Alternative energy sources is any energy source that is an alternative to fossil fuel. Fossil fuel sources of energy include petroleum, coal and natural gases that emit huge amount of carbon dioxide which is dangerous to health. Alternative sources of energy on the other hand, are environmental-friendly as they produce little or no pollutants. With the present epileptic power supply in Nigeria, the country should be looking towards exploiting other sources of energy.
Some of these sources of energy are stated below:
Solar Energy
Solar, which is based on the Sun, is about the oldest source of energy in the world. In fact, living things such as animals, plants and aquatic life are dependent on this energy source for their survival. Presently, many individuals and institutions are already exploiting the use of solar energy in for the provision of their electricity needs with sunlight being converted to heat and electric energy. Presently, solar-powered cars are being developed by the giant motor company, Ford. A solar-powered aircraft recently concluded a test flight round the world which ended in Abu Dhabi, covering about 40,000km. Once solar-powered cars and aircrafts are fully developed, a final end will likely be put to the use of petroleum as we know it today.
Wind Energy
This is a source of energy that has been in existence for centuries. It is the generation of electricity from wind through the use of propeller-like turbines. Many explorers in the past harnessed the power of the wind in order to sail through continents which opened up world trade. This is another viable alternative energy source that can power both homes and industries as well as irrigation of farmlands. Wind energy source should be exploited to serve as an alternative wherever this is possible in the country.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is the energy that uses the earth’s internal heat to boil water for heating buildings and electricity generation. This energy is renewable and very clean. It is gotten from hot magma from under the ground where temperatures are so high. Unfortunately, geothermal energy can only be harnessed in areas that have prior volcanic activity and, hence, it is not possible to set them up anywhere.
Hydroelectric Energy
This is the energy produced by running water that turns turbines for the generation of electricity. We are quite familiar with this source in Nigeria as it has been supplying Nigeria with electricity for a long time now. The Kainji dam is a good example of this.
Biofuel Energy
Biofuel energy is another environmental-friendly, plant-derived fuel alternatives for vehicles. This is also being developed in the western world and is also set to displace fossil-fuel based sources such as petroleum.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is a source of energy that uses nuclear fission to release energy that is stored in the atomic bonds of heavy elements for the generation of electricity. Nigeria has an ample deposit of Uranium which is the raw material needed for this and the government is already considring the exploitation of this for the generation of electricity.