According to the World Health Organization, 99% of the global population breathes polluted air. Yet we’re surrounded by clean, sustainable energy sources. Despite coal and natural gas being the most widely used energy sources, the urgency of climate change and resource depletion is making the shift to clean energy increasingly essential. In 2023, about 23% of the electricity in the United States was generated from alternative energy sources, but we’re still far from achieving our net-zero emissions targets.
So, what types of alternative energy are we relying on? Let’s explore some of the most popular alternative energy sources today.
When we hear the phrase “alternative energy,” we often think of solar panels lining the roofs of homes, basking in the sun. However, hydroelectric energy—the harnessing of water power—is the most widely used alternative energy source globally, accounting for 40% of the world’s renewable energy generation.
The technology needed to harness water power has been around for thousands of years. Today, the largest hydropower facility is the Three Gorges Dam on China’s Yangtze River, which operates 30 turbine generators! That’s a lot of clean electricity.
While hydroelectric energy is the most popular alternative energy source, its overuse has also been found to negatively impact the climate.
Wind power accounts for just 7% of global energy production, but it’s the largest alternative energy source used in the United States, providing 9.8% of the nation’s electricity. In fact, the Alta Wind Energy Center in California is the largest onshore wind farm in the world. The army of wind turbines lining the arid Tehachapi Pass of the Mojave Desert can generate over 1,500 megawatts: enough to power up to 1.5 million homes!
Wind power can be harnessed in multiple settings:
Worldwide, we generate about 2.12 billion tons of waste each year. 99% of all purchases each of us make will end up being disposed of in about half a year. With a global population of eight billion, that’s a lot of trash! This is why biowaste, which includes organic waste, and biomass, like agricultural residues and trash, are increasingly important alternative energy sources.
Here’s some examples of how biowaste and biomass are being converted into energy:
Today, biowaste and biomass energy production make up about 7% of our alternative energy sources.
Solar energy provides about 3.9% of electricity generated by alternative energy sources in America. The most common ways to generate solar power are through:
The Bhadla Solar Park in India’s Thar Desert covers about 14,000 acres and can produce up to 2,245 megawatts: enough to power several of India’s heavily populated cities.
The use and integration of solar power has increased eightfold in the past decade. In 2023, solar-generated electricity was enough to power 22 million homes in the U.S.!
About 2% of our nation is powered by geothermal energy. This sustainable energy source taps into Earth’s internal heat to generate electricity and provide direct heating. It’s a particularly viable in geologically active regions.
Notable geothermal power complexes include:
While solar and wind are bigger markets, geothermal plants don’t depend on weather conditions and can operate continuously, offering a stable and cost-effective power supply.
Tidal and wave energy, while making up just 1% of top alternative energy production, offers reliable power from ocean tides. South Korea’s Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station has a total power output capacity of 254 megawatts, helps control flooding, and improves water quality for local communities.
While tidal and waver power can be costly and potentially detrimental to marine life, experts consider it to be a stable power source.
As we envision a future powered by renewable energy, several key trends and benefits are emerging. While key players like Norway and Brazil lead alternative energy production, the focus is expanding beyond mere generation. Energy storage has become a critical challenge, as intermittent sources like wind and solar require efficient storage solutions to ensure consistent power supply.
Another area gaining traction is the use of alternative minerals for constructing cleaner, more sustainable infrastructure. This shift not only reduces the carbon footprint of buildings but also opens up new avenues for innovation in the construction industry.
The transition to alternative energy sources offers numerous societal benefits, including:
Imagine leading a project like the Alta Wind Energy Center or designing the next great solar farm. With the right skills in energy business, you can be at the helm of projects like these, helping to shape the future of global energy.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers three entirely online, flexible energy programs that will equip you with the skills to excel in both traditional and alternative energy markets:
Whether you’re looking to deep-dive into energy business or you’re a working professional ready to upgrade your skills, UT Permian Basin’s online programs are among the few programs in the nation that offer a comprehensive perspective on this complex, dynamic field.
Potential careers include:
Admissions are year-round, giving you the freedom to apply at your own pace. We hope to see you in the virtual classroom soon!
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/energy_sector.asp
https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/types-hydropower-plants
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work
https://www.pnnl.gov/explainer-articles/tidal-energy
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