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UPFRONT
Top 7 alternative renewable energy sources
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When it comes to renewables, we’ve all heard of solar, wind and hydro. But what about the teams working away on the slightly more ‘bleeding edge’ energy sources? We chart the ones to watch.
1. Lightning Anyone who’s been caught in a thunderstorm knows the awesome power of lightning. One of the main drawbacks is lightning’s unpredictability: a lightningcapturing power plant would only be worth building in regions of the world that suffer frequent storms. Another potential hurdle is the need for infrastructure that could survive the powerful surges created by strikes. Power & Energy probability rating: low
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2. Tornadoes Their wild cousins may wreak havoc, but manmade tornadoes have potential as an energy source. An atmospheric vortex engine (AVE) produces a controlled vortex whose base remains firmly anchored in the centre of a circular structure. The heat needed to trigger the process can come from solar sources, or simply from naturally occurring warm, moist air. Power & Energy probability rating: even
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3. Algae It may look like green goo to you, but algae is one of the more advanced of the emerging alternative energy sources, with big players like Exxon Mobil showing an interest. Algae are often considered an ideal renewable energy source because they may grow faster than land plants and can be grown in the sea or on marginal land that is not useful for food crop production. Power & Energy probability rating: high
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02/09/2010 16:08