Alternative Energy

Alternative energy is a broad term used to describe a type of energy that is cleaner, renewable and less harmful to the environment than traditional fossil fuels. In a speech to Congress on February 24, 2009, President Barack Obama pledged $15 billion to research for alternative and renewable energy programs and projects.Huffington Post: Obama Speech Text (February 24, 2009)

The term "alternative energy" can be defined in several different ways. While some define it as any fuel that is not a fossil fuel, including nuclear power, others say it is any energy derived from a non-traditonal source (which can sometimes include fossil fuels like natural gas or propane). Still others equate the term with environmentally sound and/or renewable energy, which excludes fossil fuel and may or may not exclude nuclear power, depending on the person's viewpoint. The only thing all sources agree on is that petroleum-based oil is not alternative energy. Vegetable-based oil, however, might be.

1. Coal
2. Petroleum-based oil
3. Natural gas
4. Propane

1. Solar power
2. Wind power
3. Geothermal power
4. Hydroelectric power
5. Biodiesel

Gas prices reaching higher than $4 in the summer of 2008 motivated many to call for the development of more fuel efficient and alternative fuel vehicles. Major vehicle manufacturers like Toyota and Chevrolet released hybrid model vehicles like the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt.

Tesla Motors Inc., a California automotive startup company that specializes in electric cars also released the popular Tesla Roadster. But with a price tag of over $100,000, the roadster was out of the price range for the average consumer. In 2009 Tesla Motors released the Tesla Model S sedan for half the price of the roadster model. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk has stated that the profits from the Tesla Model S will be used to to fund a third, more affordable Tesla vehicle.AFP: Tesla unveils groundbreaking electric car (March 26, 2009)