Biomass is often mistakenly described as a clean, renewable fuel and a greener alternative to coal and other fossil fuels for producing electricity.
However, recent science shows that many forms of biomass—especially from forests—produce higher carbon emissions than fossil fuels. There are also negative consequences for biodiversity. Still, some forms of biomass energy could serve as a low-carbon option under the right circumstances.
For example, sawdust and chips from sawmills that would otherwise quickly decompose and release carbon can be a low-carbon energy source.
Drilling deep wells brings very hot underground water to the surface as a hydrothermal resource, which is then pumped through a turbine to create electricity. Geothermal plants typically have low emissions if they pump the steam and water they use back into the reservoir.
There are ways to create geothermal plants where there are not underground reservoirs, but there are concerns that they may increase the risk of an earthquake in areas already considered geological hot spots. Some tidal energy approaches may harm wildlife, such as tidal barrages , which work much like dams and are located in an ocean bay or lagoon.
Passive solar homes are designed to welcome in the sun through south-facing windows and then retain the warmth through concrete, bricks, tiles, and other materials that store heat. Some solar-powered homes generate more than enough electricity, allowing the homeowner to sell excess power back to the grid. Batteries are also an economically attractive way to store excess solar energy so that it can be used at night. Scientists are hard at work on new advances that blend form and function, such as solar skylights and roof shingles.
Geothermal technology is a new take on a recognizable process—the coils at the back of your fridge are a mini heat pump, removing heat from the interior to keep foods fresh and cool. In a home, geothermal or geoexchange pumps use the constant temperature of the earth a few feet below the surface to cool homes in summer and warm houses in winter—and even to heat water.
Geothermal systems can be initially expensive to install but typically pay off within 10 years. They are also quieter, have fewer maintenance issues, and last longer than traditional air conditioners.
A backyard wind farm? Boats, ranchers, and even cell phone companies use small wind turbines regularly. Dealers now help site, install, and maintain wind turbines for homeowners, too—although some DIY enthusiasts are installing turbines themselves.
Depending on your electricity needs, wind speeds, and zoning rules in your area, a wind turbine may reduce your reliance on the electrical grid. Wind- and solar energy—powered homes can either stand alone or get connected to the larger electrical grid, as supplied by their power provider. Electric utilities in most states allow homeowners to only pay the difference between the grid-supplied electricity consumed and what they have produced—a process called net metering.
If you make more electricity than you use, your provider may pay you retail price for that power. Advocating for renewables, or using them in your home, can accelerate the transition toward a clean energy future. Contact your power company to ask if it offers that choice. The Ute Mountain Ute tribe is working to free itself from fossil fuel dependency—and preparing to help solarize the rest of the state, too. Plus, Bernhardt tries to sink offshore wind, and our first-term president takes credit for building a plastics factory that was announced seven years ago.
Some people tout bioenergy as a solution to our climate crisis. Two new bills could put the Prairie State on the path to percent renewable energy within decades. In Texas, tax breaks for fossil fuels outpace tax breaks for renewables by a rate of two to one. Guess which sector is whining about unfairness? With its plan to source all city energy needs from renewable power by , Albuquerque, a winner of the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, is also jump-starting its solar workforce.
Also in What is energy? Forms of energy Sources of energy Laws of energy. Also in Units and calculators explained Units and calculators Energy conversion calculators British thermal units Btu Degree days. Also in U. Also in Use of energy explained Use of energy Energy use in industry Energy use for transportation Energy use in homes Energy use in commercial buildings Energy efficiency and conservation.
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Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids. Natural gas. Also in Hydrocarbon gas liquids explained Hydrocarbon gas liquids Where do hydrocarbon gas liquids come from? Transporting and storing Uses of hydrocarbon gas liquids Imports and exports Prices. The price for sustainable-energy sources has decreased dramatically in the last decade, making them more affordable than ever. In many areas, including much of Alabama, an investment will pay off in just a few short years.
We at Energy Alabama believe that we should not put off until tomorrow what we can change today. Sustainable energy should be encouraged, and we are doing everything we can to educate our community and encourage businesses and residents to make changes towards sustainable energy. We highly encourage you to consider what you can do to make the change to sustainable energy as well. There will always be sunlight, wind, and rain; therefore, these make for the best sources of energy.
Will you join us in moving Alabama, and the United States, towards sustainable energy? What is Sustainable Energy?
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