Types of Alternative Energy Sources

1. Biofuel/Biomass

1.1. Very sustainable and can also help manage biodegradeable waste, solving another problem

1.2. Has a very large land footprint

2. Solar

2.1. Solar energy is easily available. It is very sustainable and the sun is a complteley renewable resource. Solar panels have a lower upfront cost and can be installed directly by homes, which will also lower electricity bills

2.2. Solar panels can be damaged by erratic weather conditions and will then be very difficult to repair. They also vary in lifespan and capacity and often must work with a backup fossil fuel generator

3. Wind

3.1. Wind energy is fairly cheap. It is available in all areas. It is 100% sustainable and renewable

3.2. Wind energy depends on weather conditions

4. Geothermal

4.1. Not dependent on weather. It is entirely natural and can provide consistent energy.

4.2. Can cause earthquakes and has a large land footprint. Also time-consuming to set up

5. Nuclear

5.1. Can produce large amounts of alternative energy in a single process. The act of splitting an atom releases huge amounts of energy. Has a low land footprint relative to that, far less than biomass or geothermal

5.2. Can be unsafe if poorly maintained, leading to disasters

6. Tidal

6.1. A very effective and natural way of generating renewable energy, using the oceans, which are plentiful, without risking floods

6.2. Likely to interact with storm surges.