Why is 'Green Energy' Alternative?

Renewable energy is:

Energy resources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited. They are virtually inexhaustible in duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available per unit of time.

Some types of green energy include: Solar; Wind; Hydro and tidal/wave; Geothermal and Ocean thermal; and Biomass/Bioenergy/Biofeuls. Despite our knowledge of the need to turn towards Green Energy, as opposed to conventional energy generation, it continues to be viewed as alternative. There will be a time, though, when it will be mainstream -- either by necessity or choice.

Reasons and arguments for why green energy is alternative

There are many reasons why Green Energy remains alternative. Some are based on fact, some are fanciful, and others are completely biased by vested interests. Here are some:

• In certain fields the technology is available. In others, however, the technology just aint quite there yet. Research and development dollars have been used in other areas or in existing conventional energy generation (not renewable electricity generation). This is no excuse, though, as we know enough to get started (evidenced by the already existing renewable technologies).
• Costs can be prohibitive (i.e. on the macro level). The cost of implementing infrastructure is neither cheap nor simple. The amount required at start-up can be huge. This is outweighed, however, by the “free fuel” once established (e.g. solar, wind).
• Renewable energy generation is also environmentally destructive. Media concentration tends towards wind farms and bird migration paths. Hydropower is also another biggie that negatively impacts upon the ecology. Myself, I worry about hydropower and the negative impacts that it creates. Compared to the use of fossil fuels I wonder which is the lesser evil? The weigh up is no Great Barrier Reef (in Australia) left due to climate change or the use of hydropower (where actions can be taken to mitigate environmental destruction).
• Inefficiencies in technology. That is, the vast amounts of surface area required for solar or the land area needed for green wind power. Also, the inefficiencies due to the lack of correct weather conditions required to generate energy.  And your point is?
• Green energy is a polluter. If you consider the whole of the life cycle and not just the actual fuel, green is not the first word that comes to mind. Well every little bit helps right.
• Loss of jobs. Carbon reduction means unemployment.  On the other hand, job creation occurs with the adoption of new technology and industries.
• The economy will go bust. Nice try!
• If we use renewable energy, we will get a large growth on our nose and start running through sunflower fields with no shoes and long hair.

Ok, ok. So the last argument was made up! Partly to see if you are concentrating and partly to show how bizarre the reasons for non-adoption are. 

Urine, Vibrations, and Artificial Plants as a Green Energy Source

On a final note, here are some interesting green energy ideas:

1. Urine to power batteries (read more).
2. Using city vibrations (feet, traffic) to power lights (work in progress) (read more).
3. Using artificial plants/trees to generate green energy using wind and solar (read more).

For some great practical ideas, check out C Robbs comments (Resilience Thinking).