Alternative energy is any energy that is produced from sources other than fossil fuel energy.

Renewable energy is any source of energy that doesn't consume the finite resources of the Earth and can be easily and quickly replenished.

At present only a small proportion of the world's energy needs come from alternative and renewable energy sources. These exist in many forms including Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics, Wind, Hydro, Tidal/Wave and Bioenergy (including Biomass, Biogas and Biofuels). As with fossil fuels the sun's energy is the ultimate source of these energies.

 Our weather is an immense renewable energy resource driven by energy from the sun.

Since the formation of the Earth, the weather has been unleashing its relentless power, shaping the landscape and bringing life to our world.

It is not easy to understand the enormous amounts of energy the weather contains. It has been estimated that the energy output from one cyclone is in the order of 100 billion kilowatt hours each day it exists. This is more energy output than a standard power station produces in 15 years.

Energy from the weather is free from nature. If we harness it in increasing quantities to help contribute to the world's energy needs we can help the environment.