Alternative energy sources, which generally refer to any energy resource that does not originate from fossil fuels, have the primary benefit of reducing dependence on singular resources. For some countries, that also means being less dependent on receiving fuel and energy needs from foreign governments.
There are a number of additional benefits of alternative energy that are worth looking at as well. Here are some of the key points to consider.
1. Alternative energy is often renewable.
If you burn a fossil fuel for energy, then it is consumed. You can’t use it again. Most alternative energy resources are renewable, which means the chances of it running out are slim. Something like the wind or the sun, or even moving water, can provide us with a consistently constant supply of energy. It is literally impossible to exhaust these natural alternative energy resources.
2. Alternative energy protects are environment.
Many true forms of alternative energy produce a zero net carbon emission. This can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that may be in our atmosphere and potentially stop the negative impacts of trapped heat. With fewer toxins in the air that we all breathe every day, there is the potential of being able to live a much healthier life.
3. Alternative energy is reliable.
Alternative energy resources can be placed over a wide geographical area to promote a consistent stream of energy. This ensures that no one will have to be cut off from the energy they need just because it’s a dark and cloudy day somewhere or there isn’t any wind to spin a turbine.
4. Alternative energy creates an economic boost.
The installation of alternative energy resources creates needed jobs in many communities. Once installed, the cost of power generated by these resources is often less expensive than it is from fossil fuels. Alternative energy also requires less ongoing maintenance to keep receiving all of the benefits it can provide, allowing communities to reinvest those resources into other programs and services.
5. Alternative energy stabilizes final costs.
Fossil fuels are treated as a commodity, which means there are many different factors which can affect the final cost someone may need to pay to access this energy resource. Alternative energy produces are not as dependent on shareholder or speculator investments, which means the roller coaster of increasing and decreasing costs can be minimized.
6. Alternative energy creates a resilient energy system.
Alternative energy production is less susceptible to large-scale failures with an infrastructure issue because of their system of distribution. It is a modular system of energy distribution, which means an entire region does not need to suffer should distribution and generation systems become disrupted for some reason. Because water is not needed for cooling either, scarcity issues caused by drought or excessive heat will not tax the system either.
The benefits of alternative energy are clear and profound. Although the capital investment may be high compared to other energy production benefits, the investment is one that can give future generations a cleaner, healthier planet to enjoy.
Crystal Lombardo is a contributing editor for Vision Launch. Crystal is a seasoned writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She has been an editor of three popular blogs that each have had over 500,000 monthly readers.
