PrintSo, what are the “renewables and alternate” sources of energy? As previously mentioned, “renewable” energy sources are those which can be replenished over and over again, such as nuclear, solar, hydro, wind, biomass, biofuels, and geothermal. “Alternate” energy sources are those which are not the traditional fossil fuels or nuclear power. These include the renewables hydro, wind, solar, biomass, biofuels, and geothermal.
As stated previously, renewable and alternate energy sources will take a long time to make a significant dent in the US’ reliance on fossil fuels. In the interim, the fuels we will study, primarily natural gas and crude oil, will continue to be produced and consumed in substantial quantities. Natural gas, as the cleanest burning of the fossil fuels, represents the “bridge” fuel until renewable and alternate energy can be produced in sufficient quantities to wean us of our dependence on fossil fuels.
The following "mini-Lecture" will cover Alternate and Renewable energy sources in more detail. Mini-Lectures such as this will be provided in most Lessons and will supplement the textual lesson or, be the lesson itself.