Alternative energy sources shouldn't be all that alternative (Alternative energy sources)

Member Name: mmmbuffy

Product:	Alternative energy sources
Date:	08/08/01 (307 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good for the environment, Renewable, GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Disadvantages: Can be ugly, Expensive

The state of this plant, as we all know is deteriorating at an unacceptable rate, and there isn't really all that much we can do about it as we have become too attached on material possessions such as cars and electrical appliances that aren't all that important. Not only is the problem that we are killing our home, but we are also running out of fossil fuels which provide us with most of our electricity. However, there are still options that we can take to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions that are proving fatal to this planet.

The main source of energy we rely on is that created from non-renewable energy sources, as mentioned, these will one-day run out. The non-renewable sources we rely on are coal, oil, gas, and uranium and plutonium (nuclear fuel).

Coal - this causes some serious environmental problems such as global warming and acid rain. There are ways we can reduce the problems caused by burning coal, such as removing sulphur dioxide after burning coal to prevent acid rain (scrubbing). There is only around 100 years worth of coal left, and to add to the problem it is cheap and easy to obtain, which will keep it as the main source of energy for a long time to come.

Oil and Gas - the problems caused by this are global warming and harmful for wildlife (tanker spillage's). There is only one real solution to this, and that is to stop using them all together, easier said than done. There is only around 50 years of oil and gas left, this once again cheap to obtain, but not as easy as coal.

Nuclear Fuel - we all know how dangerous nuclear power can be, and we also know how radioactive the waste is, meaning it's the high risk energy source. There is no safe solution for nuclear power, the danger will always be there, the only thing that could be done is to build the power stations in a remote place. To add to the problem of nuclear fuel, there are still good supplies of uranium left, meaning that this will be ar
ound for a while. Don't get me wrong, out of all the non-renewable energy sources, nuclear power is the one for me, as it doesn't leave greenhouse gasses.

The non-renewable energy sources are the main generators of our electricity, but as we all know, there are plenty of renewable energy sources, energy sources that we can use again and again.

Hydroelectric Power - energy from hydroelectric power is produced from dams, such as the Itaipu Dam in South America. To do this water is used to turn a turbine, producing electricity. As good as this is, it has its down sides, such as having to flood valleys to create reservoir's, meaning major relocation of wildlife. But as long as the rain keeps up this is an excellent reliable source of energy.

Wind Power - the amount of energy produced from wind turbines isn't enormous, so this means that there needs to be many wind turbines to create a high level of electricity. It maybe a good renewable energy source as the wind will always be there, but they aren't the most beautiful sights in the world. They are best built out of the way, such as moors, preferably high moors where the wind is stronger. As mentioned, they don't produce 'mind boggling' quantities of energy, and with the wind being variable, then they can have good days and bad days.

Tidal Power - the principle behind this is that the energy from the waves is used to drive turbines, creating electricity. There may be an abundance of potential tidal power here in Britain, however if we do utilise it, it isn't a very attractive coastal feature. The output of this energy source is variable, depending on the tide, and the size of the waves.

Solar Power - solar panels 'catch' the heat from the sun and use it to heat water, producing steam to turn turbines. There's not much to say on solar power, as its advantages and disadvantages are well documented.

Geothermal Power - th
is form of power makes use of the heat produced by the planet. Geothermal systems are located in areas where the earth's crust is fairly thin. By drilling into the ground and inserting pipes, hot water or steam can be brought directly to the surface. This heat can be used for either heating homes directly, or using the steam to drive turbines, creating electricity.

Biomass - the term biomass refers to organic matter that can be converted to energy, organic matter such as wood, agricultural residues and crops grown specifically for energy. As well as this it is also possible to convert civic waste, manure or agricultural products into fuels for transportation, industry and even public use. Biomass is a great source or renewable energy because it is created from waste.

At least something is being done about the current situation, the G8 Summit will hopefully produce something good from it. I can understand why America isn't in agreement with the Summit as they are the largest country in the world, and are the source of most of the planet's pollution, it would be very difficult for a country like America to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.

There is also another thing being done right here in Britain. Scottish Power plan to build Europe's largest wind farm on the hills of Eaglesham Moor, near Glasgow. The project will cost around $500 million, and will provide 140 turbines, these turbines will be able to generate enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. Not only that though, the company are predicting that the wind farm will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 500,000 tonnes, this is nearly one third of the governments renewable energy targets for Scotland. I think this is great news and that more governments around the world should consider following Scottish Power's example. These turbines are predicted to be up and running by 2003, only two years away.

Not only are things being done to reduce green
house gas emissions and to utilise renewable energy sources more, technology is also advancing at an impressive rate. Let me explain, I recently got a Game Boy Advance, I also have an original Game Boy, and the batteries on my Game Boy Advance last so much longer than the same batteries in my original Game Boy. So you see, with technology advancing, and energy being used more efficiently, things are beginning to look up, and if technology continues to advance at its current rate, perhaps a greater, more efficient energy source will be created sometime in the not too distant future.

So the big question is 'should we be utilising these renewable energy sources?' Well, yes and no, however you look at it there is going to be a price to pay, however the answer 'yes' has a more commanding presence than 'no'. If we don't make more use of the renewable sources of energy, then we are going to exhaust the planet of its fossil fuels and we are going to continue to 'kill' our planet.

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