Why Consider Alternative Energy?
Alternative energy sources provide many benefits. Renewable energy development can create quality jobs and promote economic development, especially in rural areas. If used to diversify utility resource portfolios, alternative energy technologies can provide a hedge against rising fuel prices and can be valuable risk management tools.
While some renewable energy resources are not always available (that is, the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine), the technologies perform reliably when the "fuel" is available. In this regard, they can add to the reliability of the electricity grid, especially for businesses in which power outages are extremely costly.
At the point of use, solar and wind technologies are emissions-free. This makes them attractive from an environmental standpoint. An additional environmental benefit could be the "brightfields" concept: installing clean energy technology-related businesses in environmentally blighted areas (brownfields).
Finally, selected applications of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies can enhance the disaster resiliency of communities and individual structures. For example, roof- or skid-mounted solar electric systems can provide needed power to hospitals, fire stations, police departments, gas stations, national guard armories, etc. in the sunny days that follow destructive storms.
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