SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES
Wind
In Canada a “20% supply [of wind power], similar to that already deployed in Denmark is reasonably achievable.” Pembina Institute
Global annual wind installation:1980-2005
Goal of Canadian Wind Energy Association: 10,000 megawatts by 2010
Solar
Harnessing the clean, abundant energy of the sun allows us to meet our energy needs without polluting our environment.
Solar energy can be directly converted into usable energy through a variety of processes -- solar water heating, passive solar heating and cooling, photovoltaic technology, and solar thermal technology. Solar water heating uses a solar collector to absorb the sun's energy and then heat water in a solar tank. Passive solar heating and cooling work within a building's design, without requiring additional mechanical equipment, to maximize natural energy flows and optimize landscaping methods to increase heat gain in the winter and decrease it in the summer.
Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into direct current electricity and consist of solar cells. These cells are wired together to form modules which are sealed and wired together to form panels. These panels are grouped together to form an array. A solar array can cheaply convert sunlight into electricity to meet demands for power without polluting our air.
New solar technology is emerging on a yearly basis. Today rooftop solar panels can largely offset the electricity demands of homes and buildings. In summer months they often generate more electricity than their owners can use, allowing the surplus to be sold to electric utilities to reduce the need for generation from dirty, fossil fuel fired power plants
-- Excerpt from Sierra Club website
Geothermal
Geothermal energy could meet half of B.C.'s electricity needs -- researcher says
No greenhouse gases would result from tapping underground magma-heated water
-- Chad Skelton, Vancouver Sun. Published: Monday, December 24, 2007
Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to extend our world's energy supplies.
-- Alliance to Save Energy