Alternative Energy Sources – Clean Electric Power Options

Forms of alternative energy span solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, engineered with power electronics, inverters, and grid-tied systems for efficient generation, storage, and distribution across smart grids and microgrids.

What Are Forms of Alternative Energy?

They include solar PV, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, converted via generators, inverters, and grid storage.

✅ Solar PV: MPPT inverters convert DC modules to AC for the grid.

✅ Wind: variable-speed turbines use converters to regulate frequency and voltage.

✅ Hydro, geothermal, biomass: dispatchable sources aid grid stability and storage.

Forms of Alternative Energy - Solar Energy

The sun is one gigantic star that constantly radiates an enormous amount of energy (solar energy). How much is "enormous?" Well, let's just say that the sun sends out more energy in one second than Earth has used since the beginning of time. Like most stars, the sun is a huge ball of gas made up mostly of helium gas and hydrogen. As a primer on solar technologies, the resource at solar power fundamentals offers context for how these systems scale.

The Earth, being the third planet from the sun, only receives a small portion of the sun's solar energy, however, that amount is more than enough to supply all our electric power needs. For comparisons across resources, see renewable energy sources to understand how solar's potential relates to wind, hydro, and more.

Two ways to make electricity from solar power are photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. Photovoltaic electric generation is produced using photovoltaic (PV) cells: the sunlight hits the solar cell and converts sunlight into electricity instantly and silently--without the hassle of wearing out any mechanical parts. These solar systems are mainly used to generate power in areas that are a long distance from electric power lines. For configurations and component choices, alternative energy systems guidance explains typical PV setups used off-grid and in hybrid applications.

Solar thermal systems (or concentrated solar power) use a solar collector with a mirrored surface to focus sunlight onto a receiver that heats a liquid into steam and then turned into electric power. The process is in the same vain as coal plants: coal is burned into steam, which is then turned into electricity. Deployment considerations are explored in alternative energy solutions that compare CSP with other utility-scale options.

Solar power is expected to be a global supplier of electricity between 2015 and 2020. Solar power's benefits are phenomenal: it's free, its supply can never deplete, it doesn't pollute, and it doesn't damage the environment. These benefits underpin broader renewable alternative energy strategies that accelerate decarbonization across sectors.

Forms Of Alternative Energy - Wind Energy

The sun’s heat reaching the planet earth creates winds, which makes wind a form of solar energy. How does it work? Well, as the sun's rays heat the Earth’s air is heated by the sun, it expands and regions of high and low pressure are formed, these high and low movements create wind energy. For context on definitions and categories, what is alternative energy clarifies how wind fits within the broader mix.

Harnessing wind energy is done using contraptions such as wind turbines. Large wind turbines are built close together to operate on wind farms to produce large amounts of power for electrical utilities. Smaller small wind turbines can be used by homeowners and remote villages who want to generate their own electricity.

Generated Wind power, like other forms of alternative energy, can also be used for charging batteries, pumping water, or grinding grain. All of this can be done without causing greenhouse gas emissions which damage the environment. This form of alternative energy also uses minimal land area, but intermittent wind patterns make it difficult for this form of alternative energy to be a constant and reliable energy source.

Forms of Alternative Energy - Biomass Energy

Biomass energy is a way to turn your food waste into electricity. Biomass is any kind of organic matter (anything that was once alive) that can be used as an energy source. Besides food waste, crops, wood, animal and yard waste are examples of biomass. People have used this form of alternative energy for thousands of years - longer than any other energy source.

Biomass feedstock (farm animal wastes, crops and residues, etc.) is the main ingredient of biomass energy. The heat in this form of alternative energy is used to generate power, fuels and other energy options. The biomass fuels (or biofuels), which comes from biomass feedstock, can be used in a solid, liquid, or gas state. Disposed food, paper, sewage, lawn clippings and sawdust, are some available biomass energy resources used for power production.

Forms of Alternative Energy - Geothermal Energy

Geothermal is a Greek word: geo (earth) and therme (heat). This form of alternative energy comes from the heat, which is from the earth's core (almost 4,000 miles beneath the earth’s surface). Earth's double-layered core is made from melted rock (hot magma), which surrounds a solid iron center. The heat comes from the slow decay of radioactive particles produce high temperatures that constantly rise to the earth's surface. Geothermal electricity is created by pumping a fluid (oil or water) into the Earth, allowing it to evaporate and using the hot gases vented from the earth's crust to run turbines linked to electrical generators. Further technical detail is summarized in geothermal energy basics for readers interested in plant designs and resource types.

In some areas on the planet (such as Iceland), there is very hot water or steam that is close enough to the surface where this alternative energy resource can be reached economically with a drill. When obtained, the steam, or hot water flashed to steam, turns a turbine, which then, turns a generator that produces electricity. Many experts believe that geothermal energy only be a minor contributor to the global energy supply because of the scarcity of geothermal sites in the world.

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• Alternative Energy Channel

Alternative energy projects integrate solar PV, wind turbines, battery storage, and smart grid controls, using power electronics, inverters, and HVDC to optimize grid integration, reliability, and decarbonization in electrical engineering applications.

What Are Alternative Energy Projects?

Projects deploying renewables and storage with power electronics to ensure efficient, reliable grid integration.

✅ Solar PV, wind, and storage integrated via power converters

✅ Smart inverters, MPPT, and grid-forming control strategies

✅ HVDC links, microgrids, and protection coordination

Alternative energy projects are technologies that use alternative energy sources (wind energy, solar energy, among others) instead of conventional fossil fuels that damage the environment with toxic greenhouse (GHG) emissions. Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are among some of the North American governmental organizations looking for ways to use alternative energy sources. While using the alternative energy source is important, so is educating the public about ways that they can someday use future alternative energy projects. Here are some energy systems the government is working on for your home: For a concise primer on definitions and policy context, see what alternative energy means to better frame the technologies discussed below.

Alternative Energy Projects - Home Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

As one of several major categories, the forms of alternative energy place solar alongside wind, geothermal, and hydrogen options for residential planning.

This alternative energy project is a great way to preserve Earth's fossil-fuel resources and an efficient way to reduce air pollution. Another benefit of home PV systems is that it reduces the amount of power bought from local utilities thus making the residence less vulnerable to fluctuating price increases. A drawback to a home PV system are the extremely high installation costs, however, funding could be available from governments as an incentive to invest in alternative power. Unobstructed and clear access to the sun’s rays for most or all of the day is required throughout the year for well-designed PV systems. Location affects performance meaning that the roof of a house must be facing south (best option), east or west. Flat roofs are great options for solar electric systems because the PV modules are flat on the roof facing the sky or mounted on frames on an optimal angle facing south. One option for commercial application includes building structures that can create provide shade (such as window awnings) or covered parking. For homeowners evaluating PV feasibility, a detailed guide to solar power clarifies system sizing, orientation, and incentive considerations.

Alternative Energy Projects - Solar Concentrator System

Solar concentrators are alternative energy projects that track and focus the sun's energy; the sun's energy is then converted to hot water and space heat for day-to-day consumption. These alternative energy projects also have thermal storage, so it can distribute the sun's energy during the night or during a cloudy day. In addition to thermal applications, alternative energy power resources explain how concentrators integrate with broader energy management strategies.

Alternative Energy Projects - Hydrogen Electrolyzer

Hydrogen could be a valuable energy source in the future, so alternative energy projects are being funded by governments to heat residential homes. One such project, the hybrid hydrogen electrolyzer/high efficiency furnace system works by generating hydrogen from water using electricity. The generated hydrogen is then used to replace the natural gas that is conventionally used in furnaces. These hybrid energy systems can be installed in a variety of houses, including single detached houses. For system comparisons and component basics, an overview of alternative energy systems outlines how electrolyzers interface with storage and heating equipment.

Alternative Energy Projects - Geo Power

Geothermal Energy is also being used to provide heat to residential homes. One such alternative energy project, known as the Geo Power System, takes heat from the ground and sends it into the house. This tube-in-tube ground heat exchanger, made from polyethylene and aluminum is inserted vertically into a bore-hole in the ground either in the basement or crawlspace of a house. The alternative energy project is supposed to contribute energy during the winter months and absorb energy during the summer months in the ground. For site assessment and retrofit pathways, these alternative energy solutions highlight best practices for efficient geothermal installations.

Alternative Energy Projects - Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells

Fuel-cell combined heat and power (CHP) systems are alternative energy projects that can heat houses and provide hot water while electricity is sent to and from the electricity grid. The continued issues this residential alternative energy project faces include grid connection, thermal storage and proper fuel-cell size. To see how residential CHP fits within the wider clean energy mix, a primer on renewable and alternative energy offers context on adoption trends and grid impacts.

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• Alternative Energy Channel

Alternative energy fuels drive renewable power systems, integrating hydrogen, biofuels, and electricity with power electronics, smart grids, and energy storage for efficient conversion, decarbonization, and resilient distribution across modern electrical networks.

What Are Alternative Energy Fuels?

Alternative energy fuels are renewables—hydrogen, biofuels, electricity—supporting conversion and smart grid integration

✅ Power electronics convert DC/AC and manage grid-tied renewables.

✅ Fuel cells and hydrogen storage integrate with microgrids.

✅ Battery systems and EMS stabilize variable solar and wind.

Alternative energy fuels can help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions produced from traditional gasoline or diesel fuels. Using alternative energy fuels means that you might have to change your conventional vehicle in for a more environmentally-friendly ride. Is this true? Let's find out. To start, a quick primer on what alternative energy is can clarify terms and set expectations in practical terms.

Alternative Energy Fuels - Battery-electric Vehicles

Your first option is battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which powered by motors that draw electricity from on-board storage batteries. These batteries act as an engine to propel the motor. Using electric vehicles presents a great potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and smog-forming pollutants because pollution isn't produced from the tailpipe or through fuel evaporation. The vehicles can also have low overall (life-cycle) GHG emissions depending on the electricity source used to recharge the batteries. This option would require you to say goodbye to your conventional vehicle. When charged from renewable energy sources, BEVs can further minimize lifecycle emissions and operating costs.

Alternative Energy Fuels - Hybrid-electric Vehicles

If you don't necessarily want to give up your conventional vehicle, but still want the environmental and energy benefits of electric vehicles, then hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are your best option. HEVs are made up of a battery powered electric motor with combined with a conventional internal combustion engine. Instead of paying outrageous gas prices every time your gas tank nears the empty mark, a rapid refueling option recharges your conventional vehicle. If this alternative energy fuel option appeals to you then you'll be glad to know that many hybrid vehicle models are already widely available on the market, with many more manufacturers planning on introducing new hybrid electric/gasoline vehicles in the next few years. Many buyers also view HEVs as pragmatic alternative energy solutions that ease the transition away from full reliance on gasoline.

Alternative Energy Fuels - Fuel Cells and Hydrogen

If you are using a portable or a stationary power device, then fuel cells might be the ideal option for you. Electricity is generated in fuel cells electrochemically when hydrogen and oxygen are combined. Fuel Cells can produce zero or very low emissions depending on the source of the hydrogen. These energy-conversion devices can also utilize hydrogen and other fuels and, in the future, might be used for transportation applications. This alternative energy fuel source is also an option for vehicles and prototypes for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that are currently in the works. But, unfortunately, barriers exist. A lack of a hydrogen distribution infrastructure has made it difficult for this alternative energy fuel source to move ahead. Also, costs are high for fuel cells and hydrogen-production technologies and there are challenges related to hydrogen storage. However, fuel cells are a viable energy technology that can offer significant environmental, supply, economic and energy efficiency benefits because of the variety of fuels available for conversion to hydrogen. This pathway fits within the spectrum of alternative energy sources, each with distinct infrastructure and cost considerations.

For a broader perspective on where hydrogen, electricity, and fuels like bioenergy fit, explore the major forms of alternative energy and how they complement one another across sectors.

Alternative Energy Fuels - Ethanol

When scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown used food to add fuel to his gas tank in the famous ‘80s flick, Back To The Future 2, he must have been thinking of ethanol, a liquid alcohol made of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon obtained from the fermentation of sugar or converted starch contained in grains and other agricultural or agri-forest feedstocks. Using fuel ethanol (or gasohol, which means that the alternative energy fuel source is distilled and dehydrated to create a high-octane, water-free alcohol) might one day be a viable alternative energy fuel source. However, oral consumption is unadvised because this alternative energy fuel is made unfit for drinking when a small amount of a noxious substance such as gasoline is added. In order for fuel ethanol to work as an effective alternative energy fuel source, all traces of water must be removed because water and alcohol combined cannot dissolve in gasoline. Further research into technology to produce ethanol from non-food sources is quickly moving this alternative energy fuel source toward commercialization. Because many feedstocks derive from crops and residues, ethanol often intersects with biomass energy pathways and agricultural policy.

Alternative Energy Fuels - Biodiesel

Conventional diesel combustion harms the environment, but biodiesel combusts better with a higher cetane rating that produces fewer life cycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). This alternative energy fuel source is a non-toxic and biodegradable fuel that comes from vegetable oils, animal fats, waste cooking oil, or tall oil (a by-product from pulp and paper processing). Biodiesel is made from these feedstocks through transesterification, a process that reacts the oil with an alcohol (methanol is usually used, but so can ethanol) and a catalyst (eg. sodium hydroxide). Glycerine, an ester called biodiesel, is produced from this chemical reaction. Most biodiesel is generated using this method. In practice, successful biodiesel programs are often part of broader renewable alternative energy strategies that leverage regional feedstocks and local distribution.

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• Alternative Energy Channel

What is alternative energy? In electrical engineering, it denotes renewable power sources—solar PV, wind, hydro, geothermal—and enabling systems like power electronics, inverters, storage, microgrids, and grid integration to decarbonize electricity.

What Is Alternative Energy?

Alternative energy uses renewable electrical sources and grid tech to cut emissions and boost efficiency.

✅ Includes solar PV, wind turbines, hydro, geothermal, and bioenergy.

✅ Enabled by power electronics, inverters, converters, and smart grids.

✅ Integrates storage, demand response, and grid stabilization controls.

What is Alternative Energy? Alternative energy is power that comes from sources which are not going to run out, do not pollute as much as fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), or do not create leftover materials that are harmful to people and the environment.

The term, "alternative," in a sense, is meant to contrast environment friendly energy against forms of energy that hurt the environment (coal power, natural gas, and oil power). Other names for alternative energy include clean energy, green energy and renewable energy. For readers new to the topic, you can explore concise summaries of technologies in the guide to forms of alternative energy to see how they compare.

Alternative Energy Vs. Renewable Energy

Renewable energy and alternative energy are often interchangeable, but they do have different meanings. Renewable energy comes from a replinishable energy source (it can never deplete). Electric energy that is generated from the sun (solar), the wind, the ocean (waves, currents or tides), the earth (geothermal), waste (biomass), landfill gas, or water (hydro power) is considered to be renewable energy. Renewable energy falls under the alternative energy umbrella because renewable fuel sources like wind and solar don't hurt the environment. For a broader overview, the relationship between categories like clean power and storage is outlined in the resource at renewable and alternative energy for further reading.

Alternative Energy Sources

A comprehensive overview of major options, deployment trends, and resource potential is compiled at alternative energy sources for additional context.

1. Alternative Energy as Solar Power

The sun has been around, shining on the earth with warmth and light for many, many years. This alternative energy source is available at no cost, and will be available to generate energy tomorrow and for millions of years to come, which explains why scientists continue to strive to figure out new ways on how to capture and use energy from the sun. For system basics, component choices, and siting tips, see alternative energy solar power to understand practical applications.

Long ago, it was discovered that leaving objects in the sun not only increased the object's thermal temperature, but the radiating heat also produced energy. Today, this type of alternative solar power, letting the sun heat something up, is called thermal solar energy. This alternative energy source is used to heat water for people's homes by passing cool water through pipes that are exposed to sunlight. As the pipes heat up, the water gets hot.

Another type of solar energy, known as light solar energy or photovoltaic energy, has only been used since the 1950s. This type of solar power comes from changing sunlight into actual electrical current. Very thin photovoltaic cells, which contain layers of different chemicals, absorb light from the sun and change it into electricity. The photovoltaic electricity is then stored in large batteries for later use, or it is actually sent back through the power lines to the electric company, which pays you for making electricity. Photovoltaic energy is growing in popularity every year. New types of photovoltaic cells, called “thin films”, are making solar electrical systems easier to put into homes, and less expensive than they were before.

Did you know: If one minute’s worth of all the sun’s energy that falls on the Earth was captured, it would be enough to provide the world with enough power for an entire year.

2. Alternative Energy as Wind Power

Wind energy has been utilized as an energy source for thousands of years. For example, the earliest sailors realized that putting sails on their boats to catch the wind made their boats go faster. More than 100 years ago, many farms used wind power to pump water from underground up to a container where it could be used for their homes or to water their animals. Today, wind power is used to turn large propeller blades that are put on top of towers. As the blades turn, their movement turns a generator, which changes the movement into electricity, which is sent to power stations or stored in batteries. Today, more people are buying small wind towers that make enough electricity to run their homes.

These days, very large windmills (known today as windfarms) are built in large groups. These windfarms are located miles away from where people live, and when the power is generated, the power is sent back to the cities and towns. Because wind patterns vary from location to location, some windfarms won’t work very well. But in windy areas, windfarms provide an efficient amount of electricity. Integrating wind with storage, efficiency, and grid modernization is covered under broader alternative energy solutions that help scale projects.

3. Alternative Energy as Water Energy (Hydro Electricity)

Water energy is another type of alternative energy that has been utilized for many years. Have you ever seen a water wheel next to a mill in an old painting or picture? The wheel was turned by the flowing water in a creek. The turning wheel was connected to a large millstone, which was used to crush grain to make flour and cornmeal. Today, electricity is generated using water. Large walls (dams) are built with tunnels to block flowing rivers so that the water can navigate through them, and, as the water goes through these tunnels, propellers turn a motor, which then generates electrical power. The generated power either is stored in batteries or is sent to a power station. Technology has developed enough that a small home can generate its own hydro power.

If a home is next to a creek or stream, a micro hydro system can turn a very small wheel, which then generates electrical power. Activists, scientists and some government officials have voiced their concerns that building large dams interrupt ecosystems, despite the fact that it generates millions of watts of power. However, the micro hydro technology can be used without hurting a small stream or the plants and animals that live there.

4. Alternative Energy as Biomass Energy

The farming industry, among other industries, are using corn and other plants as a biomass alternative energy source that can be put into the gas tanks of cars and trucks that can replace earth-damaging fossil fuels. Further feedstock pathways, conversion methods, and project case studies are outlined under biomass energy to illustrate real-world use.

The oldest type of biofuel is called biodiesel, which was first made out of plants and vegetables. Today, biodiesel is made out of old cooking oil and other types of plant materials that are not needed for other things. When it’s burning biodiesel made out of old cooking oil, the exhaust from a car’s tail pipe smells like french fries.

Ethanol, a second biofuel, is made by distilling plant materials (eg. corn) into grain alcohol, which is then mixed with small amounts of fossil fuel. When finished, this form of alternative energy can be used in cars, trucks and vans. While the farming industry is utilizing this readily available alternative energy resource, studies show that unless farms stop using petroleum-based chemicals for fertilizer and for killing pests, growing crops to make ethanol fuels may be more damaging to the environment than other forms of alternative energy. Comparisons with hydrogen, renewable diesel, and other alternative energy fuels highlight trade-offs in cost and lifecycle impacts.

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• Alternative Energy Channel

Alternative energy systems integrate solar PV, wind turbines, battery storage, and smart grids using power electronics, inverters, and microgrids to optimize reliability, grid integration, load management, and decarbonization in modern electrical engineering.

What Are Alternative Energy Systems?

Renewable power architectures using solar, wind, storage and power electronics for reliable grid-integrated electricity.

✅ Design with MPPT inverters, DC/DC converters, and protection relays

✅ Grid integration via PCC, power quality control, and harmonic mitigation

✅ Energy management: SCADA, EMS, forecasting, and battery SOC control

Alternative energy systems - What are solar power systems?

Solar electric technology, an adequate alternative energy system, takes sunlight and coverts it into electricity directly. The technology works best when the sun is at its peak, at which time it strikes the solar electric modules directly. Solar electric technology does not use the sun's heat to make electricity, but there are certain solar alternative energy systems that are used to heat water. Instead, this alternative energy system produces the electricity directly from the electrons that are freed from sunlight's interaction with semiconductor materials that are found in the solar electric cells. For a deeper overview of photovoltaic system types and performance, see this guide to solar power systems for additional context.

The basic building block of solar electric technology is the solar cell, which are then are wired together with other solar electric cells to produce a solar electric module. The power output on these modules ranges from about 10 watts to 300 watts. One or more solar electric modules connected to an inverter means that the solar electric alternative energy system is tied to the utility grid. The inverter switches the system's direct-current (DC) power to alternating current (AC). This current is what is compatible with the utility grid and it powers devices such as appliances, lights, televisions, and computers. This AC output integrates with household circuits as a reliable source of alternative energy power used by everyday devices.

Alternative energy systems - What are wind power systems?

Wind is air in motion, which comes from the sun. It's an overly abundant fuel source that doesn't harm the environment. The alternative energy systems for this renewable fuel source deflects or stops the wind, converting the wind’s kinetic energy into potential energy of pressure, thus create wind loads. These wind loads are harnessed by wind electric alternative energy systems such as wind turbines to create electricity. Because wind replenishes naturally, it is a prime example of renewable alternative energy that supports long-term decarbonization.

Here are some of the components that make up a wind turbine:

Ongoing advances in materials, controls, and siting practices are central to alternative energy development that improves turbine efficiency and reliability.

• Blades: Most of the wind turbines of this alternative energy sytems have three blades, though there are some with two blades. Blades range from 30 to 50 meters (100 to 165 feet) in length, with the most commonly-used sizes at around 40 meters (130 feet). A 40 meter LM glass-fiber blade for a 1.5 MW turbine weighs 5,780 kg (6.4 tons) and one for a 2.0 MW turbine weighs 6,290 kg (6.9 tons).

• Controller: There is a controller in the nacelle and one at the base of the turbine. The controller monitors the condition of the turbine and controls the turbine movement.

• Generators: Most wind turbines convert the mechanical energy generated from the wind turbine’s rotation into electrical energy using a single AC generator.

• Nacelles: The nacelle houses the main components of the wind turbine, such as the controller and the generator.

   

   

• Rotor: The rotor includes both the blades and the hub (the component to which the blades are attached).

   

   

• Towers: The towers are usually tubular steel at varying heights starting at about 60 to 80 meters (about 195 to 260 feet). There are some towers with heights around 100 meters (330 feet).

Alternative energy Systems - What are geothermal power systems?

Geothermal technology, an alternative energy system that doesn't hurt the environment, produces electricity from hydrothermal (hot water/steam) resources. Hydrothermal resources at high temperatures (between 300 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit) can be used to make electricity. These high-temperature resources may originate from either hot water wells or dry steam wells. These resources can be used by drilling wells into the earth and, at that point, piping the steam or hot water to the surface. Geothermal wells are one to two miles deep. Geothermal stands alongside solar, wind, and other forms of alternative energy that leverage naturally replenished resources.

In a dry steam power plant, the steam from the geothermal reservoir is connected from a well to a turbine generator to make electricity. In a hot water plant, some of the hot water is turned into steam. The steam powers a turbine generator just like a dry steam plant. Then, when the steam cools, it turns into water and goes back into the ground to be used over again. These closed-loop practices exemplify the principles behind what is alternative energy in practical power generation.

Alternative energy systems - What are wave power systems?

Wave power plants are rare because waves aren't produced on a consistentent basis. However, if harnessed, wave production can supply an adequate amount electricity. This electricity production starts with wave energy converters (WEC), which converts wave energy into mechanical energy, and then uses a power take-off system to generate electricity. The power is generally taken using a turbine driven by pressurized air, pressurized oil, or pressurized water. Many coastal pilot sites evaluate device survivability and grid integration through targeted alternative energy projects across diverse sea states.

There are three categories of wave energy converters, an environmently-friendly alternative energy system, based on how they capture the mechanical energy:

• Point absorbers are devices whose surface area is very small in comparison to the wave length of ocean waves.

   

• Attenuators are relatively long devices that are placed parallel to the general direction of wave travel.

   

• Terminators are placed a certain way, so that they can absorb energy from the wave.

   

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• Alternative Energy Channel

Alternative energy development integrates renewable generation, photovoltaics, wind turbines, battery storage, power electronics, and HVDC to optimize grid integration, smart inverters, and microgrids for resilient, efficient electrical systems and decarbonized power networks.

What Is Alternative Energy Development?

It is the engineering of renewable power systems—generation, storage, and grid integration—to decarbonize electricity.

✅ Design of PV/wind converters, MPPT, and grid-following/g-forming inverters.

✅ Energy storage sizing, BMS control, and dispatch for frequency regulation.

✅ HVDC, microgrids, protection coordination, and grid integration studies.

Alternative energy developments represent a transformational opportunity to not only attract new global investment and create new jobs, but to reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels. And, the future looks bright because experts predict that completed alternative energy developments will add 4.5 trillion dollars in value to the economy by 2030. For readers new to the field, the fundamentals of alternative energy help clarify key terms and drivers shaping this transition.

Alternative Energy Development - Wind Energy
Wind energy, as an alternative energy development, is the world’s fastest-growing energy source. In fact, 42 per cent of all new power plants installed in 2008 are powered by the wind. In January 2002, installed world capacity exceeded 24,000 megawatts, of which 205 megawatts (or 0.85 per cent of world capacity) was located in Canada. Over the past decade the cost of wind energy has fallen from 30 cents per-kilowatt-hour to around eight cents per-kilowatt-hour. In major policy reviews, the U.S. Department of Energy and the British government have predicted future wind energy costs of between 3.4 to 5.5 cents per-kilowatt-hour by 2020. A recent assessment of wind’s prospects and impacts released by the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that the United States could supply 20 per cent of the nation’s electricity needs through wind by 2030. This assessment and related analyses found achieving this goal would:

• Reduce electric-sector greenhouse gas emissions by about 25 per cent, relative to a scenario with no new wind additions;
• Reduce electric sector natural gas and coal consumption by 50 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively; and avoid construction of 80,000 megawatts of new coal plants;
• Reduce electric-sector water consumption over 15 per cent by 2030, with nearly one third of the reduction in the arid western states; and
• Increase annual property tax revenues and rural landowner payments to more than 1.5 billion dollars and 600 million dollars, respectively, by 2030.

Positioning wind alongside other resources in renewable power generation portfolios can further enhance grid reliability and reduce overall system costs.

Alternative Energy Development - Solar Energy
Photovoltaic (PV) technology has become a focal point in solar alternative energy development due to a number of social and economic factors, including the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, deregulation, and the restructuring of electric power generating companies. PV cells convert sunlight directly into electricity via the photovoltaic effect using specially treated semiconductor materials. Over the past 30 years crystalline silicon has been the material of choice in PV panels Solar PV systems represent a 42-million-dollar industry in Canada, with sales increasing, on average, more than 20 per cent annually over the past decade. In 2000, 1.5 megawatts of modules were sold in Canada, with 98 per cent of this total being used in off-grid or remote applications, and two per cent grid-tied. Based on annual 20 per cent growth rates, the production price of electricity from photovoltaics in Canada can be expected to drop below that of conventional thermal sources by 2020. Each installed kilowatt of PV power has the potential to offset 1.6 tonnes of CO2 per year when replacing coal-generated electricity, 1.3 tonnes per year when replacing oil and 0.7 tonnes per year when replacing natural gas. When integrated into broader alternative energy systems across homes and businesses, PV can provide resilient, distributed capacity for communities and industry.

Alternative Energy Development - Biomass Energy
Biomass, as an alternative energy development, is increasingly seen as a competitive and sustainable energy source. Almost six per cent of primary energy demand is currently supplied by biomass energy (mostly used by the pulp and paper industries, who burn their own residues to turn steam into electricity). The remainder is mostly cordwood, used for residential heating. At the moment, most biomass combustion alternative energy development is concentrated on small-scale cogeneration systems to utilize industrial waste, of around one-megawatt output. Various recent studies have confirmed that extensive biomass resources remain under-utilized across Canada. This includes over five million bone-dry tonnes of lumber and sawmill plant residues, which are being incinerated or landfilled without heat recovery. Successful deployment often depends on well-structured alternative energy projects that align feedstock logistics with local heat and power needs.

Alternative Energy Development - Geothermal Energy
Approximately 35,000 Canadian homes and buildings currently receive heating and cooling through geo-exchange installations. However, policy obstacles still exist which prevent extensive alternative energy development of Western Canada’s high-temperature geothermal resources for electrical generation. The cumulative geothermal resource remains poorly quantified due to a 25 year hiatus in government funding of geothermal science. Through commercial avenues, approximately 100 megawatts of geothermal power potential has been identified as of 2009, although there is still no geothermal power in Canada’s electrical grid. As an under-explored geothermal resource, geothermal projects will represent a pertinent frontier for commercial development in the near future. The corporate and public awareness of geothermal technologies has grown in the recent past through an increased media focus, and a strengthening support for carbon-friendly lifestyle choices. Currently, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association is leading 33 government policy projects to establish a foundation for the imminent development of geothermal electrical projects. As the effect of recent carbon taxes continues to saturate electricity markets, new geothermal opportunities will be available to fill the void with reliable and clean alternative energy. As part of integrated alternative energy solutions across provinces and territories, geothermal can deliver firm, low-emission baseload to complement variable renewables.

Alternative Energy Development - Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is an alternative energy development that is extracted directly as kinetic energy from a moving stream, whereby seawater is ‘partially impounded’ in its flow through a channel. Local effects on the tidal regime are considered low or negligible, depending on the technology used to extract energy. Tidal current energy is predictable and regular, and will be unaffected by global climate change. Nevertheless the technology for exploiting this resource is still in its infancy, and there are, as yet, no commercial installations anywhere in the world. Tidal current power development is estimated to be one to three years behind ocean wave energy and five to eight years behind wind energy. A clear overview of technologies and site considerations is provided in this guide to what is tidal energy for those evaluating pilot deployments.

Alternative Energy Development - Wave Energy
Ocean wave technology, as an alternative energy development, extracts kinetic energy from the up-and-down motion of waves, using it to generate electricity. Inventors have taken out hundreds of patents for wave energy devices over the years, but concentrated effort in this direction dates from the 1970s oil crisis. The first wave power plants were built near Bergen, in Norway, in the mid-80s. Together, both plants had a combined capacity of 850 kilowatts. The first wave energy plant that was used for commercial purposes was brought online in Islay, Scotland, in November 2000. Today, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Australia, and countries of the European Union have undertaken numerous government-supported projects. BC Hydro, an electrical utility in the Canadian province of British Columbia, has committed to implementing three to four megawatts of ocean wave generating capacity as part of the Vancouver Island Green Energy Demonstration project. In order to develop wave power towards its potential, extensive data collection is needed to pinpoint prime sites. Further research is also needed to assess the impact of heavy storms on installed equipment. These demonstrations illustrate how emerging ocean resources can contribute to diversified alternative energy power mixes when supported by robust data and engineering standards.

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