When fast moving air comes in contact with a turbine, it forces it to turn. The device is connected to a generator close by that changes the rotational energy in to stored energy. Being that one wind turbine cannot collect large amounts of energy on its own, wind farms have been established that utilize a multitude of wind apparatuses.
The primary design most people are familiar with is the horizontal axis-wind turbine, which is the three bladed structure shown when referring to wind power. The alternative is the vertical-axis design, although these are much less efficient than their horizontal counterparts, and thus are rarely used.
Like other forms of renewable energy, wind turbines are continually becoming more efficient, so in the future, it will take less space and fewer turbines to generate the same amount of wind energy that we can now.

Alternative energy
by Justin Kander
The author works with GreenExperience.net, a blog that helps people go green

Home Solar Energy System-alternative energy

Alternative energy is everywhere around us and it's possible to use it in many different ways. Solar power which is driven by photovoltaic cells is just one of these alternative energy sources that are increasingly becoming more advanced and less expensive. Solar energy is non-polluting and can be used to produce electricity in addition to hot water. Making use of the sun's energy is not that easy to do and requires a lot of labour for us to efficiently utilize it in a reasonable manner. The biggest downfall to solar power is it requires clear days so methods of storing this energy need to be found to cater for this and when night falls.
Wind energy has become the most invested in (by private investors and governments together) alternative energy source lately. Huge double and triple bladed windmills can be seen around the world, working constantly, day and night to produce large amounts of electricity. Windmills have been used for a number of centuries but it is only recently that they have been converted to produce electricity on an industrial scale. The windmills used today are massive compared to those used in the past and much more 'high-tech' and often referred to as 'wind-turbines'. Just like any other methods, using the wind energy has its own hitch such as having to worry what to utilize if ever the days are calm and still. Of course, the power we need can come from other sources when this happens so currently we cannot rely completely on wind power even if we had sufficient farms to cater for our needs.

Hydroelectric energy is available as a source of alternative energy, and it can generate a substantial amount of power. The concept of hydroelectricity is simple - using vast amounts of water and gravity to turn electricity producing turbines. The use of water for driving hydroelectric turbines is not much of a worry because water is just about everywhere. The main problem with this process is the initial financial cost and the size of these dams means it is a lengthy project which does not come without its own issues. Dams are often built in order to be able to control the flow of the water sufficiently to generate the needed power. Building a dam to store and control water's potential and kinetic energy takes quite a lot of work, and operating one is complex as well, and conservationists grow concerned that it is creating environmental problems.
If you don't need to supply the electrical needs of a city or an area with a huge population, then building a dam is overkill. One good alternative to consider is using small run-of-river hydroelectric converters to provide electrical needs to neighbourhoods or even to an individual office or home.
Probably the most underrated and under appreciated form of alternative energy is geothermal energy, which is simply the naturally occurring energy produced by the heating of artesian waters that are just below the earth's crust. The earth's inner molten core is the one responsible for transferring the heat into the water. There are various different methods for drawing up water to harness geothermal energy and they can be from dry steam power plants, flash power plants, and binary power plants. Steam is essentially gathered and for this reason, hot water should be drawn up. Approximately one hundred miles north of San Francisco lies 'The Geysers', probably the most famous of geo-thermal power fields where they use what is known as 'dry steam' power plant technology.

by Scott Morgan

Alternative Energy Sources for the Home

Alternative Energy for the Home
The trend toward homes that are powered by alternative energy sources, ranging from wind turbines and solar collection cells to hydrogen fuel cells and biomass gases, is one that needs to continue into the 21st century and beyond. We have great need of becoming more energy independent, and not having to rely on the supplying of fossil fuels from unstable nations who are often hostile to our interests and us. But even beyond this factor, we as individuals need to get off the grid and also stop having to be so reliant on government-lobbying giant oil corporations who, while they are not really involved in any covert conspiracy, nevertheless have a stranglehold on people when it comes to heating their homes (and if not through oil, then heat usually supplied by grid-driven electricity, another stranglehold).

As Remi Wilkinson, Senior Analyst with Carbon Free, puts it, inevitably, the growth of distributed generation will lead to the restructuring of the retail electricity market and the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. The power providers may have to diversify their business to make up for revenues lost through household energy micro generation. She is referring to the conclusions by a group of UK analysts, she included among them, who call themselves Carbon Free. Carbon Free has been studying the ever-growing trend toward alternative energy-using homes in England and the West. This trend is being driven by ever-more government recommendation and sometimes backing of alternative energy research and development, the rising cost of oil and other fossil fuels, concern about environmental degradation, and desires to be energy independent. Carbon Free concludes that, assuming traditional energy prices remain at their current level or rise, micro generation (meeting all of one's home's energy needs by installing alternative energy technology such as solar panels or wind turbines) will become to home energy supply what the Internet became to home communications and data gathering, and eventually this will have deep effects on the businesses of the existing energy supply companies.
Carbon Free's analyses also show that energy companies themselves have jumped in on the game and seek to leverage micro generation to their own advantage for opening up new markets for themselves. Carbon Free cites the example of electricity companies (in the UK) reporting that they are seriously researching and developing ideas for new geothermal energy facilities, as these companies see geothermal energy production as a highly profitable wave of the future. Another conclusion of Carbon Free is that solar energy hot water heating technology is an efficient technology for reducing home water heating costs in the long run, although it is initially quite expensive to install. However, solar power is not yet cost-effective for corporations, as they require too much in the way of specialized plumbing to implement solar energy hot water heating. Lastly, Carbon Free tells us that installing wind turbines is an efficient way of reducing home electricity costs, while also being more independent. However, again this is initially a very expensive thing to have installed, and companies would do well to begin slashing their prices on these devices or they could find themselves losing market share.

by C. W. Benjamin