Time to Switch to Alternative Fuels

Mankind has always been dependent on nature for its fuel needs. Beginning with wood, the search for sources of energy has been never ending. Over the last century mankind's dependency on fossil fuels has increased at an alarming rate. So much so that the entire global economy has become dependent on the price of oil. There have been battles fought and politics played for a controller stake in the oil fields.

Should the global economy be dependent on prices of oil or on agricultural produce? It's disheartening to see inflation rise due to a steep increase in the oil price. This should be an indicator for reducing dependency on oil and looking for alternative sources. Energy can be created out of anything and everything, but fossil fuel based energy always gets more attention. There's the sun, the wind and water to cater to our electricity needs. And there's gas for our cooking needs. It's time to change track.

The engines that get the most attention are those of automobiles. And the solution seems simple. If speed is not a consideration then cars can be run very efficiently on batteries. Batteries can be charged with solar cells or from electricity. Fuel pumps could be replaced by charging pumps. These charging pumps could have solar cells and wind powered generators for their energy needs.

Manufacturing units should be able to take care of their energy needs independently. This would reduce the pressure on the energy companies that supply electricity. Likewise, apartment complexes could be made independent from the public power generation companies. This would make the people realize the importance of energy conservation. Use solar energy equipment like solar geysers and solar cookers should be encouraged.

Electricity can be generated using wind using turbines where there the wind has considerable force solar power. Another emerging method of generating electricity is by the use of waves. Known as wave power, this field has encouraged many energy companies to start their research in this field.

A green fuel is another alternative source but is not abundant as the other natural forms of energy. Also we have a tendency to get overtly dependent on anything that is easily available.

With so many options available, is it justified that we are spending billions of dollars in researching how to speed up the engines, in turn making them use more fuel? Isn't it time to move towards alternative fuel? And move there fast?