Renewable Energy Is It the Solution - 1571 Words

Introduction Renewable energy is considered a revolutionary thing, something that can save us from peak oil and climate change, but is it really what it seems? Renewable energy can help ease our predicament. There are multiple ways to achieve this, including the use of newer, greener technologies such as wind, solar power, and biomass. The purpose of this paper is to educate, theorize, and discuss various aspects of renewable energy, such as its history, development, and the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy. Ultimately, my personal reflection on renewable energy and, energy in general will be discussed. Renewable Energy There are several methods to implement renewable energy. You can harness power from multiple sources,†¦show more content†¦Flowing air makes the turbine spin, which in turn produces the electricity, a simple concept. Solar Power: Solar panels use photovoltaic modules to convert solar radiation from the sun into usable electricity. Solar panels are commonly used on satellites, street lights, construction and traffic signs, solar powered tents, and electric aircraft (Osborn, 2010). Hydro Power: This power is extracted from falling or running water which in turn spins a turbine which produces electricity. Hydroelectricity is by far the most popular renewable method of energy production, accounting for approximately 16% of the world’s total energy (Worldwatch Institute, 2012). Biomass: Biomass is classified as all matter that is based in carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (Christopher B. Field, 1998). Biomass can also be converted to biofuels such as biodiesel, and ethanol. Wood is the most common method of utilizing biomass energy. Biofuel: Biofuels are produced from living organisms. The most common biofuels are bioethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol can be used in gasoline based engines and can be mixed with gasoline to any percentage. Ethanol is produced by using the sugars in a plant and distilling it into pure alcohol, in the United States, corn is the primary source for ethanol fuel (Ethanol Market, 2006). Biodiesel is another popular biofuel, most popular in Europe, biodieselShow MoreRelatedAlternative Energy Solutions For Renewable Energy1295 Words   |  6 Pagessupply. We are scrambling for solutions in underdeveloped technology and overlooked industry. There is much debate on whether any alternative energy solutions are able to effectively replace fossil fuels. Even if they are, we are then faced with the problem of how renewable energy programs could be implemented and improved. There are many aspects of this debate to consider, including energy demand, financial support, and ecological factors. The pus h for alternative energies is essential and the needRead MoreIs Renewable Energy The Solution For Our Energy Problems?1453 Words   |  6 PagesIs renewable energy the solution to our energy problems? Energy that can be re-used or re-grown in a shorter period of time than, for example, a fossil fuel, is the simplest way of defining renewable energy. It is considered very eco-friendly as energy from resources such as oceans, the sun and the wind contribute very little to pollution overall when producing energy. The energy problem which we are faced with today is critical and governments, scientists and environmentalist continue to searchRead MoreThe World Is Always Full Of Problems. Some Are More Important1298 Words   |  6 Pagesirritation of eyes, breathing difficulties, and cancer). Solving the problem of air pollution is very difficult. It involves innovation and patience; however, some solutions have been proposed in the past. Several solutions in the past included carpooling/public transportation, recycling, and using energy efficient devices. Although these solutions do a great job at preventing air pollution, they do have major flaws. Carpooling and the use of transportation does indeed reduce the emission of pollutionRead MoreRenewable Energy Is Not The Answer978 Words   |  4 PagesRenewable Energy Is Not the Answer Renewable Energy is defined as: a renewable natural resource or source of energy, such as water, wind, or solar power (Oxford English Dictionary). There are those that believe that our nation should abandon the use of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal, and switch to renewable energy sources. Although the change could yield many benefits, I believe that renewable energy is a not viable alternative for our nation’s energy future because it would createRead MoreRenewable Energy Essay1099 Words   |  5 PagesRenewable Energy Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be transformed: the first law of conservation of energy. Since the earliest days of human history, man have always been looking forward to control energy. But it wasnt until the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that humanity finally learned to harness the high concentration of energy existent in fossil fuels. (Why Sustainable Energy Matters,Learning Space). Even though humans achieved to apply the first law of conservationRead MoreThe Current Demand For Energy1237 Words   |  5 Pagesntroduction Europe experienced two energy crises during the 1970s, which led to escalating demand for energy resources (specifically, oil) that could not be adequately supplied (Bonny, 1987; Donatos Mergos, 1989). This led to a decrease in economic activity that reflected as a decrease in the demand for energy in the form of oil. Alternative energy sources needed to be considered in order to maintain the economic activities of society without further depleting the natural resources. Besides theseRead MoreWith The Rapid Growth Of World Population, The Limited1114 Words   |  5 Pagesnon-renewable energy demand is increasing, especially in the developing countries. This situation causes the risk of depletion of cheap fossil energy sources, as well as environmental pollution and climate change. Therefore, the researchers worldwide have been tried continually to find solutions for the diversification of energy sources, reduce harmful emissions and emissions of greenhouse into the environment, and the renewable energy have been the centre of attention. The renewable energy is thatRead MoreFossil Fuels Advantages And Disadvantages1399 Words   |  6 Pageshas been one energy source that has dominated the world for a long time, fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are an energy source that includes coal, natural gas, and oil. Fossil fuels have been used for a long time because of their energy output. The downside is that is very harmful to the environment, so that is why we have renewable sources that are eco-friendly. Renewable energies still have not won the favor of the crowd because fossil fuel use is still much higher than renewable energy. The topics thatRead MoreRenewable Energy Is Important For Our Environment1610 Words   |  7 Pagesfossil fuels and coal to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biofuels in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions, which in turn pollute the environment and contribute to adverse climate change. Even though renewable en ergy is able to regenerate, does not mean that it has no ecological footprint or that renewable energy is completely sustainable for our environment (Week 14 Energy Use Transportation/Renewable Energy Sources). A renewable source of energy is usually one thatRead MoreThe Current Demand For Energy1224 Words   |  5 Pages1. Introduction Europe experienced two energy crises during the 1970s, which led to escalating demand for energy resources (specifically, oil) that could not be adequately supplied (Bonny, 1987; Donatos Mergos, 1989). This led to a decrease in economic activity that reflected as a decrease in the demand for energy in the form of oil. Alternative energy sources needed to be considered in order to maintain the economic activities of society without further depleting the natural resources. Besides