BrightLight



Welcome to Niner's page, BrightLight. I will post information on the energy crisis and alternative energy here.

__What is Really Happening?__
I have pondered this question a lot. What is really going on? If you look at the news, there is always contradicting evidence. "We are causing it." followed by "No, look at this...", it sure confuses me! This page will tell the facts, not only theories. It will list many alternative souces for energy fuel, such as body fat. Yes, I said body fat.

**__I Can't Do it All!__**
You must know that I can't possibly show all information regarding alternative energy! Check out [|this] site dedicated to alternative energy. [|Here] is a government labratory site that might be helpful. Here's another [|government site]. Watch out, it might be complicated! Use these sites and my references to continue your search!

__Why Study Alternative Energy?__
This is a good question with a good answer. Why? Because we need to find something that will do a lot of things now; it is critical for our economy. This source of energy must produce little or no emissions, must be renewable, and must do it quickly. We need this problem solved. Which one do you think would work? Post your answer on the discussion board under 'Energy Sources'.

**__Questions and Goals of the Site__**
This site was made to solve a few questions. What are the facts about the different types of energy? Do we currently have a working source of emission-free, renewable energy? Last but not least, how long do we have until we run out of oil? Now that the site information is out of the way, lets get down to business.

**__Neat Little Things!__**
This little topic will cover small little news articles on alternative energy. .
 * A rental car company is only using bio-diesel fuels. They are called Eco Rental Cars.
 * LED Christmas lights use 90% less energy than regular Christmas lights.

__Sources of Energy__
This section, the majority of the page information, will list and describe some different energy sources.

__Human Power__
Yes, us. A bicycle can have its wheels removed, and you can power certain objects this way. A foot pedal was made to provide energy as well, and man-powered submarines might make a comeback! I don't think we will need to ask our buddies to power our computer in the future, but it is great exercize!

**__Solar Power__**
The sun. All energy comes from the sun, and now electricity might too. However, the sun's rays are hard to convert into electricity, as only about 1% of our electricity is from solar panels. To counter that, an experimental method of conversion, called nanoflakes, were just invented by a lone scientist. If the prototype is succesful, we may all be using solar power. The permanent downside: If there is no sun, there is no power. In cloudy weather, you have to rely on extra energy the panels have stored up. Neat little thing: If you make extra energy with solar panels on your house, the electric company will sometimes "buy" your extra electricity, turning your electric bill into an electric check. Downside to solar panels on a house: They are extremely expensive and will not pay for themselves (With the money from the electric company) for a long time.

**__Wind Power__**
Wind. A big factor. In fact, it is the most seen source if you look at images. I hope to expand this section soon. In fact the U.K. are building huge wind turbines that supply power for 8,000 homes each! Now that's a lot of power! This may be a major alternative energy source in the near future!



__Hydro Power__
The biggest example I can think of is the Three Gourges Dam. This technology is already being put into use. Hydro plants can supply power, but not at a particually fast pace. It is not very effective, big, and expensive, but it produces no emissions! Also, I'm sure you have heard of mini hydro-powered cars! It works, but it is not very effective.

**__Our Depleting Sources__**
This section will show everything else, facts about, or relating to our current sources.

**__Watch Out!__**
Some fuels we are suggesting as replacement fuels will reduce our dependance on oil, but still produce emmisions! Some, like liquid coal, actually increase emissions, in this case a whole 80% more than oil!

__Work is Being Done!__ Work is being done to preserve our resources. Just check the provided sites to see new news!

Bright Light's References