JOBS IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Jobs in alternative energy are "cropping-up" everywhere. But let us, first of all, define "alternative energy".

First, a quick overview of fuels. The variety of alternative fuels for vehicles breaks down roughly this way: Bio-Diesel... Grades are demarked in this fashion: B100, B85, B5. "B" stands for Bio Diesel, the number stands for percentage of Bio Diesel, as regular fossil fuel diesel is mixed w/ Bio Diesel. Using the right grade is especially important during cold weather. At www.Seattlebiodiesel.com you can learn more about this fuel. Bio Diesel is distinct from Ethanol in that it is made from virgin seed oil rather than corn. Ethanol... Grades are demarked similarly: E85, etc. At www.renewableenergyaccess.com you'll find an article on a series of new Ethanol offerings at filling stations in the mid-west. The term Flex Fuel Vehicles is currently associated with the variety of Gasoline/Ethanol mixtures that these cars can run on. That's the short version of the alternative fuel situation for cars and trucks that are on the market today.

Second, a quick overview of alternative vehicles. Alternative vehicles are being developed by R & D departments within all of the major automobile manufacturers. Many have heard the drums beating in the distance for Hydrogen fuel cell technology. Iceland is virtually alone in the world as a mass producer of Hydrogen with its vast natural reserves, having recently and ceremoniously opened the world's first public Hydrogen fueling station. This technology is attractive for many reasons -not least of which is that the only exhaust is water. In the United States, the collective memory of the Hindenberg disaster still plays into mostly unfounded fears of Hydrogen technology. "Hybrid" currently refer to vastly improved battery technology coupled with energy recycling such that the vehicle uses it's own braking energy to re-charge its battery, which then in turn, reduces fuel consumption. A true Hybrid of the future might include any number of separate fueling/battery/energy recycling combinations.

Third, a very quick overview of alternative energy in terms of producing electricity without the use of fossil fuels... Here you have four main areas: (Not including Nuclear and Hydroelectric, which are no longer considered "alternative". Though, advances in "micro" Hydroelectric at the "creek" level are popping up, -there again, thanks to advances in battery technology) Solar, Wind, Geothermal and Oceanic or Tidal. Www.greenbiz.com is an excellent site for more in-depth information on these forth-coming alternatives to coal.

Jobs in alternative energy run the same spectrum as you might find within any corporation. They include: administration, research & development, engineering, construction, installation, maintenance, sales and marketing. All this to say you don't have to be a scientist or have a PhD to get started in a career that would make your great grand children proud. Visit the above mentioned web sites and others to find employment pages and opportunities.

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