In fact, "biomass is expected to make up over three-fifths of all non-hydro renewable energy between 2000 and 2020- (REPP-CREST, 1). Currently, the most common form of biomass energy is called Ethanol. Ethanol is made from corn and other grains and is more expensive than gasoline (Renewable Energy Primer, 2).
An alternative to biomass would be geothermal energy. "Geothermal energy starts with hot, molten rock miles below the earths surface that heats a section of the earths crust- (Renewable Energy Primer, 2). This heating causes underground pools of water to become heated and they can form geysers. From these hot springs or geysers, we can harness their steam with pipes and use the power of the steam to spin a turbine, or many turbines. "Currently, U.S. geothermal power plants have a total generating capacity of 2,700 megawatts, enough electricity to power the homes of more than 3.5 million people. The power plants produce electricity at 5
• to 7.5
• per kilowatt-hour- (National Renewable Energy Lab., 1). Geothermal energy is one of the most widely used renewable resources in today's society. This source may also be seen more often in the near future. .
A resource that is being used right now, hydropower, can be produced from almost any moving body of water. Hydroelectric power plants are most commonly seen near waterfalls, flowing rivers, or dams. The moving body of water has potential which is passed through an electricity-generating turbine. Currently, hydroelectric power generates about 10% of our countries electricity, which is enough to power whole cities and towns (Renewable Energy Primer, 3). Although hydropower is a great renewable resource, it has its drawbacks. For example, placing a dam in a river can have negative effects on the ecosystem surrounding the dam. Hydropower is inexpensive compared to other forms of renewable energy and it does not pollute the environment.