What are alternative ENERGY sources?

The alternative energy sources They are solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, biogas, tidal energy, geothermal... We tell you in a Teacher!

Surely you have heard several times about the Alternative energy and this term refers to the renewable energies that we use on Earth. They are those that come from sources other than oil and that allow us to pollute less, to get the energy we need in our day to day. Climate change is an issue that worries us and that's why we want to talk about it!

In this lesson from a PROFESSOR, we want to explain what are alternative energy sources currently exist and the characteristics of each of them.

The alternative energies are those sources that allow us to obtain energy through the resources that the planet provides us and that are inexhaustible. This does not happen with the energy that comes from fossil fuels, as is the case with oil. Renewable energies are clean and do not pollute.

At present, this type of energy is increasingly used to achieve take care of the environment

The objective of renewable energies is to be able to produce more sustainable energy by using renewable resources like the sun or wind, instead of fuels like coal or oil, which produce harmful gases when burned.

In unProfesor we discover the different types of energy sources.

There are different types of renewable energy. You should know, first of all, that energy can be obtained in many ways and you only have to transform it into electricity. In nature we find a great variety of inexhaustible sources from which we can extract energy. We present them to you.

Solar energy

The solar energy It is that which is obtained from the sun. You can distinguish between Photovoltaic Solar Energy, which is the best known and is obtained from solar panels. The plates absorb solar radiation and automatically transform it into electricity, which is stored in batteries or can be turned over to the electrical network, in case there are surpluses.

Through the installation of solar panels, people can begin to implement solar self-consumption and spend the energy that they themselves produce.

On the other hand, there is the thermoelectric power, which focuses on the heat generated by the sun and uses it to heat water. The hot water generates steam and drives a turbine that converts the energy into electricity.

Wind power

The wind power use the wind force to generate electricity. Windmills, also known as wind turbines, are located in wind farms, in places where the wind is stronger and more constant. The windmills are connected to generators that transform the energy of the movement into electricity, when the windmill turns the blades.

Hydroelectric power

The hydroelectric or hydraulic power It is one of the best known renewable energies. In this case, energy is produced thanks to the force of water in its course. Therefore, most hydroelectric power plants are built next to dams or rivers.

biomass energy

The biomass energy It is a type of energy that consists of taking advantage of the combustion of organic waste of animal and vegetable origin. This section includes all biodegradable productssuch as sawdust, tree bark, etc. Everything that can go inside the container of organic matter is suitable for burning and producing biomass energy.

This energy is usually used in large thermal power plants, although we also find it at home in pellet stoves and boilers, for example. Thanks to this organic matter, the use of coal is avoided, which is a non-renewable and polluting source.

biogas

He biogas It is an energy that is obtained in a very similar way to biomass, only that it comes from the biodegradation of organic matter, thanks to microorganisms, in specific places without oxygen. This degradation causes a combustible gas to be produced that can be transformed into clean electrical energy.

Seawater energy

Energy tidal or wave is the sea ​​energy and its name changes taking into account if it uses the force of the tides or the waves. In this case, electrical energy is produced thanks to the force and movements of the sea.

Geothermal energy

Finally, the geothermal energy It is one that takes advantage of the high temperatures that exist in the deposits under the surface of the earth. Usually, we talk about volcanoes and energy is generated through heat, since these are usually found at 100 0 150 degrees centigrade.

Here we tell you What are renewable energies.

Starting to consume alternative energy, either at an industrial or private level, has A lot of advantages for the environment, but also some benefits for us:

• Renewable energies are respectful with the environment. They produce almost no CO₂ emissions or expel polluting gases into the atmosphere
• Alternative energy comes from natural, free and inexhaustible resources
• They promote the energy independence of the territories that do not have fossil fuels within their reach.
• Green energy can be produced by the same person who needs it, without having to depend on the community network.
• Alternative energies are available throughout the earth's surface, so they can reach any corner of the world.

If you are concerned about climate change, one of the best ways to help preserve the planet is through alternative or renewable energy. If you want to continue learning more about this subject, do not hesitate to consult our section on natural sciences, where we will give you the best advice to take care of the environment.

If you want to read more articles similar to What are alternative energy sources - examples, we recommend that you enter our category of geology.