Coal, oil and electricity are the conventional source of energy. Of these sources, hydroelectricity alone is a renewable resource. As the exhaustible mineral fuels like coal and oil are getting depleted, attention is now directed to using non-conventional source of energy. These non-conventional source of energy are a renewable source, which will meet the increasing requirement in the future.
The sun is the most important source of energy but it is so diffuse that it can be used only if it is concentrated at a point by using reflectors. Solar energy is now harnessed for heating homes and for heating water. Solar energy also provides power for satellites in space. If only a cheap method of harnessing solar energy is developed, all the energy requirements could be met from this source alone.
The energy from winds has been tapped for generation of electricity by using windmills. As wind velocity and direction change frequently, only certain locations experiencing strong and steady winds are suitable for harnessing wind power. Netherlands has developed wind power on a large scale.
Tidal energy has been harnessed in France, as tidal range is quite high. There are only a few other sites in the world, which are suitable for this purpose.
Heat gradient between surface water and deeper waters in the tropical oceans and energy of wave motion may be harnessed if suitable technology is developed.
Geothermal energy from hot springs and geysers has been harnessed in Iceland, the United States New Zealand and Italy. The hot rocks located in the interior provide the source of heat for geothermal power. Geothermal power is not only renewable but also does not cause any pollution.
Apart from these sources another important source of energy is from plant and animal sources or biomass. People in the developing nations are predominantly using agricultural waste, wood, charcoal and dung from animals for domestic fuel. Cow dung may be used in gas plants to generate cheap domestic fuel. This method also provides valuable fertilizer from the slurry. Quick growing trees could be planted on wastelands in villages to provide fuel wood. If large wastelands are available as on barren hill slopes, large plantations of trees could be planted. Wood can also provide raw material for electricity generation.
Man's search for energy is never ending as he needs it for all his activities and his ingenuity may enable him to find a solution for the problem of power shortage. Though new ways of harnessing power from the environment would be found, it is imperative that wastage of energy is avoided and steps taken to conserve the existing sources of supply.
Locals hypothesize that the legacy of Italian blood and culture in Cologne, colonized by the Romans more than 1500 years ago, makes the people more jovial and lighthearted. Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine.
Kolsch is not only the dialect spoken here but, also the name of their own top-fermented beer. There are more than 4,000 pubs, restaurant's and brewery taverns in Cologne.
Unlike many of the world's large cities, Cologne, with a population of over a million, gets better every day, there are more things to do and see, more new and innovative buildings... more
Travel is an opportunity to learn, whether geography, languages, history or other subjects.
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Cologne is situated on the beautiful Rhine River.