alternative energy
28
3.7
- noun
- /ˌɔːltərˈneɪtɪv ˈɛnərdʒi/
- Specialized
:
energía renovable
- Solar panels are a popular example of alternative energy that can help power homes sustainably.
- alternative energy sources
- alternative energy technology
- alternative energy development
I don't know, but we have this problem that at the moment we're not developing alternative energy sources fast enough.
- I don't know, but we have this problem that at the moment we're not developing alternative energy sources fast enough.
Examples
-
With increasing energy costs, alternative energy resources become more attractive as a cost efficiency and environmental benefit.
Academic text (2010) -
The stimulus bill doles out generous subsidies to alternative energy producers and new motor vehicle technologies.
Academic text (2009) -
Today, it is common to think of solar energy as an alternative energy source.
Academic text (2009) -
Alternative energy is the future.
-
Saudi Arabia would be lost if an alternative energy source to oil were discovered in the near future.
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The investment choices made from among alternative energy sources will shape the energy consumption mix for several decades.
Academic text (1991) -
I don't know, but we have this problem that at the moment we're not developing alternative energy sources fast enough.
-
As the demand for alternative energy increases, there will be a corresponding decrease in fuel cell developmental costs.
Academic text (2010) -
The government aggressively promoted alternative energy sources and conservation with a complex set of regulations and incentives.
Academic text (1991) -
Solar-derived consumer energy, whether as electricity, biomass, or wind, represents a clean alternative energy form.
Academic text (2004)
Synonyms
60
3.2
Energy from natural sources that come back, like sunlight or wind
37
2.8
A way to make electricity by using wind to turn large machines like windmills
30
3.0
Energy made from sunlight to run buildings and devices
27
3.7
Energy from natural sources that do not run out, like the sun or wind
26
2.8
Heat or electricity that people make from the sun's light
2
3.9
Power made from moving water in dams or rivers
1
3.9
Energy made from plants or plant waste
How Renewable
60
3.2
- Specialized
28
3.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is directly compositional: 'alternative' (a substitute or non-standard option) modifies 'energy' (usable power), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it means energy that serves as an alternative to conventional sources. The fuller connotation (renewable, non-polluting) is domain-specific knowledge but does not prevent the basic meaning from being transparently derived from the constituents.
Etymology
Alternative energy comes from the idea of an 'alternative' to old fuels like coal and oil: imagine energy made by the sun, wind, or water instead of burning things. Because these sources do not run out and do less harm to the planet, the phrase now means 'energy from sources such as the sun, wind, or water'.