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Alternative energies

Alternative energies often harness the most fundamental forces and materials in nature – the sun, the wind, water, the heat of the earth, plant material, or even the tides. Examples of alternative energy sources include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, tidal power, geothermal energy, biomass energy, and biofuels.

The development and use of alternative energies are seen as potential solutions to problems caused by traditional energy sources. Heat exchangers play a crucial role in the uptake of alternative energies by facilitating efficient heat transfer processes. In various alternative energy systems, heat exchangers enable the transfer of thermal energy between different mediums, enhancing energy conversion and utilisation.

Vast Solar signs a MoU with Sage Geosystems

Vast Solar Pty Ltd. (Vast Solar) and Sage Geosystems Inc. (Sage) announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate global opportunities to integrate concentrated solar power (CSP) generation and long-duration energy storage (ES) deep in the earth...

EnergeÔ starts drilling at Vinzel geothermal site

EnergeÔ has started drilling of the first well at the Vinzel geothermal site in Switzerland with a target depth of 2300 meters.

Manchester University helps UK achieve net zero targets

Led by Dr Amir Keshmiri, a team of experts at The University of Manchester have received government funding to help recover hydrogen for clean energy use alongside Powerhouse Energy Plc.

Flexens Oy Ab signs an LOI with KIP Infra Oy

Flexens Oy Ab and KIP Infra Oy have signed a letter of intent regarding a land lease agreement for a facility with a hydrogen production capacity of approximately 300 megawatts in the Kokkola Industrial Park area.

Wien Energie develop geothermal heating plant in Aspern

Wien Energie will be developing the city's first geothermal heating system in Aspern with a planned 20 MW capacity.

SHARC support Egg Geo in combined WET–geothermal system

SHARC International Systems Inc. (SHARC Energy) support Egg Geo, LLC in the first proposed combined WET and geothermal system in the world.

TWI works on a part of the GeoHex Project

TWI is currently working on a part of the H2020 EU project GeoHex, ‘Advanced material for cost-efficient and enhanced heat exchange performance for geothermal application’ funded by European Commission

AVANGRID signs a HOA with Sempra Infrastructure

AVANGRID and Sempra Infrastructure have entered into a heads of agreement (HOA) for the potential joint development of U.S. green hydrogen and ammonia projects powered by renewable sources.

Petrofac to support green ammonia development in Chile

Petrofac has won its first new energy-focused project in Chile, supporting Transitional Energy Group (TEG) on their Gente Grande Green Ammonia Project.

TotalEnergies and Holcim signs a MOU on decarbonization

TotalEnergies and Holcim in Belgium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on the full decarbonization of a cement production facility being upgraded by Holcim in Obourg, Belgium.

Alternative energy refers to energy sources that are not based on the burning of fossil fuels or the splitting of atoms. The renewed interest in this field of study comes from the detrimental effects fossil fuel usage has on the environment. Below are some examples of alternative energies:

Solar Energy: The sun is a virtually endless source of energy. Solar power harnesses this energy for a variety of uses, including generating electricity, heating water and homes, and even cooking meals.

Wind Energy: Wind power converts the kinetic energy in wind to generate electricity or mechanical power. This is typically done with wind turbines.

Hydroelectric Energy: This type of energy uses the flow of water to generate electricity, typically through dams.

Tidal Energy: Tidal power, or tidal energy, is harnessed by converting energy from tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity.

Biomass Energy: Biomass energy is derived from wastes and animal dung either directly or indirectly by the process of bioconversion and technology.

Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy utilizes the Earth’s inherent heat. It uses steam produced from reservoirs of hot water located a couple of miles or more below the Earth’s surface to generate electricity.

Hydrogen Energy: When hydrogen is burned, it produces only water vapor and heat, with no pollution. However, the problem is that it’s hard to store and distribute.

Biofuel and Ethanol: These are plant-derived gasoline substitutes for powering vehicles. Biofuels are typically made from plant crops, while Ethanol is a type of biofuel made from corn or sugarcane.

Each of these sources of energy has its own unique set of characteristics, benefits, and costs. Some are totally renewable and sustainable. Some generate electricity, and others are potential sources of fuel for vehicles, heating, and more. The search for alternatives to fossil fuels is a major challenge of our times, and while none of these sources is perfect, they all represent steps away from reliance on fossil fuels and the negative environmental impacts associated with their use.