Alternative energy encompasses a range of energy sources that all have one thing in common: they are not based on fossil fuels. Excluding hydroelectric energy and nuclear energy, which are well-established technologically, there are a number of new energy sources at various stages of development.
Biofuels, whether they are derived from sugar, corn, or cellulosic waste such as corn cobs and cornstalks, represent an alternative energy source. Ethanol is a first generation biofuel, but better biofuels with higher energy content are on the horizon and will be ready for commercialization within the next 3-5 years.
Another example is wind power, which can be generated by wind mills locally or large wind turbines set up on hill tops and in the ocean. Solar energy is also a form of alternative energy, including solar photovoltaic panels that generate electricity and solar heaters that produce heat simply by focusing the sun's energy. Geothermal energy should also be included in the group of alternative energy sources on the rise. Vast potential sources of geothermal energy are available by tapping into heat trapped deep beneath the surface of the earth. Geothermal energy is also readily available to virtually every homeowner on a smaller scale. The constant 55 degree Fahrenheit temperature of the ground about 4-6 feet deep allows consumers to generate heat in the winter and cooling in the summer by burying a system of pipes in the back yard.
Alternative energy, regardless of the source, should be developed and encouraged for three important reasons.
1. Developing sources of alternative energy reduces our need to burn fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions.
2. Non-fossil fuel-based sources of energy create energy security, allowing countries to be more self-sufficient in their energy production and less dependent on imported sources of natural gas or petroleum that are subject to cartel-controlled pricing from unfriendly or downright hostile trading partners.
3. While supplies of fossil fuels continue to be adequate at the current time, the amounts are not unlimited. The supplies of fossil fuels are being diminished daily. The cost of petroleum will inevitably rise, even without unfriendly cartels restricting supply to drive up prices. The most ardent supporters of petroleum must acknowledge that, at some future time, alternative energy sources will be necessary.
For all of these reasons, funding for alternative energy is very much in the national interest. That funding is needed now.
Columnist Thomas Friedman appealed to the Congress in one of his recent essays: "Stop lavishing money on repaving old roads and pinching pennies when it comes to pioneering new frontiers."
I agree, especially when it comes to the development of alternatives to fossil fuels.
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