There are ocean currents that cover our world from one end to the other then back again in a continuous motion. This kinetic energy is also a green renewable energy source. The best-known ocean current to Americans is the Gulf Stream. If just 1/1000th of the energy of this current was harnessed it could supply the state of Florida with 35% of all of its energy needs. This is a source of efficient energy production without any pollution or waste. This energy source is not only green and renewable but also more reliable than either solar or wind power. The speed of this current is a steady 4 knots at the surface, which can translate to 1 kW per square meter.

There presently exist turbines that are capable of producing electricity on water movement at speed as little as 1 knot. This is slow enough not to harm most fish and other wildlife that might encounter the ocean-based machinery. This is in comparison with the technology that is used in the dam and stream turbines currently in use. This older technology needs a current of five to six knots for efficient operation.

The new technology uses the power of the current to push and pull a cylinder up and down. The energy from this vibration is converted to electricity. Power production from a square meter of ocean current that is occupied by cylinders with a current flow of 3 knots is equivalent to 51 watts of power.

Just think of it if about one percent of the energy in the ocean could be harnessed. This power could provide over 150 billion people with all of their energy needs.

The most widely available and unharnessed green renewable energy source is still untapped. The time is right to utilize this energy source.

Thermal energy is a green renewable energy source that is largely left untapped. Investments in other forms of renewable energies are well known like solar and wind to a lesser degree is wave power but what about thermal?

First what is thermal energy? This is defined as a form of energy that manifests itself as an increase of temperature. It is the sum of sensible heat and latent heat. The best known source of thermal energy is our sun. Most people think of it as a heat source. This is true but it is only heat after it leaves the sun. Heat is thermal energy in transfer or in motion.

Another source of renewable thermal energy is our own earth. Deep inside is a heat source that has been around since the earth was formed. Most people have heard about volcanoes. This is the earth releasing trapped thermal energy.  The force is enough to blow the top off of huge mountains. But not all of the thermal energy from the earth is so explosive and dangerous. The State of Idaho has decided to start an incentive program for residents and businesses to invest in thermal heat pumps.

The theory is sound. This involves taking heated water from the ground and converting it to electricity or as radiant heat to supply heat for buildings. The temperature of this ground water is constant and with a regulator can be used.

As for electrical plants the first geothermal plant went online over 20 years ago. Due to the economic conditions present at that time it was closed. In 2002 this same plant was reopened and in 2008 it went online and started supplying the people of Idaho with 10 megawatts of electricity. There are 24 other sites in Idaho alone with the same potential to create renewable power. Thermal Energy, this renewable source of energy is non-polluting and will always be present.

For green renewable energy, one does not need to look far before it becomes apparent that it is all around us. The world is two-thirds covered by water. Most of which is in the oceans, which because of the moons pull along with the wind, is in constant motion. This motion or kinetic energy is in the form waves. Harnessing this energy is a real and viable way to supply the energy needs in a non-destructive way to our environment.

The first wave machine to produce electricity for consumers was installed 4 years ago.  The Portuguese energy company, Enersis saw the future and became part of it. Five kilometers off the northern coast of Portugal is the location of this 8 million Euro project. With production of over 2.25MW, these three OPD-developed Pelamis P-750 wave power generation units are helping reduce the Portuguese peoples dependency on non-renewable energy sources. These wave machines reduce the countries level of CO2 emissions by over 6,000 tonnes.

The European Union has called for 22% of the electric power consumption to come from green renewable energy sources by the year 2010. Four years age the level of renewable sources was only at 6%. By tapping the power of the oceans waves along with solar and wind power, this is possible.

This was all possible because of the Scottish company Green Ocean Energy. Their fore thought has helped the world move away from its dependency on oil and coal to power the electrical plant of the world. In February of 2009, GOE announced its intentions to tie wind power to their wave machines that will be fitted to bases offshore by the year 2010. With this and other expansions in green renewable energy sources, our world will be a cleaner place for future generations to enjoy.