The term “Alternative Energy” has had some controversy surrounding it for the past few years. Determining which sources of energy are considered “alternative” and which are not is a strong issue of debate among many officials. Typically, alternative energy refers to a source of usable energy that is intended to replace a type of fuel without the negative consequences of the replaced fuel.

The “Oxford Dictionary” Definition:

• Alternative Energy: energy fueled in ways that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment

A Brief History:

The term “Alternative Energy” has been used for longer than most people realize. It applies not only to our current forms of renewable energy, but also to past energy alternatives.

• Coal: to prevent the overuse of wood (the dominant fuel used in the medieval centuries), coal was introduced as an alternative form of energy
• Petroleum: as a result of the over hunting of whales, petroleum replaced whale oil as a cheap and readily available alternative for use in fuel lamps
• Alcohol: for the past decade, ethanol has been gaining popularity as a more environmentally conscious fuel alternative to fossil fuels

Today, this term commonly refers to Renewable energy as an alternative to non-renewable energy sources. Renewable energies are generated from natural resources and are replenished by nature. The main appeal of using such forms of energy is that they not only occur naturally, but they do not have the negative side effects of non renewable energy sources. This includes most notably the carbon emissions that enter the atmosphere as a result of burning coal, oil or other fossil fuels.

Alternative sources of energy include sunlight, rain, wind, geothermal heat, and even tides.

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Alternative Power Sources

Tags: alternative energy, alternative sources of energy, alternativer power sources, renewable energy