Fossil fuel energy, a non-renewable energy source formed from the remains of dead plants and animals, is the world’s primary energy source. Currently, fossil fuels are drilled or mined for and then refined to be used as fuel. The correlation between using fossil fuels for energy and global warming has been commented on, but to what extent? Fossil fuel extraction processes generate air and water pollution which in turn can then harm local communities. Transporting these fuels can lead to more air pollution and spills. Worse, the burning of these fuels leads to the emission of toxins and global warming. With this in mind, it seems only logical to turn to other solutions and methods of obtaining energy that have less harmful impacts on the environment.

There are many alternatives to fuel sources Wind energy, Geothermal Power, Biofuels, Solar Power, and Nuclear Power being some of the more well-known ones.

Wind energy operates on a simple principle, the energy in the wind turns propellers on a wind turbine which are connected to a generator. As the turbine propellers spin the generator, electricity is created. Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world; however, it has its challenges. It still needs to compete with other energy sources, depending on how much wind is on a sight, a wind farm may not produce as much. The technology is also expensive to initially purchase making it a less appealing investment than other fossil-fueled generators. Turbines are also relatively unattractive to look at. Land is needed to build wind farms, land that could be utilized for things more highly valued than electricity.

Geothermal power works by tapping into steam or hot water pools underground, the heat then drives an electrical generator. Geothermal power plants consistently produce energy. Their output is highly predictable. Geothermal power has the smallest land footprint of any major power source, this means that it is beneficial to smaller ecosystems. It is also in abundant supply. The main concern regarding this energy source is that it releases hydrogen sulfide at low concentrations. There can also be surface instability due to the construction of geothermal power plants. Along with this, while there is an abundant supply of underground reservoirs, this energy source is location specific.

Biofuels make use of animal and plant life to create energy. Plant based fuels are a renewable source of energy which can be grown anywhere and have significantly lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels. As of now, biofuels cost similarly in the market to gasoline. Biofuels use fertilizers to help the crops they are sourced from to grow better. Industries meant for producing biofuel can also have detrimental impacts on the environment, like water pollution.

Solar power is energy converted from the sun. It is advantageous because it has virtually no maintenance attached to it, solar panels last for over thirty years. It can be installed virtually anywhere and is safer than traditional electric current. However, it has high initial costs for material and installation. A lot of space is required, and a large battery bank is needed as there is no solar power available at night and little solar power is accessible on cloudy days. It also has lower production in the winter months. Despite this, there has been tremendous growth in the United States solar industry. Solarize campaigns, programs that allow groups of homeowners to work together to negotiate rates and such, have become more common. There are also incentives and tax breaks that support renewable energy in the United States. DSIRE provides a comprehensive database of financial incentives and regulatory policies associated with solar energy in any given area.

Nuclear power is a method of boiling water to make steam which then turns turbines that produce electricity. Nuclear power boosts the economy by creating jobs in nuclear plant creation as well as operation. While the initial construction costs of nuclear power plants are high, generating electricity in nuclear reactors is cheaper than most other energy sources. Nuclear energy, however, is not a renewable power source and issues within nuclear power plants can lead to catastrophe.

While it seems that there are many alternatives to fossil fuels to be explored, there are also individual draw backs to each system. Reducing human impact on global warming and air pollution seems to be better achieved by most renewable (and even some non-renewable) options. So, what can be done on a more personal level? Spreading awareness is the most important thing that any individual can do. The United States Energy Department is making efforts to advance technologies which will in turn drive down the cost of solar energy in America. As awareness about the impacts of different energy sources come to light, the clean energy industry can continue to grow and prosper. While this may not seem like it could have a huge impact, being knowledgeable about how renewable energy is adapting and continuing to grow and improve.