The 'alternative, alternative' energy sources

It is estimated that by the year 2100, the world will need more than three times the energy currently produced from oil, coal and natural gas. Currently, alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, bio fuel and tidal can only produce 1/3 of this demand. So what can we do?

With governments all over the world researching numerous ways to cut emissions and standard renewable sources such as wind and solar power not yet in wide usage, it is a fascinating insight into the many ways in which we can combat climate change and wean the planet off fossil fuels.

1. Wireless, power-generating solar satellites

One popular option is solar power, but instead of simply using solar panels here on Earth, one possibility is to do it in space. In orbit, solar strength is twice that of on Earth and it could just solve all our energy problems. By building solar power platforms in orbit around Earth, we will able to capture much higher amounts of solar energy without having to sacrifice land. The Japanese are currently at the forefront of this field, currently researching ways to send a solar panel-equipped satellite into space that could potentially beam a gigawatt-strong beam of power to Earth, capable of powering almost 300,000 homes in the near future.

2. E.coli bacteria

E.coli is not renown for its good qualities, but recent developments in genetic modification could soon change this. An altered strain of the E.coli bacteria has been engineered to allow it to produce high amounts of hydrogen, almost 140 times more than what is created naturally. Hydrogen production, as it stands, is a rather expensive process requiring huge amounts of energy, but these new developments with the E.coli strain may provide a much more viable way to obtain hydrogen for fuel-cell technology in the future.

3. Commuter power

4 million people every day will use the Tokyo station in Japan, and successful trials of motion sensitive floor panels, which store the energy of the small vibrations that occur when they are stepped on, have revealed the potentially huge amount of energy that these commuters could produce. Soundpower Corp is at the head of the development of this technology and have suggested that the energy generated by people travelling through the station can be used to power the station's lights, signboards and ticket gates.

4. Cold Fusion

The term Cold Fusion, used to describe a process of nuclear fusion, was coined over two decades ago and has been shrouded in controversy ever since when experiment after experiment, aimed at replicating the proposed process, failed. However a recent study carried out earlier this year has revealed evidence of the existence of low-energy nuclear reactions (LENR) and research into Cold Fusion has been renewed with vigor. According to LiveScience, if Cold Fusion can be made to work, it could power the world cheaply on a limitless supply of seawater.

5. Algae

The green scum commonly found on the surface of ponds may provide another way in which to harvest hydrogen cheaply and efficiently. The microscopic algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii,  breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen under controlled condition and after 60 years of failing to harness this power, more recent and successful developments have encouraged researchers into believing that algae will be able to provide a cost-effective way to generate hydrogen in the not too distant future.

6. Banana skins

Two million tons of bananas are grown for consumption each year, with all the skins and leaves going to waste. Two UK scientists however, have come up with a method in which these waste parts can be used for cooking and heating by transforming them into "briquettes" similar to coal. This method could potentially provide the developing world with a cheap and sustainable fuel source, and perhaps paves the way for similar methods being used for other forms of waste.

7. Non-degradable plastic

Ozmotech may have come up with a way to kill two birds with one stone -  currently, 20 percent of waste in landfills consist of non-degradable plastic, but Ozmotech has come up with a way to reduce the environmental impact of such materials by converting it into diesel fuel. Through a process of liquefaction, pyrolysis and catalytic breakdown, 1kg of plastic waste can be converted into 950ml of fuel, fuel which has "significantly reduced emissions levels".

8. Artificial photosynthesis

A form of third generation solar technology which mimics nature by utilising a dye with properties similar to chlorophyll to absorb light energy. This in turn is used to break water down into hydrogen and oxygen, which will potentially provide another way to harvest hydrogen.

9. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is already being used in the Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vanuatu and Samoa as an alternative and sustainable way to run transport and power generators. It has the potential to become a significant export for these countries and a major contributor to bio diesel around the world. An added bonus is that you won't have to change your car either! (Click image to view video)

10. Biogas digestion

Biogas digestion is a process of harnessing the methane gas released by the waste of livestock, refining it and then re-using it as an energy source.

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