Alternative Sources Of Energy Biography
What is the history of alternative energy sources?
Shifts from one source of energy to "alternative" sources have occurred numerous times over human history. Two transitions, from wood to soft coal, and from whale oil to petroleum were driven by depletion of the main fuel source. Simple economics dictated that as the main fuel source became scarce, driving prices higher, alternatives became more attractive. Crude oil, our primary source of energy today, is exhibiting characteristics of depletion as described by the peak oil theory, and is driving our current move to alternatives.
Alternative energy demand today
Today alternative energy demand is growing for many reasons. Prices of crude oil have fluctuated wildly in the past few years causing gasoline prices to triple to the $5 per gallon mark. This caused average Americans to think about energy in ways they hadn't since the last "oil shock" in the 70's, which caused shortages and rapid price increases. A spirit of nationalism combined with a cry for energy independence has boosted interest in local, renewable, alternative energy sources like solar and wind. Today, energy from the sun and wind holds a very small percentage of US energy output, but is now at a tipping point. Higher prices for crude oil and governmental incentives for alternatives are acceleratingwhich lower the to consumers and large utilities to adopt are , at prices competitive with energy from the grid, is attractive to many homeowners that can also see the value in renewable
What is the history of alternative energy sources?
Shifts from one source of energy to "alternative" sources have occurred numerous times over human history. Two transitions, from wood to soft coal, and from whale oil to petroleum were driven by depletion of the main fuel source. Simple economics dictated that as the main fuel source became scarce, driving prices higher, alternatives became more attractive. Crude oil, our primary source of energy today, is exhibiting characteristics of depletion as described by the peak oil theory, and is driving our current move to alternatives.
Alternative energy demand today
Today alternative energy demand is growing for many reasons. Prices of crude oil have fluctuated wildly in the past few years causing gasoline prices to triple to the $5 per gallon mark. This caused average Americans to think about energy in ways they hadn't since the last "oil shock" in the 70's, which caused shortages and rapid price increases. A spirit of nationalism combined with a cry for energy independence has boosted interest in local, renewable, alternative energy sources like solar and wind. Today, energy from the sun and wind holds a very small percentage of US energy output, but is now at a tipping point. Higher prices for crude oil and governmental incentives for alternatives are acceleratingwhich lower the to consumers and large utilities to adopt are , at prices competitive with energy from the grid, is attractive to many homeowners that can also see the value in renewable
Alternative Sources Of Energy
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