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There is a lot of talk now about renewable (alternate) energy sources, but the concept is not new. In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, a French physicist, discovered the photovoltaic effect of converting light into electricity. In the 1950s remote homeowners used photovoltaic solar cells to provide electricity to these locations that were not served by “the grid.” Even before “the grid” was in use, farmers have relied on wind and water for power. Most are aware that wood and other combustibles were the first energy source. In fact, burning wood was the dominant energy source until sometime in the 19th century when coal began to replace wood.
In 1857 Edwin Drake drilled the first commercial oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Spindletop Hill, the first Texas gusher hit in 1901, signaled the birth of the petroleum age. Today we primarily use fossil fuels for heat and power.
Even though is it convenient to use coal, oil, and natural gas, fossil fuels present several disadvantages. For one, we have a limited supply of these fuels. Using fossil fuels damages the environment. As a result, many people advocate the benefits of developing alternate energy sources.
As definitions, renewable or alternate energy derive their power by harnessing the energy from natural processes which are continually replenished and are environmentally friendly. These natural process: the sun, the wind, water, the Earth’s heat, and plants, can all be converted into usable energy in the forms of solar, wind, ocean thermal, geothermal, hydropower and biomass. Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and tidal power, ultimately come from the sun. All these renewable energy sources are also sustainable. By being self-sustaining these energy sources are in essence limitless. Often "clean" or "green" are used to describe renewable energy technologies because they produce few if any pollutants. Renewable energy technologies are rapidly improving. |
| NEW The Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy is a non-profit, independent, organization that provides research, development of technology, training and information for the manufacture, industrial innovation and implementation of renewable energy technologies and energy savings in Denmark and throughout the world. |
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Shell’s ingenious approach to oil shale is pretty slick: When oil prices last touched record highs – actually, after adjusting for inflation we’re not there yet, but given the effects of Hurricane Katrina, we probably will be soon – politicians’ response was more hype than hope. Oil shale in Colorado! Tar sands in Alberta! OPEC be damned! |
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Ethanol production from sweet sorghum: The stem juice of sweet sorghum is rich in fermentative sugar and is a desirable alcoholic fermentation material. It is difficult to measure the juice Sugar content in the process of production. The sugar content is commonly expressed with juice brix degree, but the relation between sugar content and brix degree has not been very cleared The objective of this study was to find out their relation and tell the sugar content by means of the measurement of juice saccharine more accurately, which may provide a theoretical basis for crop breeding and fermentation. In addition to fermentative sugar, other kinds of sugars are also found in the stem juice of sweet sorghum. The acquirement of the contents of different sugars is beneficial to the enhancement of alcohol production rate. There are also some ammonia acids and minerals in the juice, measuring their contents enables us to use sweet sorghum better with multi-purpose. |
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Argonne expert addresses energy, environmental impacts of fuel ethanol: A recent national debate has arisen over the net energy and environmental benefits of ethanol as a substitute for gasoline in transportation fuels. Argonne researcher Michael Wang, a world-leading expert in this field, presented the results of his research today at the Ethanol Energy Open Forum, sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. |
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