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Hydroelectric: Hydroelectric power is the largest source of renewable energy used in the United States. This form of energy uses fast-moving water (such as in a river) and uses the force of that moving water to spin turbine blades on a generator, which then turns the force of the water into electricity. Geothermal: Geothermal energy harnesses the hot water and steam that are found deep within the earth’s surface. This water is extracted from the earth via the drilling of deep wells that pump the hot water through turbines that turn it into electricity. Biomass: Biomass energy is generated through the burning of organic materials that come from plants and animals. Some examples of materials used to generate this form of energy are crops, sawdust, and trees. The Ocean: While this renewable energy source is still being developed, using waves and tides as an energy source could help ease our reliance on more harmful forms of energy. Tidal energy has great potential, since tides are more predictable than the wind and the sun. Alternative energy sources are becoming more commonplace within the energy industry, due to growing concern that we are running out of the fossil fuels that we use to power our world. In fact, it is estimated that the earth will be depleted of fossil fuels sometime between the next 50 and 100 years. These estimates have led for a push toward using renewable sources of energy to maintain our power grids. In addition to reducing our reliance on nonrenewable energy sources, using renewable energy is also better for the environment. The use of fossil fuels causes a great deal of air and water pollution, leading to poor air and water quality and negative outcomes to the environment. The fossil fuels utilized to power societies across the globe also contribute to the rapidly rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases within the earth’s atmosphere. This is widely believed by scientists to be the primary cause of global warming and climate change.

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What Do Wind Turbine Technicians Do?