Non fossil fuels are alternative sources of energy that do not rely on burning up limited supplies of coal, oil, or natural gas. Examples of these fuels include: nuclear energy, wind or water generated energy, and solar power. These tend to be renewable energy sources, or means of generating power that can be utilized indefinitely.
Non fossil fuels are considered by many to be extremely important to the future of power creation. This is because they are usually renewable energy sources that could be tapped for hundreds of years and not run out. In addition, energy production using non fossil-based fuels usually generates much less pollution than other energy sources. This is considered crucial by many governments who are looking for ways to reduce the amount of pollution produced by their countries.
Fossil fuel advantages are often considered to include ease of production. The burning of fossil fuels produces a lot of energy quickly and easily. Many people now believe that because of the huge impact on the environment, however, non fossil fuels are a much better way to generate energy. Various initiatives now exist, especially in Western countries, to encourage corporations and energy companies to invest in methods of producing energy from renewable sources.
These types of fuels are even being used by individuals in some countries. In the United States and the United Kingdom, for example, householders can, in some cases, receive funding to help pay for the installation of solar panels. Some home owners who have gone down this route can then receive free electricity for all or part of the year, and even sell excess electricity generated back to the energy companies.
Fossil fuel disadvantages include pollution. When a fossil fuel material such as coal is burned to create energy, carbon dioxide is released. This carbon dioxide pollutes the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect. Non fossil fuels do not have this disadvantage. While there are now methods of burning gas and similar products very efficiently, as clean fossil fuels, a certain amount of pollution is still generated.
This also does not address the issue of renewability. The history of fossil fuels is that these materials were created over millions of years from deposits made up of the remains of prehistoric plants, animals, and micro-organisms. Non fossil fuels, on the other hand, don’t rely on limited resources.