There is a selection of alternative green energy systems available. Each are deemed renewable and can produce electricity. However, they are not all equal in their impact on the environment. Some are considered more sustainable than others. Commentators have divided the various options into two types. Solar energy, wind energy and hydro energy form one group while so called earthly sources like biofuels and geothermal energy, constitute the second group.
The alternative green energy that uses windmill technology is called wind power. The force of the wind against the blades of a mill is powerful enough to turn electricity turbines. Windmills do have the disadvantage of being unsightly when they are sited with enough density across open terrain. People living close to them have also complained of their noise. Despite these drawbacks, wind power is still classified as a very efficient green energy.
Solar energy is a popular alternative green energy system. The energy of the sun could potentially be harnessed to power every home on the planet. Solar power is used to heat water that is fed into pipes for heating and hot water supply. Solar heated water can be transformed into hydrogen gas which is used for driving turbines. Solar energy can also be converted into direct electricity with photovoltaic solar panels. It is often argued that the production of solar cells is expensive and creates its own environmental problems.
Hydroelectric power is the alternative energy system that has seen the greatest degree of implementation worldwide. This is because it is relatively cheap to install and many countries have the resources needed to operate it. Energy is generated through the action of moving water through turbines. The main criticisms of hydro power are that the dams necessary to create them often disrupt natural waterways and fertile lands are often flooded to create the lakes required to implement this technology, thus displacing local people.
Deep below the earths surface molten rock known as plasma. This plasma heats all rock close to it to tremendously high temperatures. The alternative green energy solution that taps into this heat source is geothermal power. By drilling bore holes up to 3 miles deep, it is possible to send water down to make contact with these sizzling temperatures. Water is forced back up through a second bore hole. As soon as it makes contact with the air it is vaporized into steam jets that drive generating turbines.
Power plants can be operated using the steam generated by geothermal power, Geothermal power is an alternative green energy solution that is yet to see widespread implementation. This is because of the extremely high costs associated with drilling water holes. Further, it remains unclear what implications exist for causing earthquakes by geothermal power drilling.
Oil rich plants like rapeseed can be processed into diesel for powering engines. Likewise, plants with a high sugar content such as sugar cane can be distilled into ethanol to run cars. The alternative green energy that makes use of such fuels is called biofuel. Although biofuels are completely renewable they have come under heavy criticism because of the amount of agricultural land that is needed to grow them. Critics further argue that biofuels still produce levels of carbon emissions associated with global warming. However, supporters of biofuels claim that biofuels are carbon neutral because growing crops generate carbon and at the same time, consume carbon dioxide.
