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Alternative Energy

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BIOL 101
Alternative Energy
Solar and wind power

10/14/2012

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Abstract
This paper will review solar and wind energy as the alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Solar and wind energy has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years due to both technological improvements resulting in cost reductions and government policies supportive of renewable energy development and utilization. Fossils fuels and nuclear energy have been the world’s main source of energy for years but, with global warming and with a recent melt down at a Japanese nuclear plant many are questioning is it time to use other alternatives energy sources. Although both alternative energy sources are safer than fossil fuels and nuclear energy the world has been reluctant to switch power sources.
The recent severe energy crisis has forced the world to develop new and alternative methods of power generation, which could not be adopted so far due to various reasons. Solar energy represents our largest source of renewable energy supply. The Sun is naturally Earth’s most abundant energy source and will be around for billions of years. This is a resource that essentially human beings won’t be worried about running out of anytime soon. Wind Energy, like solar is a free energy resource. Wind is constant in Earth’s atmosphere and can also be continually harvested without exhausting the supply. They both have their strengths but they also both have similar weaknesses of not being able to harness energy whenever needed. Introduction
With the rapid growth of nations like China and India the world is in desperate need of safer and

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