Just as shale gas might be one of the best hopes humanity has for an alternative energy source it can also prove to be disastrous if not properly handled – or respected. However, in order for one to truly grasp the true pros and cons of shale gas, one must first understand what it is and how it is gathered. In short, shale gas is a natural gas gathered through hydraulic fractured shale rock.

Shale gas, when used as an energy source, has about half the carbon emissions that are produced by coal and is in ample supply. It is currently estimated that 1,000 trillion cubic feet of usable shale gas can be found in our own backyard. If we were to switch over to shale gas, we would have enough to supply our needs for about 50 years. Now, for the cons, even though shale produces a comparatively small amount of carbon emissions, it is still much too much for the environment. And, unfortunately, research into better methods of refinement are slow since it already costs quite a bit with the current method.

Until a more streamlined method of retrieving and refining shale gas can be achieved, those seeking out green alternatives would have better luck going through places like newyorkenergyrates.com.

Prior to the discovery of fossil fuels, humanity’s only sources of energy were natural, or what we like to refer to as “renewable” or alternative energy. Before we were heating our homes with electricity, we were using light from the sun. Our predecessors learned to use the wind, sun, and water to create energy and new technologies for themselves. Evidence of solar power being used in previous centuries can be seen in the architecture of Read the rest of this entry »

Geothermal energy is a very simple idea. Deep below the crust and upper mantle of the Earth temperatures are incredibly high. Thermal mapping can show where to find accessible hot spots below the surface. These hot spots can be utilized to provide energy in the form of heat transference.

One way to envision this concept is by thinking of a volcano or a geyser. The heat produced above the Earths surface by the energy of a volcano or geyser is intense. This energy source is easily seen. By placing piping near these sources water or steam can be Read the rest of this entry »

Wind energy has attracted a lot of attention recently because it is an unlimited natural resource. Since the wind is almost always blowing somewhere, harvesting electricity with this method will always be around. However, while wind energy has a lot of positives, it also has some negatives as well.
Wind energy is problematic because it does not provide a consistent source of electricity. This can make it difficult to integrate with the electrical grid because its hard to predict how much energy will be produced from it on any given day. Want more? Click here. This makes it Read the rest of this entry »

The basics of solar energy sources come from the sun’s rays. Solar energy is a great alternative of renewable energy compared to the fossils fuels we currently use for heating and electricity.

There are two ways that solar energy is transformed into electricity. The first way is with solar cells that are connected together into solar panels this process is called Photovoltaic. The second way solar energy is transformed into energy is with a “Solar Thermal-Electric Power Plant.”

Solar energy can be transformed Read the rest of this entry »