Clelio Ferreira Leite is a believer in alternative sources of energy as a way of meeting the world's ongoing energy demands. He is especially encouraged by solar energy, in particular a developing kind of photovoltaic cell called a dye sensitized solar cell. "I have been conducting research at the University of Coimbra concerning this subject," he says.

A dye-sensitized solar cell, Clelio Ferreira Leite explains, is a low-cost solar cell that goes on a panel with other thin film solar cells. Dye sensitized solar cells show great promise for the future, he believes, because they are more efficient than other types of thin-film photovoltaic cells, and are easy to manufacture. The principle that is
Solar energy, Clelio Ferreira Leite believes, is one of the most promising forms of renewable energy that is available as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Other forms of renewable energy are hydroelectric power and wind power. But most of the developed western world, he knows, relies on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy needs. Fossil fuels, of course, are not renewable, and they are a major contributor to greenhouse gases and global warming. It is imperative that the world transition to sustainable and renewable sources of energy, Clelio Ferreira Leite believes, and with his ongoing research he is contributing what he can to finding a solution to the issue.

As Clelio Ferreira Leite knows, renewable energy sources like solar energy are continuously renewed, and so will never be depleted. Most renewable energy comes from the sun in one way or another. Sunlight, which is the source of solar energy, can be used for heating and lighting homes and other buildings and it is increasingly common to see solar panels on the roofs of private and commercial buildings. It can generate electricity that can also be used for heating water, solar cooling, and many other uses.

It is the power of the sun, Clelio Ferreira Leite explains, that also drives wind, the energy from which can be harnessed with wind turbines. The wind and sun drives the water cycle that makes rivers and streams flow, which can be captured for use as hydroelectric power.

In effect, these sources of renewable energy end up creating their own energy, and Clelio Ferreira Leite says the objective is to capture it and turn it into useable electric power for the world's energy needs.