Here you will find the answers to all things alternative energy: solar power, wind energy, geothermal, nuclear and so much more.
Ever wonder how solar energy works? Or how big wind turbines have to be? What's the best alternatives for the environment? How many other safe, eco-friendly alternative energy sources are really out there? There's so many answers to all kinds of these questions I just want to geek out!
On these pages you will discover a variety of energy fun facts, the latest news on hybrid and electric cars, and - most importantly - what kinds of amazing alternate energy ideas you can apply to your own life!
Why is solar energy important? Turns out lots of things - and we've been using it for thousands of years. The first use was with a magnifing glass to start wood on fire. The ancient Romans used glass windows to keep out the cold but let in the sunlight and trap the heat. Greenhouses were also invented then to make out of season fruits and vegetables.
What is wind energy and how does it work? Wind energy is pretty Geek-erific! This is another abundant renewable energy resource. When there is no sun for solar power that is when this comes into play! It's caused by the uneven heating (the air above land heats faster than air above water) of the Earth's surface and atmosphere by the sun.
How are fossil fuels made in practice? Well, the fossil fuels (gasoline and diesel) are converted into transportation fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. These are used to run cars, trucks, airplanes and all other gasoline powered machines. When burned they have a smaller carbon footprint then petroleum based fuels.
What is geothermal energy? Well, the geothermal energy is a resource that comes from heat deep within the earth. Underneath the earth's crust is a layer of extremely hot, melted rock called magma. When magma rises close to the earth's surface it comes in the form of volcanos, fumaroles, hot springs and geysers.
What is nuclear energy? It's both heat and light that is produced through the splitting or merging of the nuclei of atoms. The process of merging is called fusion. Controlling this in a contained space is dangerous but the benefits are enormous! The process of splitting is called fission - and this is what's used in every nuclear power plant today.
Tidal Energy has great potential. Twice each day the earth's oceans move enormous amounts of water and converting that into electricity is a form of hydropower. The tides themselves are caused by the gravitational reaction of the sun and the moon which makes tidal power more predictable than wind and solar energy. The Geek gives this a thumbs up!
Biomass energy processes are used to extract renewable energy from living or recently living organic material. Types of this are: wood and wood waste, municipal solid waste (our garbage), biogas (methane from our landfills), and biofuels. It's kind of like solar energy in that plants take energy from the sun and store it through the process of photosynthesis.
Hydrogen energy comes from the chemical element hydrogen. It's the most abundant element in the universe, every star you see at night is rich with it. Here on earth it doesn't occur as a gas naturally on it's own, it's usually combined with other elements like oxygen to make water, or in organic compounds like hydrocarbons such as propane, methanol and gasoline.
Renewable energy sources come from sun, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat - basically anything that is naturally replenished on the earth. This also includes hydrogen, Biomass, which are wood and wood waste, sewage waste, and landfill waste. There are also biofuels which are: biogas, ethanol and biodiesel.
Cold fusion energy has an astounding potential and it would dramatically change our world without any doubts! Close your eyes for a minuted and imagine buying a laptop or cellular phone without needing to charge it, ever! Sounds amazing, I agree, but we are not there yet...
The benefits of human power are countless. Besides generating free power without any advanced techniques or methods you will also get yourself a really nice workout! This will impact on your health as well because you will strengthen your muscles and get a more fit body! But of course, there are disadvantages as well...
How does hydroelectric power work? Discover hydroelectricty and the new green ways making it more efficient. Learn the advantages and disadvantages plus the future of this alternative energy source.
DIY Energy projects are easier than you think! Here's your chance to build a solar cooker and a solar oven, wind turbine, solar pool heater, and many more things! Start working on your own alternative energy project today and save money while keeping our mother earth healthy and green!
