There are several alternative energy sources to oil like solar energy, biofuels, wind energy, water, and geothermal. With finite natural oil, coal and gas reserves, humans must plan on alternative energy sources to survive. Carbon Emissions from fossil fuels are causing catastrophic global warming by tapping heat in the atmosphere, melting, polar and glacial ice with cascading effects. This paper discusses the various possible alternative energy solutions for a new sustainable way of life on planet Earth which must be launched as soon as possible.
Solar energy is electromagnetic radiation from the sun, unlike the major conventional power source it produces no smoke stack emission, greenhouses gases, or radioactive wastes; and its production cannot be manipulated for profit or political leverage. Nevertheless, in the 20th century, the sun's energy has become an increasingly attractive source for small amounts of direct power to meet human needs. A number of devices for collecting solar energy and converting it into electricity have been developed, and solar energy is used in a variety of ways. Solar energy is used to heat houses, and in many countries specially designed solar ovens are used for cooking. The sun also supplies energy to electric generators that provide power for weather and communications satellites and for radio and television equipment.
Biofuel is difficult to define. Most of the fossil fuels we use are biological in nature. These plant forms typically, remove carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and give up the same amount when burnt. Naturally, all the other fossil fuels have done the same, but we are talking about a time scale of one or two years for the biofuels, whereas the fossil fuels can only be considered on a time scale measured in millions of years. Liquid biofuels can provide much needed substitute for fossil fuels used in the transport sector. They can contribute to climate and other environment goals, energy security, economic development, and other offer opportunities for private companies to profit. If not implement with care, however biofuel production can put upward pressure on food prices, increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, exacerbate degradation of land, forest, water sources, and ecosystems, and jeopardize the livelihood security of individuals immediately dependent on the natural resource base
Wind is simple air in motion. It is caused by the uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun. Since the earth’s surface is made of very different types of land and water, it absorbs the sun’s heat at different rates created by solar energy. Until very recently humans have relied on fossil fuels like coal, oil, gas for industry and even a biological fuel like wood. Now biofuel has entered the completation. Biofuel is any fuel that derives from biomass — recently living organisms or their metabolic byproducts, such as manure from cows. It is a renewable energy source, unlike other natural resources such as petroleum, coal and nuclear fuels.Wind energy is also being used in different countries. There are several different things that you can use wind energy for, naming just a few. Wind energy from windmills has been used to turn large grinding stones to grind wheat or corn, just like a water wheel is turned by waterpower. The most important of them all is a single smaller wind turbine to power a home or a school. These turbines are being used at schools in Iowa to power the entire school. In order for a wind turbine to work efficiently wind speeds usually must be above 12 to 14 miles per hour. Wind has to be this speed to turn the turbines fast enough to generate electricity.
The ocean absorbs about 70% of solar energy. Between its absorption as heat and its final return to space as infrared radiation, solar energy takes many forms, including kinetic energy in flowing air and water or latent heat in evaporated water. Earth’s surface receives energy from processes in Earth’s interior where heat comes from radioactive elements in the mantle and core, tidal kneading by the Moon and Sun, and residual heat from the earth’s formation. The kinetic energy of the wind can be changed into other forms of energy, either mechanical energy or electrical energy. Farmers have been using wind energy for many years to pump water from the wells using windmills. Once the turbine makes electricity, the electricity from the entire wind farm is collected together and sent through a transformer. There the voltage is increased to send it long distances over high power lines. Because conventional electricity generation is expensive and polluting, much effort has been devoted to solar electricity generation. Electricity can be generated from sunlight either thermally or photovoltically. Thermal methods focus the Sun’s rays on looped pipes through which molten salt hot air or steam flows. The president recommitted to his campaign pledges to limit carbon-dioxide emissions and to spend $15 billion a year to spur advances in wind, solar and other clean and renewable energy. To truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. Solar energy, wind energy, and biofuels should replace oil because each one are eco-friendly to our damaged planet and answer to the depleting natural resources.