Alternative Energy Sources
The search for alternative energy becomes more frantic whenever oil prices reach new peaks. In this instance, oil has now breached the US$135 psychological threshold and is poised to rise some more. The most viable alternatives being looked at are sun power, wind power, and the nuclear power option. These 3 sources are virtually inexhaustible and only limited technology has prevented more widespread use. But that situation is about to change with renewed efforts to replace fossil fuels as the world’s main energy source. It is expected that nuclear power usage to generate electricity will increase as a stop-gap measure for some countries but that has added a new dimension to energy security – safety from terrorist attacks. The head of the IAEA or International Atomic Energy Agency called on nations with nuclear power plants to have a better system to protect nuclear facilities from terrorist attacks and nuclear material from being sold to terrorist organizations or stolen by crime syndicates. Nuclear power is going through a rebirth and has become attractive again due to soaring energy demand, concerns about climate change, and a sustained safety record for the past two decades. There are no new nuclear accidents so far.
Wind power energy
Solar power has gained tremendously as a viable energy alternative nowadays. For some people, solar power assures some stability and a long-term pricing decision where prices are computed and known long in advance. Users are not subjected to constant price increases. Even wind power has gained additional adherents to its side. There are now available in markets small wind turbines which can be installed in homes. These small turbines are somewhat similar in size to a satellite dish and easy to install. It is attractive for installation in homes located in windy areas but sometimes have inadequate sunlight during certain hours or days due to the seasons. A lot of manufacturers now offer many types and sizes of wind turbines at various prices.
Alternative energy source
The Bergey Windpower Company is one of the world’s leading suppliers of small wind turbines with 30 years industry experience. It had installed wind turbines in all the 50 U.S. states and also in more than 100 countries worldwide. Wind turbines are used primarily in the rural areas of the world where centrally-generated electricity is far away. Often, wind power is installed to help or complement and boost solar power generation systems. The Bergey Company often advises its clients to have a second energy-generating system (such as diesel or solar) in addition to the wind power to create a “hybrid system”.
The two systems used together are designed to provide a more reliable “utilities-grade” power because wind power alone is intermittent. For example, wind and solar power systems complement each other on a daily and seasonal basis. Wind blows stronger at night time, storms, or winter when the Sun is not shining. Conversely, the Sun shines the most when the wind is most slow such as during certain times in summer and during high pressure weather systems. A common commercial use of wind power is in powering remote telecoms cell sites. Good broadcast sites have good wind flows because high elevations give good exposure.