Energy Resources

How to Use -- Contents

Slightly Creaky does extensive research to find the links you would most likely need and provides them for you in an easy-to-find format. You can access the various categories from any of our web pages using the top or side menus. Each category has generalized headings, followed by more specific ones.

Categories

Updated June 20, 2008

We can choose our friends, but not our family. Sometimes relationships are difficult, whether between spouses, parents and children, and siblings. From advice columns, talking to your children (and grandchildren) about sex and drugs, to support groups, this area provides links that will help you understand interpersonal relationships. To simplify your research, we have several categories. Please scroll down, use the index link, or use your browser's "find" or "search" feature to get the the area you are seeking.

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Although this list was complete on the date listed, many web sites change names or even close terminate their services. New ones start weekly. Should you discover a bad link or wish to suggest that we add one, please contact suggestions@slightlycreaky.com.

This listing is the result of more than 500 hours of research. It is the property of Slightly Creaky and may not be reproduced in any form. Every attempt has been made to provide an accurate description of each organization.

Additional Information


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General Energy Information

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General Energy Information

US Department of Energy "Energy is the vital force powering business, manufacturing, and the transportation of goods and services to serve the American and world economies.  Energy supply and demand plays an increasingly vital role in our national security and the economic output of our nation. " Informational links for: Bioenergy, Coal, Electric Power, Fossil Fuels, Fusion, Geothermal, Hydrogen, Hydropower, Natural Gas, Nuclear, Oil, Renewables, Solar, Wind
Energy Star "ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices."
EnviroLink "Providing access to thousands of online environmental resources"
Daily Average Temperature Archives "This site contains files of daily average temperatures for 157 U.S. and 167 international cities. The files are updated on a regular basis and contain data from January 1, 1995 to present. The data, when combined with utility billing data, can be used to determine energy savings from weather-sensitive building retrofits."
Alliance to Save Energy "The Alliance to Save Energy promotes energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security .Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to extend our world's energy supplies."
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy "Dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. "
Clean Power "Our team of professional staff, board members, and affiliates is comprised of scientists, environmentalists, public interest advocates and innovative energy technology companies working to promote sustainable resources and nonpolluting technologies to meet the world's integral appetite for energy. "
Energy Ideas Clearinghouse "The most comprehensive, technical resource that Pacific Northwest business, industry, government and utilities use to implement energy technologies and practices."
Natural Resources Canada "Our purpose is to increase the understanding of renewable energy to accelerate the development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies. "
Alternate Energy News “This site is an open source for news and information about renewable energy technologies.”
Home Power Magazine “Each issue contains the most comprehensive, technical coverage of solar, wind, and microhydro electricity, energy efficiency, solar hot water systems, space heating and cooling, energy-efficient building materials and home design, and clean transportation options.”
Energy Information Administration “The Energy Information Administration (EIA), created by Congress in 1977, is a statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy. Our mission is to provide policy-independent data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.”
Alternate Energy Resource Network “Dedicated to help make alternative energy products and services an everyday reality. Despite great progress, there is still much work to be done to increase the uses of these technologies. However, there are encouraging trends.“
National Renewable Energy Laboratory “Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are key to creating a clean energy future for not only the nation, but the world. This Web site describes NREL's research in renewable energy technologies, and also provides information on energy efficiency and various applications of renewable energy.”
Energy Efficiency and Your Home “Making your home more energy efficient should be your first step before purchasing a renewable energy system. Estimates indicate that for every $1 you spend on reducing the energy footprint for your home, you reduce your cost for a renewable energy system by $3 to $5.”
Battery Technology “The articles on this page explore advances in battery power technologies.”
The Kyoto Treaty "The Kyoto Treaty is an international agreement between nations to keep greenhouse gas emissions down. It is a response to serious concerns about global warming."
Natural Resources Defense Council "NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action organization. We use law, science and the support of 1.2 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. "
ProAct Fact Sheet: Global Warming "Global warming has been theorized and debated by the scientific community for decades; however, natural changes in the earth’s climate and unreliable data made proving global warming difficult. To date, most of the scientific community agrees the earth's climate is being altered as a result of human activities, which increase greenhouse gas emissions."
The Consequences of Global Warming "The latest scientific data confirm that the earth's climate is rapidly changing. Global temperatures increased by about 1 degree Fahrenheit over the course of the last century, and will likely rise even more rapidly in coming decades. The cause? A thickening layer of carbon dioxide pollution and other greenhouse gases, mostly from power plants and automobiles, which traps heat in the atmosphere. "
Green Energy News "Offers news and commentary in regards to clean, efficient and/or renewable energy in relation to business, technology, issues and policy."
Energy: Fuel for Thought "Despite the importance of energy to every aspect of our lives, many Americans are not adequately armed with the basic energy knowledge to make informed decisions or determine what can be done to manage and conserve energy resources. "
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Solar

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Solar

(heating, cooling & hot water, electricity, problems with solar energy)

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages Researching the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power is a great starting point for someone thinking about using renewable energy resources to heat water or generate electricity .Researching the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power is a great starting point for someone thinking about using renewable energy resources to heat water or generate electricity."
Solar Energy Technologies Program "Solar energy technologies have great potential to benefit our nation. They can diversify our energy supply, reduce our dependence on imported fuels, improve the quality of the air we breathe, offset greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate our economy by creating jobs in the manufacturing and installation of solar energy systems."
Solar Power " Solar energy is one the most resourceful sources of energy for the future. One of the reasons for this is that the total energy we receive each year from the sun is around 35,000 times the total energy used by man. However, about 1/3 of this energy is either absorbed by the outer atmosphere or reflected back into space "
Solar Power FAQ " Even though most of the energy of the earth would not be present without the sun, only a few forms of power are considered to be solar power. In the context of renewable energy, solar power is associated with the harnessing of the sun's present emissions of heat or light."
FAQ's about Residential Grid-Tied Solar Electricity You don't need to understand the detailed physics of how a solar electric system works to understand its appeal: investing in a solar electric system allows you to produce your own electricity with no noise, no air pollution, and no moving parts while using a clean, renewable resource.A solar electric system will never run out of fuel, and it will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by coal and natural gas fired power plants.
Solar Energy For Homes “A "passive" solar house provides cooling and heating to keep the home comfortable without the use of mechanical equipment. This style of construction results in homes that respond to the environment.”
Solar Electricity
Global Benchmark Price Indices		 "Prices on this page are illustrative only, indicative of global, rather than specific country, grid connect markets. Prices for individual projects often vary widely according to the location and type of system required"
Evaluating The Cost Of Solar Power Systems "Despite the perceived unreliability of solar power as an energy resource, it is far more versatile than grid electricity. There are not many places in the world that do not get some form of direct sunlight from time to time. In fact you can use solar power to provide energy for your weekend retreat in the woods or your suburban residential home. The only difference might be the scale and quantity of electricity that is needed."
GE: Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Systems (Commercial) "Solar cells in the modules mounted on your roof convert sunlight directly into DC power. A component called an inverter converts this DC power into AC power that can be used in your home. The system is interconnected with your utility. During the day, if your solar system produces more electricity than your home is using, your utility may allow net metering or the crediting of your utility account for the excess power generated being returned to the grid. Your utility would provide power as usual at night and during the day when your electricity demand exceeds that produced by your solar system."
Solar Power Home (Residential) Case Studies (Commercial) "Below are links to some of our solar power system designs in different locations in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Please note that there were different rebate rates in effect at the time of installation.  We are listing these case studies to show how you can benefit from having a solar power system on your home. Your actual cost and benefit will vary depending on your house location, roof orientation, rebates in effect at the time of installation and size of your required solar power system."
Solar Water Heating “Solar water heating is one of the most common uses of solar energy. Solar hot water collectors heat water for washing, showers, and other domestic uses”
Solar Cooking "Solar cooking is not only fun but it's a great educational tool. Solar Box Cookers, constructed using cardboard, newspaper, aluminum foil, and a piece of glass will typically cook at temperatures between 225 - 275 F. It's a working model of the greenhouse effect."
Solar Power News "The latest Solar Power news headlines."
Beginner's Guide to Solar and Wind Generated Electricity “Many of the folks who visit our site are interested in installing a solar or wind electric system for their home but they do not know where to begin. Although to a certain degree each situation is different there are a few basic things that we will need to know to get you started.”
Solar Electricity “Solar cells (also called photovoltaics) absorb sunlight and convert it directly to electricity. Solar cells are very thin (about 1/100th of an inch thick). Most are rectangular or circular wafers made of silicon (sand), but some consist of a thin film that is mounted on glass or thin metal.”
Understanding and Installing
Your Own
Solar Electric System		 "If you want information on solar electric systems, written in a non-technical manner that you can easily understand, you've come to the right place.With all the technical jargon kept to a minimum (and when necessary, fully explained), you will have all the answers to the questions that have made you a little hesitant, in the past, to get more involved in this clean, renewable form of energy production."
Energy From the Sun "Solar energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity.  In the 1830s, the British astronomer John Herschel used a solar thermal collector box (a device that absorbs sunlight to collect heat) to cook food during an expedition to Africa. Today, people use the sun's energy for lots of things."
Solar Water Pumping If you need to supply water beyond the reach of power lines, then solar power can solve the problem. (Photovoltaic) solar powered pumps provide a welcome alternative to fuel-burning engines, windmills, and hand pumps.
Solar Energy News A source of the latest information and headlines about solar energy
American Solar Energy Society "Solar energy and energy efficiency are key to protecting the environment and growing the economy. They help tackle climate change and promote energy independence."
Solar Energy & Solar Collectors "Solar energy is our birthright like the air we breathe or the water we drink. Solar Home Plans and  affordable   Solar Hot Water Plans  are the gateway into a "Solar Age"  of energy independence. Fossil fuels are no longer necessary to keep the wheels of civilization turning."
Solar Panels for Homes "When most people picture solar-powered homes, they picture cabins in the woods, completely off the grid. They think of big, ugly panels on roofs, and frugal electrical consumption—no big screen TV’s or multiple refrigerators. However, that’s not an accurate picture of today’s solar capabilities."
Using Solar Energy to Keep Homes Cool "The latest version can also heat a room and has attachments for purifying water and running other DC (direct current) appliances, like lights and ceiling fans."
Power House "Thousands of homeowners are using solar power to heat their homes and their water, as well as provide natural lighting."
Passive Solar House Design "Your home's windows, walls, and floors can be designed to collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the summer. This is called passive solar design or climatic design. Unlike active solar heating systems, passive solar design doesn't involve the use of mechanical and electrical devices, such as pumps, fans, or electrical controls to move the solar heat."
Solar Panel Articles "With a major emphasis placed on the ever increasing cost of energy to heat and air condition a home consumers are seeking alternative means to bring the cost of energy down and ease up on the planets natural resource supply. It seems that (Direct) solar panels for harvesting the sun’s solar power are the most familiar and commonly researched source for energy today. This is probably due to the idea that the cost of solar energy is free for the taking but the cost to collect the energy is not."
Offshore Solar Energy "Solar energy technologies potentially suitable for use in offshore ocean environments include concentrating solar power technology and photonic technology."
Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages "Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, but few really understand why. Therefore, I compiled a comprehensive list of solar energy advantages and disadvantages that will enable you to make an educated decision whether on not Solar Power is right for YOU."
Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages "As oil prices spike, people are looking for alternative energy sources to save money. Here are solar energy advantages and disadvantages, with advantages definitely winning out."
The Disadvantages of Solar Energy "There are many more advantages than disadvantages of solar energy, yet this article will cover the disadvantages of using solar energy to generate electricity."
The Hazards of Solar Energy " We view these proposals with alarm. Unscrupulous scientists and greedy promoters are hoodwinking a gullible public. We consider it rash and dangerous to commit our country to the use of solar energy. This solar technology has never been utilized on such a large scale, and we have no assurance of its long-range safety. Not one single study has been done to assess the safety of electricity from solar energy as compared to electricity from other sources."
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Common Green Alternatives

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Common Green Alternatives

Wind,     Hydropower,      Geothermal,      Heat Pumps
              (heating, cooling & hot water, electricity, problems with alternate energy)

Alternate Energy Sources For A Flourishing Future "Finding and using alternate energy sources is of vital importance to your future, and mine. Some say that the human race may have about fifty years in which to get "it" right—or just to survive."
Alternative Energy: Resources From Coal To Wind "In the past few years, we have been barraged with the news of rising energy prices and extreme instability in the areas where our energy is located. You have to be wondering if there is a better way. This article hopes to show that there is."
Alternate Energy Sources "Growing concern over the world's increasing energy needs and decreasing reserves of oil, gas, and uranium fuel have prompted efforts to develop alternative energy sources.They are solar, wind, geothermal and other energies, each of them having their own advantages and disadvantages, including political, economical and practical issues."
Think Quest Alternate Energy "Just as the conquest of an empire, the domination of energy has demanded large amounts of time, efforts, research and experimentation. The first battle won was the animal energy. Using the horse, man could move faster than using his own legs. With this animal, they shared the production of energy, water and wind. This was one of the first times, man tried to improve his work limited by his muscles."
Environmental Technologies Innovator "Formed in 1997 to address the problem facing large scale food manufacturers relating to food and non-recyclable packaging waste. After much research it was discovered that not only the food waste itself, but the non-recyclable packaging contained a high energy value which was being squandered. This waste stream was discovered to be a valuable means of generating renewable energy allowing an onsite energy recovery system to be placed on the food producer’s site, resulting in the displacement of external fossil fuel usage and reduction of greenhouse gases."
Renewable Energy Policy Project "REPP's goal is to accelerate the use of renewable energy by providing credible information, insightful policy analysis, and innovative strategies amid changing energy markets and mounting environmental needs by researching, publishing, and disseminating information, creating policy tools, and hosting highly active, on-line, renewable energy discussion groups."
Alternative Energy HQ "Whether you are concerned about global warming, or whether you are concerned about the national security implications of our dependence on imported oil, getting our civilization un-hooked from its addiction to fossil fuels is an issue that everyone should be able to agree on. And it should also be clear to anyone who is awake that waiting around for government to figure that out and do something about it is not the way to get anything done."
Australian Government: Renewable Energy "Renewable energy is an essential part of Australia’s low emissions energy mix and is important to Australia’s energy security. It plays a strong role in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and helping Australia stay on track to meet its Kyoto target and beyond."
Renewable Energy News "Get the latest renewable energy news from over 4000 news sources worldwide. We search the Internet for the latest solar energy news, wind energy news, photovoltaic news, alternative energy news, hydro energy news, geothermal energy news and renewable energy news."
Green Power Network "The site provides up-to-date information on green power providers, product offerings, consumer protection issues, and policies affecting green power markets. It also includes a reference library of relevant papers, articles and reports"
Out With the Old, In With the Renewable 
 
"Gasoline prices have soared now that political unrest in major oil-producing countries has caused the world market to become erratic, and experts predict gas prices will remain unstable because of a chronic shortage in U.S. refinery capacity."
Wind
"Wind Powering America is a commitment to dramatically increase the use of wind energy in the United States. This initiative will establish new sources of income for American farmers, Native Americans, and other rural landowners, and meet the growing demand for clean sources of electricity."
Wind Powering America
Beginner's Guide to Solar and Wind Generated Electricity “Many of the folks who visit our site are interested in installing a solar or wind electric system for their home but they do not know where to begin. Although to a certain degree each situation is different there are a few basic things that we will need to know to get you started.”
Wind Power Turbines “Wind turbine systems for homes are one of the more cost effective forms of generating electricity from a renewable energy source if you have the right site.”
Wind Power "Wind power is another alternative energy source that could be used without producing by-products that are harmful to nature. Like solar power, harnessing the wind is highly dependent upon weather and location."
National and International Wind Energy Associations Internet listing of international wind energy association and information centers.
Wind Energy Fact Sheet "AWEA's Wind Energy Fact Sheets provide up-to-date information on wind energy development, economics, cost competitiveness, and environmental compatibility."
American Wind Energy Association "The American Wind Energy Association (AWEATM) promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for consumers around the world."
RES Wind Power "Wind power is the world’s fastest growing energy source, averaging 30% growth per year.  Its cost is already economically comparable to nuclear power and is still falling as the technology advances. "
Wind Power News "The latest wind power news headlines."
Advantages Of Alternative Energy Assistive Guide Many useful links. " It has been concluded that, given the typical energy costs keep up at their present-day position or rise, energy production (sustaining all of a families house energy needs by installing alternative energy technology - like solar panels or wind turbines) will become to residential energy supply, what the World Wide Web became to home communications along with data gathering."
Offshore Wind Energy "Commercial-scale offshore wind facilities are currently in operation in shallow waters off the coasts of Europe, but further technology development is needed for use in the deeper waters of the Outer Continental Shelf ."
Hydropower


"Learn about how hydropower works and the latest in research and development."
Hydropower Basics
Micro Hydro Power Systems “Water power predates the use of electricity. At one time hydro power was employed on many sites in Europe and North America.”
Hydroelectricity Resources "Hydroelectricity comes from the damming of rivers and utilizing the potential energy stored in the water. As the water stored behind a dam is released at high pressure, its kinetic energy is transferred onto turbine blades and used to generate electricity."
Hydropower Generates Electricity "Of the renewable energy sources that generate electricity, hydropower is the most often used. It accounted for 7 percent of total U.S. electricity generation and 73 percent of generation from renewables in 2005."
How Hydropower Works "Hydropower plants capture the energy of falling water to generate electricity. A turbine converts the kinetic energy of falling water into mechanical energy. Then a generator converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy."
Hydroelectricity Explained "Hydro electricity is another term for power generated by harnessing the power of moving water. Not necessarily falling water, just moving water. There are many famous such generating stations in the world, not the least of them at Niagara Falls, Grand Coulee and Boulder Dam."
Micro hydroelectric
A Beginner's Perspective		 A case study
Micro Hydroelectric Systems "The first step in assessing the feasibility of any hydroelectric system is to determine the amount of power that you can obtain from the stream at the site. The power available at any instant is primarily a product of the flow volume and "head." Flow volume is typically measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) or gallons per minute (gpm). Higher flow means more available power."
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower "Hydropower offers advantages over other energy sources but faces unique environmental challenges."
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower "Once a dam is constructed, electricity can be produced at a constant rate. Dams are extremely expensive to build and must be built to a very high standard."
Advantages Disadvantages of Hydropower "Hydropower is not only a cleaner source of energy than oil but is it more cost effective as well.  The most efficient coal burning plants are only able to convert around 50 percent of their energy into electricity, whereas modern day hydropower turbines convert up to 90 percent of their energy into electricity."
Micro Hydropower Pros & Cons "Small-scale micro hydro power is both an efficient and reliable form of energy, most of the time. However, there are certain disadvantages that should be considered before constructing a small hydro power system."
Geothermal
 The goals of the GRC are to: Encourage worldwide development of geothermal resources through the collection and timely distribution of data and technological information. Promote research, exploration and development of geothermal energy in ways compatible with the environment. Serve as a public forum for the world geothermal community, providing transfer of objective and unbiased information on the nature of geothermal resources and techniques of geothermal development.
Geothermal Resource Council
Geothermal Energy “Geothermal energy is created by harnessing geothermal energy from the earth. Contrary to popular belief geothermal energy is not technically a renewable energy source. There is widespread debate as to its effectiveness for electricity generation or heating.”
Geothermal Energy "Geothermal energy is an alternative energy source, although it is not resourceful enough to replace more than a minor amount of the future's energy needs. Geothermal energy is obtained from the internal heat of the planet and can be used to generate steam to run a steam turbine. This in turn generates electricity."
What is Geothermal Energy "Geothermal energy is renewable heat energy from deep in the earth. Heat is brought to the near-surface by thermal conduction and by intrusion into the earth's crust of molten magma originating from great depth. Ground water is heated to form hydrothermal resources -- naturally occurring hot water and steam. "
Geothermal Education Office "The Geothermal Education Office (GEO) produces and distributes educational materials about geothermal energy to schools, energy/environmental educators, libraries, industry, and the public. GEO collaborates frequently with education and energy organizations with common goals, and, through its website, responds to requests and questions from around the world."
AE Geothermal Energy "Contrary to popular belief geothermal energy is not technically a renewable energy source. There is widespread debate as to its effectiveness for electricity generation or heating. The articles on this page explore geothermal energy technology."
Geothermal Resources Internet retail and informational links.
Heat Pumps
 "For climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer."
Heat Pump Systems
Air-Source Heat Pumps "Electric air-source heat pumps, often used in moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your home."
How Does a Heat Pump Work? "A heat pump is an air conditioner that contains a valve that lets it switch between "air conditioner" and "heater." When the valve is switched one way, the heat pump acts like an air conditioner, and when it is switched the other way it reverses the flow of Freon and acts like a heater."
Ground Source Heat Pumps "The mission of International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and its membership is to promote the use of ground source heat pump technology worldwide through education and communication."
About Heat Pumps " This section gives general information about heat pumping technology. It explains why this technology is beneficial, how it works and what typical applications are. It also tells you about different types of heat pumps and different working fluids."
Geothermal Heat Pumps "Geothermal heat pumps (sometimes referred to as GeoExchange, earth-coupled, ground-source, or water-source heat pumps) have been in use since the late 1940s. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature. This allows the system to reach fairly high efficiencies (300%-600%) on the coldest of winter nights, compared to 175%-250% for air-source heat pumps on cool days."
Geothermal Heat Pumps "Heat pumps move heat from one place to another - from outside to inside a home, for example. That's why they're called "heat pumps.""
Geothermal Heat Pumps "Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are a relatively new technology that can save homeowners money. These ground-source heat pumps use the natural heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water to provide energy efficient heating and cooling."
Troubleshooting Heat Pump Problems " Most heat pump failures are caused by thermostat malfunctions or a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. If the heat doesn't come on even when you adjust the thermostat to a setting above room temperature:"
Heat Pumps; 10 Most Common Problems In outline form
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Bio Fuel & Alternatives

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Bio Fuel & Alternatives
Including:  Petroleum     Natural Gas       Biofuels        Coal        Wood

US Department of Energy: Fossil Energy Learning About Fossil Fuels
Fossil Fuel Details "Fossil fuels, coal, oil and natural gas, are a non-renewable source of energy. Formed from plants and animals that lived up to 300 million years ago, fossil fuels are found in deposits beneath the earth. The fuels are burned to release the chemical energy that is stored within this resource. "
Fossil Fuel News From Science Daily
The Environmental Literacy Council: Fossil Fuels "Fossil fuels are currently the most economically available source of power for both personal and commercial uses. Petroleum fuels our cars and thirst for plastics, while natural gas and coal heat and electrify our homes. Mass transportation is also largely propelled by fossil fuels. More than 85 percent of total world energy consumption is through the use of fossil fuels."
The Advantages of Fossil Fuels - what are they? "The advantages of fossil fuels are often overlooked amongst our worries about climate change. Fuel sources such as coal, oil and gas have provided developed nations with the industrial and economic might they have today. In both the US and Australia, coal fired power stations produce the bulk of the electricity consumed by these countries. "
The Importance of an Alternative to Oil "No one, no group, and no movement is going to stop mankind from using all of the easily accessible fossil fuels available. "
Alternate Uses of Existing Oil and Gas Platforms "The OCS Alternative Energy Programmatic EIS will include analysis of alternate use of existing oil and natural gas platforms."
Main Problems Of Fossil Fuels A PDF outline
The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuel "Some energy costs are not included in consumer utility or gas bills, nor are they paid for by the companies that produce or sell the energy. These include human health problems caused by air pollution from the burning of coal and oil; damage to land from coal mining and to miners from black lung disease; environmental degradation caused by global warming, acid rain, and water pollution; and national security costs, such as protecting foreign sources of oil."
The Real Cost of Fossil Fuel Health Related Costs, Air Pollution, Water and Land Pollution, Thermal Pollution, Macro Economic Costs, National Security, Global Warming
Biofuels “Biofuels are produced from living organisms or from metabolic by-products (organic or food waste products). In order to be considered a biofuel the fuel must contain over 80 percent renewable materials.”
Bioenergy Feedstock Information Network "A gateway to a wealth of biomass feedstock information resources from the U.S. Department of Energy,"
Biodiesel Fuel “Biodiesel Fuel can be produced from a variety of natural crops including rapeseed, soybean, mustard, flax, sunflower, canola, palm oil, hemp, jatropha and waste vegetable oils.”
Alternative Fuels "Alternative fuels are derived from resources other than petroleum. Some are produced domestically, reducing our dependence on imported oil, and some are derived from renewable sources. Often, they produce less pollution than gasoline or diesel."
EPA: Alternative Fuels "EPA promotes and expands the use of environmentally beneficial alternative fuels and vehicles by providing the states with tools, such as benefits models, State Implementation Plan Credits, and the Clean Fuels Fleet program."
Natural Gas and the Environment " Natural gas is an extremely important source of energy for reducing pollution and maintaining a clean and healthy environment. In addition to being a domestically abundant and secure source of energy, the use of natural gas also offers a number of environmental benefits over other sources of energy, particularly other fossil fuels."
Natural Gas.org "Naturalgas.org is presented as an educational website covering a variety of topics related to the natural gas industry. The purpose of this website is to provide visitors with a comprehensive information source for topics related to natural gas, "
What is Natural Gas "Natural gas is really a mixture of gases that formed from the fossil remains of ancient plants and animals buried deep in the earth. The main ingredient in natural gas is methane."
Natural Gas facts "NATURAL GAS is used in over 60 million homes. In addition, natural gas is used in 78 percent of restaurants, 73 percent of lodging facilities, 51 percent of hospitals, 59 percent of offices, and 58 percent of retail buildings."
History of Natural Gas "In America it was known to the indians, who observed it issuing from the ground in various spots, chiefly along the western side of the Appalacian Highlands. It was used for illuminating purposes in Fredonia, N.Y., as early as 1821 and the effect was so striking compared to gas made from coal that a German scientist hailed the beautiful, clear gas lights as the eighth wonder of the world."
How Natural Gas Works "Like oil, natural gas is a product of decomposed organic material. Ancient plants and animals, trapped in bogs and under water, broke down without the presence of oxygen. As they were covered with sediment they became trapped. Gas and oil are held in porous rocks, like sandstone, under a cap of impermeable rock."
Center for LNG "LNG is simply natural gas in its liquid form – it is the same natural gas more than 64 million American homeowners use everyday."
Natural Gas Facts And Safety Precautions "Natural Gas is lighter than air, non-toxic and contains no poisonous ingredients. Breathing natural gas is not harmful as long as there is an adequate supply of air to breath along with it."
Propane - A Natural Fuel "Propane is an energy-rich gas, C3H8. It is one of the liquefied petroleum gases(LP-Gas or LPGs) that are found mixed with natural gas and oil. Propane and other liquefied gases, including ethane and butane, are separated from natural gas at natural gas processing plants, or from petroleum at refineries. The amount of propane produced from natural gas and from oil is about equal."
Butane - Propane News "Provides information on propane prices, supply, demand, regulatory and legislative developments, and news of the industry"
Facts About Propane "When contained in an approved cylinder or tank, propane exists as a liquid and vapor. The vapor is released from the container as a clean-burning fuel gas. Propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, making it economical to store and transport as a liquid."
Propane Facts and Safety Information "I've posted some basic propane information below, and farther down the page is an article on using propane safely."
Methanol Shows Increasing Promise As An Alternative Fuel "After grabbing headlines for years as the ultimate solution to world energy problems, the "hydrogen economy" has an emerging but lesser-known competitor called the "methanol economy,""
Methanol Institute " The Methanol Institute (MI) and its research arm, the Methanol Foundation, represent the global methanol industry. Our mission is to expand markets for the use of methanol as a chemical commodity building block, a hydrogen carrier for fuel cell applications, and an alternative fuel."
Ethanol Use Causing Corn Shortages, Spiking Price Of Tortillas "Tortilla prices are going up, causing hardship for the poor in Mexico, apparently because of all the use of ethanol in the U.S."
World To Suffer Corn Shortage As Ethanol Demand Increases "The Department of Agriculture predicts that the U.S., which exports 45-50 million tons of corn yearly, will instead convert 50 million tons to ethanol next year. Last year alone the country exported over 40 million tons which is enough to feed over 130 million people."
Ethanol “Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol or Grain Alcohol) is commonly used in alcohol. The recent surge in interest for alternative fuel sources is driving research to use Ethanol as a transportation fuel source. The articles on this page deal with this form of ethanol use.”
Coal

"Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock composed mostly of carbon and hydrocarbons. It is the most abundant fossil fuel produced in the United States."
Coal Energy
What is Coal "Coal is a fossil fuel created from the remains of plants that lived  and died about 100 to 400 million years ago when parts of the  earth were covered with huge swampy forests. Coal is classified  as a nonrenewable energy source because it takes millions of  years to form."
Coal "Coal is another fossil fuel like oil and gas but created from vegetation (mainly from the Carboniferous Period) that was compressed under pressure at the bottom of swamps, initially creating peat. Much of this peat later turned to coal. There are several forms of coal with varying amounts of carbon, ash and volatile matter. Some of these forms are listed below (with wood and peat for comparison)."
The Future of Coal "Some countries, those who are signatories to the Kyoto Protocol, have decided to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. These countries should not increase their consumption of coal but rather reduce it in order to limit their CO2 discharges."
The Burdens of Coal "Nineteenth century industrial processes such as steel making used coke as fuel, and this did not emit as much smoke as coal. However, it was more expensive, and it was only used because impurities in coal (especially sulfur) ruined the steel."
Coal Mine History "In one unnamed coal mine, 58 deaths out of a total of 349 deaths in one year, involved children thirteen years or younger. Life for all those who worked underground was very hard."
The Dangers of Coal Mining "Explosions, collapses, landslides and disease all made coal mining in Wales a dangerous enterprise."
Mining History "Here you will find historical photos of coal miners, stories about a coal miner's life, mining strikes, and the tragic accounts of mining disasters and illnesses like the black lung."
Wood
"Wood the natural sustainable choice–in use since the first fire many millennia ago. When we warm our homes with wood, we participate in a natural cycle and an ongoing continuum of activity that we share with ancient ancestors."
Why Wood is the Best Fuel
Wood as Fuel Index
WoodHeat.org "We start from the premise that heating a house with wood, partly or totally, is environmentally appropriate (conditionally) and economically beneficial. That doing it is physically healthful, and that experiencing it is comforting to the body and soothing to the spirit. Big claims for a heating fuel."
An Experimental Wood Chip Furnace "Wood chips can be made from waste wood, brush, saplings, limbs, tree slash from logging operations, and from forestry and roadside maintenance operations. Wood chips do not need to be made from  old standing timber. "
Wood and Pellet Heating "Before the 20th century, 90% of Americans burned wood to heat their homes. As fossil fuel use rose, the percentage of Americans using wood for fuel dropped, falling as low as one percent by 1970. Then during the energy crises of the 1970s, interest in wood heating resurfaced as a renewable energy alternative."
Choosing And Using Your Wood Stove "Not too long ago, even the best wood stoves weren’t terribly efficient. In fact, the haze they produced was a sign that homeowners’ hard earned heating money was literally going up in smoke."
Wood Burning Efficiency and Safety "Wood smoke is waste. Any smoke that escapes from your wood stove unburned is wasted fuel that will stick in your chimney as creosote or be released as air pollution. An old or poorly installed wood stove can result in higher maintenance costs, greater risk of smoke in your home, and more environmental pollution. It could cause a house fire."
Number of Homes Using Wood-Fired Boilers and Wood Stoves Rises NY Times. "Sales have risen despite environmental concerns. Wood-fired boilers can generate thick smoke round the clock throughout the year, and some municipalities have restricted their use."
Even in Vermont, the Ardor For Wood Stoves Has Cooled NY Times. "National and regional statistics show wood heating at its lowest ebb since the numbers started to be tracked 20 years ago, out-run by other cheap fuels and increasingly abandoned by older, busier householders who do not want to cut, chop, split, stack, carry, load and sweep up anymore."
How To Use Wood Stoves Safely " Keeping a fire in a wood stove is like having a pet in the house with you. A fire needs your attention at regular intervals, and is in danger of either dying or running amok if your judgment slips."
Health Effects of Wood Smoke "Smoke may smell good, but it's not good for you. If you are healthy, you are not usually at major risk from smoke. Still, it's a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it."
Wood Boilers Fuel Air Quality Debate "A surge in sales of outdoor wood boilers, cheaper alternatives to oil and gas home heating, has neighbors fuming over the smoke they produce and states and towns rushing to regulate them."
Dangers of Burning Wood in Fireplace "Is there any sight more comforting on a cold winter evening than a roaring fireplace?  According to thousands of recent scientific studies, we should be anything but comforted: wood smoke, we now know, is hazardous to our health."
Hidden Cost in Wood Burning: Pollution "Scientists have long known that wood smoke contains carbon monoxide and cancer-causing chemicals. But research shows that wood smoke's major ingredient — tiny particles of soot and liquid pollution — worsens heart disease and triggers asthma attacks."
Why Is Wood Burning An Air Pollution Problem? "In some localities, fireplaces and wood stoves have been identified as the source of 80% or more of all ambient particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) during the winter months. A large body of evidence links PM with adverse health outcomes, including excess mortality, especially among those with preexisting cardiopulmonary illness."
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Alternate Energy Technologies

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Alternate Energy Technologies

Fuel Cells        Human Power          Tidal & Wave      Nuclear Energy
waste energy          Hydrogen          Future Technology

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy U.S. Department of Energy information site.
Alternate Energy Technology " You can find news on Alternative Energy Technology below"
Green-e "Green-e is the nation's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e offers certification and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products."
Green Trust Sustainability & Renewable Energy Provides a daily blog and forum for discussion of "green" energy.
Alternative Energy Technologies of the Future "Alternative energy sources are now firmly on the agenda. With the prospect of dwindling natural resources, energy conservation and efficient, sustainable energy production are more important than ever. So what new alternative energy technologies are out there?"
Fuel Cells

“A fuel cell is an electrochemical devise that converts a fuel source into electricity. Fuel cells require a fuel source, but will perform for infinite periods of time if inflows are maintained.”
Fuel Cells
Advantages & Benefits of Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies "Fueled by pure “clean” hydrogen, fuel cells produce only pure water as exhaust. Even when powered by fossil fuels, they produce far less pollution than conventional technologies."
Fuel Cell Basics "A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity by a chemical reaction. Every fuel cell has two electrodes, one positive and one negative, called, respectively, the cathode and anode. The reactions that produce electricity take place at the electrodes."
Fuel Cell Today "Fuel Cell Today is the leading organization for market based intelligence on the fuel cell industry. Covering key trends and developments in industry and government, Fuel Cell Today has provided relevant, unbiased and objective information allowing decision makers to take advantage of the opportunities that our new industry offers."
Types of Fuel Cells "Fuel cells are classified primarily by the kind of electrolyte they employ. This determines the kind of chemical reactions that take place in the cell, the kind of catalysts required, the temperature range in which the cell operates, the fuel required, and other factors."
The Future of Fuel Cells "Fuel cells are an old technology. Problems have plagued their introduction. Present material science may make them a reality soon in specialized applications. The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell appears to be the most promising technology for small electric power plants over 1 kw. The Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell appears to be the most promising as a battery replacement for portable applications such cellular phones and laptop computers. It is difficult to tell at this moment which fuel cell will be most practical for transportation applications such as automobiles and buses."
Hydrogen Fuel Cells "Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be used to power nearly every end-use energy need. The fuel cell — an energy conversion device that can efficiently capture and use the power of hydrogen — is the key to making it happen."
Key Advantages of Hydrogen Technology " Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element and offers the best energy-to-weight ratio of any fuel. Hydrogen is colourless, odourless and its only by-product is water."
How Hydrogen Can Save America "Only an Apollo-style effort to replace hydrocarbons with hydrogen can liberate the US to act as a world leader rather than a slave to its appetite for petroleum."
Algae Could Generate Hydrogen For Fuel Cells "For several decades, scientists have known that certain species of algae can produce hydrogen in anaerobic conditions. More recently, researchers have been trying to take advantage of this ability to produce hydrogen that could be used by fuel cells to generate electricity—without expensive processes like electrolysis required for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen."
Human Power

“Human kinetic energy can be transferred in a number of ways. Human energy is most commonly used to propel bicycles, but can also be used to generate electricity and power hand-crank tools.”