Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Alternative Energies

In Al Gore speech , he talks about alternative energies. which meant an alternative to the use of fossil fuels. This energy is not commonly used by us and doesn't have a big impact on our surroundings. The energy is fueled in a way where natural resources are not used up. The alternative energy Al Gore suggested was solar energy, wind power, and geothermal energy. There are other alternative energy options such as biomass (the burning of living and dead biological matter)and wave power ( use of energy off ocean surface waves).

Geothermal energy is generated by collecting heat stored from within earth from underground and oceans. Geothermal idea has been used for years for the use of bathing and heating, however geothermal power began being used in the 20th century to make electricity. The first geothermal power generator tested by Prince Piero Giinori Conti on July 4 1904 in Italy. The United States has geothermal powers plant located at the Geysers in California. It the largest group of thermal energy plants in the world . Geothermal power supplies less then 1% of the worlds energy as of 2007. This type of energy is being used around the world in over 20 countries. The positives on using geothermal energy is it requires no fuel fuel. It is combustion free be cause there is no burning. It causes little pollution. There a large supply of it right here at home. Geothermal power plants are not influenced by weather changes and can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and it is renewable. Some negative effects on the environment are the construction of power plants can impact land stability in the surrounding area. In addition, hot water from the geothermal source can retain amount of hazardous material such as mercury, arsenic, antimony, etc which can then ends up flow in to a river infecting our water supply. Eventually, the geothermal source start to cool of after decades. Geothermal energy works by pumps heat to and from home to earth. The cost of a geothermal power plant would cost as low as $2800 a kilowatt. The price of geothermal power does not change compared to oil and gas because it does not depend on fossil fuel. the factors that do influence the cost of geothermal plant would be the size. The price can also be influenced by electric grids. The cost of geothermal energy is at 4.5 to 7.3 cents per kilowatt hour.

Wind power is wind energy converted in to electricity. Wind power produces 1% of the worlds energy. Countries like Denmark, Spain, Portugal,and Germany are producing this energy. These wind mills are connected to power grids. Windmills work when blowing wind spins the blades. The spinning blades turn a generator which makes electricity. Wind mills work by slowing down the speed of wind. The benefits of wind power energy is it uses free source energy. Wind power is a free fuel most of its the costs go to maintains. Purchasing wind power cost around 3 cent per kilowatt hour. The price of electricity must be high to recover the investment. The extra money pays for more wind power equipment. The price of producing wind power does not change. The positives are that there is no destruction of resources. There is no water or air pollution. It is clean and reusable. Reduces dependence on fossil fuels. It can be widely disturbed. Its also very cheap. Some negatives would how wind power has limitations. Wind machines are also very expensive. Wind power is random and is not always available. The storage of energy is also very difficult and expensive.

Solar power is energy from the sun converted into thermal or electrical energy. Solar energy comes directly from the sun's radiation this is also known as Photovoltaic. Solar energy works by trapping the sun's heat using an absorbent material usually a black metal panel. Then the heat is transferred to pipes which carry of the warm water or air. The sun's radiation can also be converted to energy in solar cells. Some disadvantages are when the day are shorter the rays of the sun are weaker. The sun can be hidden by clouds.The negative impacts are toxic chemicals, like cadmium and arsenic, that are used in the production process. Environmental impacts is minor and can be easily controlled. Its more expensive then other renewable energies but cost less then most energy used at home. There is little maintenance needed and is renewable energy. Solar power is used world wide by countries such as Spain, America, Japan, and Germany . The system is expensive and the cost of solar energy is 8 cent per kilowatt hour.

I think these are way better ways of handling our crisis her in America,plus its eco-friendly.the alternatives don't have such an impact on our environment and saves us money.

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