| Renewable energy is really getting the | | | | there is plenty of wind. There are also |
| attention it needs. Today fossil energy | | | | smaller wind generators available for home |
| reserves are depleting and focus is shifting | | | | owners that can be used in addition to the |
| to others sources of energy that replace | | | | traditional grid system. |
| these traditional energy sources. The focus | | | | |
| is on these energy sources and not without | | | | All these mentioned energy sources are free |
| reason. It is environmentally friendly and an | | | | to use to every one. Sunlight is available |
| almost unlimited source of energy. | | | | during the day and wind is available day and |
| International energy ministers and advocates | | | | night. Flowing water can be more difficult to |
| together with different non-governmental | | | | make use of because it is not available for |
| organizations and environmentalists are | | | | every one. The availability of these sources |
| joining efforts to promote utilization of | | | | depends where you live. You have to make sure |
| this energy. All over the world governments | | | | you use the source that is applicable for |
| are awarding grants and incentives for the | | | | your personal situation and can even combine |
| development of renewable energy systems. | | | | several sources together to make the most of |
| | | | it. Although the sources are free, the |
| But what is it? How do we use it today and | | | | devices used to convert these energy sources |
| how can we use it better in the future? Will | | | | into usable energy for our homes are not. But |
| it solve our energy problems we experience | | | | nearly for all budgets there is a solution. |
| today? What price do we have to pay to these | | | | |
| new energy sources? All these questions and | | | | How does it work? |
| more are hot subjects that are discussed by | | | | |
| many all over the world. Let's start here | | | | The traditional fossil energy sources such as |
| with the simplest question and answer it for | | | | coal and oil produce energy by means of |
| you. | | | | combustion or burning fossil fuels. These |
| | | | sources work by directly converting the |
| What is Renewable Energy? | | | | energy into useful forms. Sunlight is |
| | | | directly converted into electricity which can |
| This energy source has been used in many | | | | be used instantly. |
| ways, but it has been taking for granted many | | | | |
| years now. We usually don't stop and think | | | | Why do we need it? |
| about these daily little miracles happening | | | | |
| all around us. For instance the sunlight does | | | | There are several reasons why we need |
| wonderful things us. Sunlight helps us to | | | | alternatives for the traditional energy |
| grow our plants, fruits and vegetables. You | | | | sources. The fossil fuels reserves are |
| can dry your clothes outside in the sun and | | | | diminishing and the demand for energy is |
| white clothes even become whiter with sun | | | | rising and will increase even more. The |
| rays. Every one loves to have fun in the sun, | | | | fossil energy sources will become harder to |
| Disney World and Universal studio's are build | | | | find and even more expensive. To fight these |
| on location where there is a lot of sunshine | | | | high prices we need alternatives that are in |
| and not without reason. Simply lying on the | | | | abundance and cheap. Precisely, what these |
| beach in the sun is done by many of us. | | | | sources are: cheap and in abundance. |
| Sunlight keeps us happy and when deprived | | | | |
| from it humans become depressed. But sunshine | | | | The combustion in traditional energy sources |
| can be used otherwise as well. You can | | | | results in emission of harmful gases in our |
| convert sunshine into electricity and use it | | | | atmosphere that causes drastic changes in our |
| to power you home and can even give you hot | | | | climate. These reasons also prompt different |
| water and heat your pool. Converting sunshine | | | | governments to prioritize the use of |
| into energy is one of the new sources of | | | | renewable energy to avoid energy shortage, |
| energy. | | | | economic, and environmental problems. |
| | | | |
| Not only sunshine is seen as one of new | | | | Thus, these energy sources can go a long way |
| sources of energy. The water we use for | | | | in helping us achieve a stable and reliable |
| recreational purposes like kayaking can be | | | | energy supply in the future. The energy |
| used otherwise. This flowing water can also | | | | sources will be available for all and will be |
| be used to generate energy. | | | | cheaper than traditional energy sources. What |
| | | | is even more important is that we will live |
| Wind can also be used and is already used by | | | | in a world that is a better place, for us |
| several countries. In England and Germany the | | | | today and for future generations to come. |
| wind generators are placed on the shore where | | | | |