Alternative sources of electricity are renewable energy sources that exist permanently or arise periodically in the environment. They include the energy of the sun, wind, seas, rivers, biomass, the Earth's heat, and secondary energy resources.

Alternative sources have several advantages over conventional sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. They are:

• Renewable, i.e., they do not run out over time.
• Environmentally friendly - they do not pollute the environment.
• Safe - do not pose a threat to humans and nature.
• hese advantages make regenerative sources more and more attractive for use in the energy sector.

Main types of alternative energy sources

The main types include:

- Solar power is the conversion of solar energy into electricity. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electric current, are installed on the roofs of houses, at industrial facilities, and at large solar power plants.

- Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into electricity. Wind generators, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into an electric current, are installed on high ground where the wind is stronger.

- Hydropower is the conversion of water movement energy into electricity. Hydroelectric power plants use the energy of falling or flowing water to turn turbines that generate electricity.

- Bioenergy is the use of organic matter as a source of energy. Biofuels produced from biomass are used in generators to produce electricity.

- Thermal geoenergy is the use of heat from the Earth's interior to generate electricity. Geothermal power plants use hot water or steam from the Earth's interior to turn turbines that generate electricity.

Development of renewable energy sources

In recent years, there has been a significant development of "green" sources of electricity. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants are being actively built in many countries around the world.

In 2022, the share of renewables in total electricity production in the world was about 20%. At the same time, the share of solar and wind energy amounted to 10%.

Development prospects

The share of alternative sources in total electricity production is expected to continue to grow in the future. This is due to several factors:

• Growing demand for electricity.
• Lack of traditional energy sources.
• A general desire for cleaner energy.

Ukraine also has a tendency to increase the use of renewable energy sources. In 2022, the share of regenerative resources in total electricity production in Ukraine was about 6%. At the same time, the share of solar and wind energy amounted to 1%.

The Government of Ukraine aims to increase the share of renewables in total electricity production to 25% by 2030. To this end, Ukraine plans to build new solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants.

The development of green energy is an important step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.