Alternative Energy, Overview

Alternative energy is derived from sources that are renewable, do not use up natural resources or harm the environment, or can replace fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. Alternative energy is generated for electricity and heating from sources such as moving water, the sun, wind, geothermal energy from the earth's heat, biomass from vegetative or waste material, and biogas from anaerobic digestion. Given the looming energy crisis facing much of the world, alternative energy is destined to become an even more important area for science communicators.

Renewable energy sources can restore themselves over short periods of time and do not diminish. Green power, a subset of renewable energy, is clean technology that provides the highest environmental benefit. Green energy sources produce electricity with ...