alternative energy source essay

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• U.S. Energy Information Administration - Energy Kids - Energy Sources - Renewable
• Natural Resources Defense Council - Renewable Energy: The Clean Facts
• Energy.gov - Renewable Energy
• United Nations - What is renewable energy?
• World Nuclear Association - Renewable Energy and Electricity
• alternative energy - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• alternative energy - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

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renewable energy , usable energy derived from replenishable sources such as the Sun ( solar energy ), wind ( wind power ), rivers ( hydroelectric power ), hot springs ( geothermal energy ), tides ( tidal power ), and biomass ( biofuels ).

At the beginning of the 21st century, about 80 percent of the world’s energy supply was derived from fossil fuels such as coal , petroleum , and natural gas . Fossil fuels are finite resources; most estimates suggest that the proven reserves of oil are large enough to meet global demand at least until the middle of the 21st century. Fossil fuel combustion has a number of negative environmental consequences. Fossil-fueled power plants emit air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide , particulate matter , nitrogen oxides, and toxic chemicals (heavy metals: mercury , chromium , and arsenic ), and mobile sources, such as fossil-fueled vehicles, emit nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide , and particulate matter. Exposure to these pollutants can cause heart disease , asthma , and other human health problems. In addition, emissions from fossil fuel combustion are responsible for acid rain , which has led to the acidification of many lakes and consequent damage to aquatic life, leaf damage in many forests, and the production of smog in or near many urban areas. Furthermore, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), one of the main greenhouse gases that cause global warming .

In contrast, renewable energy sources accounted for nearly 20 percent of global energy consumption at the beginning of the 21st century, largely from traditional uses of biomass such as wood for heating and cooking . By 2015 about 16 percent of the world’s total electricity came from large hydroelectric power plants, whereas other types of renewable energy (such as solar, wind, and geothermal) accounted for 6 percent of total electricity generation. Some energy analysts consider nuclear power to be a form of renewable energy because of its low carbon emissions; nuclear power generated 10.6 percent of the world’s electricity in 2015.

Growth in wind power exceeded 20 percent and photovoltaics grew at 30 percent annually in the 1990s, and renewable energy technologies continued to expand throughout the early 21st century. Between 2001 and 2017 world total installed wind power capacity increased by a factor of 22, growing from 23,900 to 539,581 megawatts. Photovoltaic capacity also expanded, increasing by 50 percent in 2016 alone. The European Union (EU), which produced an estimated 6.38 percent of its energy from renewable sources in 2005, adopted a goal in 2007 to raise that figure to 20 percent by 2020. By 2016 some 17 percent of the EU’s energy came from renewable sources. The goal also included plans to cut emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 percent and to ensure that 10 percent of all fuel consumption comes from biofuels . The EU was well on its way to achieving those targets by 2017. Between 1990 and 2016 the countries of the EU reduced carbon emissions by 23 percent and increased biofuel production to 5.5 percent of all fuels consumed in the region. In the United States numerous states have responded to concerns over climate change and reliance on imported fossil fuels by setting goals to increase renewable energy over time. For example, California required its major utility companies to produce 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2010, and by the end of that year California utilities were within 1 percent of the goal. In 2008 California increased this requirement to 33 percent by 2020, and in 2017 the state further increased its renewable-use target to 50 percent by 2030.

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Alternative Sources of Energy Essay

1. introduction.

The world's supply of fossil fuels is gradually dwindling, and their negative impact on the environment is well documented. This has prompted governments and scientists to explore cleaner and more efficient alternative sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and hydro-power. In our day to day activities, we rely on energy for several important functions; from powering industrial plants to heating our homes. Therefore, it is of significance to utilize the best means possible to produce energy. By definition, energy is the ability to do work. It can occur in various forms. Although energy cannot be created from nothing, it can be converted into another form. For example, when fuel is burnt, chemical energy in the fuel is converted into heat energy. The goal of this essay is to explain the three main types of energy (kinetic, potential, and radiant) and how they may be converted from one type into another. It will also discuss the scientific evidences that show that the climate is in fact changing due to the release of carbon dioxide from the non-renewable energy sources, and that the human race can survive and improve the quality of life by utilizing the alternative sources of energy, which our planet can always produce, that will never run out. Combustion energy is chemical energy stored in fuels, whereas electrical energy is brought about by the movement of electrons. The ability to do work, or produce heat or light exists as potential energy. Solar energy in the form of light is given off by a number of natural sources, the principle source being the sun. Hydro (water) energy is another type of potential energy. As indicated above, energy can be converted from one form to another. For example, the electrical energy in a light bulb is converted into light energy and the kinetic energy in a bouncing ball is converted into energy. It is often more helpful to classify everyday energy into two main types: stored (potential) energy and working (kinetic) energy. Examples, and the options provided. Alternative energy, or renewable energy, is collected from resources that are constantly being replaced, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and waves. These energy sources never run out because they regenerate as they're used. And the environment will benefit from resource mainly with regard to using the alternative energy. For example, alternative energy can be produced in the environment with minimal pollution because most of them do not produce any pollution. Throughout the entire lifetime of using these energy, the cost of production is always less than the amount of cost production of the non-renewable energy sources. These energy sources can complement each other depending on the full availability. Paragraph, essay or speech on the importance of harnessing solar energy? Answer: In terms of source to support global needs, solar rays offer a significant and a reliable energy potential. It is the most important of non-conventional sources of energy therefore it is one of the non-polluting energy and helps in less the greenhouse effect.

1.1 Importance of alternative sources of energy

The electricity is our primary need. Whether it is our house, road, office, etc., we all need electricity to operate things. It also helps other related sectors like agricultural, industrial, commercial, and transport. In recent years, increases in demand for electricity, limited and irregular sources of other fuels (i.e., coal, oil, gases) create the requirement of other alternative sources. Ofstreams has always been used by the people for development, i.e., from society to online. It has always been the case for mankind, i.e., humans always need something and they find and develop things to meet their needs. In the modern world, electricity has been the biggest need for every human being because everything is now operating using electricity. So, if there wouldn't be research in finding alternative sources of electricity, then it will increase the difficulties of human lives. The whole world is keenly interested in searching for alternative sources of energy mainly because of two reasons, i.e., the ongoing concern of fossil fuel depletion and the second one is the damage of global warming. Every year, human curiosity towards understanding science and technology increases due to the rise in hunger for electricity. Every second, daily, monthly, yearly, many researchers in many laboratories innovate new ideas or new technology regarding alternative sources of energy. For example, scientist and cyber engineers Rob Amrose show the students in the Walter Payton High School in Chicago, demonstrating the solar electric system to charge electronic devices. So, the alternative sources of energy come from nature and do not deplete the environment's resources as opposed to fossil fuels. There are many benefits in the alternative of energy. For example, wind turbines, primary solar cells, photovoltaic cells, geothermal heat pumps, and many more alternatives. The proper use of the alternative sources of energy contributes a long way in the depletion of environmental debacles and improves public music. He further explains that scientists explain how electricity is generated cleanly and renewably, called alternative sources of energy. Technology is always growing with it. We can not only harness the energy but also help reduce the carbon footprint, carbon emissions, and slow down climate change. He suggests that as we move forward into this future and continue to find more and more ideas that help not only people today. There are still many areas of the country that have not yet brought into being alternative sources of energy. He thinks that in order to be able to build public support for a more widespread use of findings like those, people must actually see them. Professor Amrose's research shows that energy demonstrations like this help us get more people.

1.2 Purpose of the essay

The main purpose of the essay is to provide clear evidence in support of the notion that the use of alternative energy sources other than fossil fuels is necessary to sustain the planet. The intention of the essay is to provide an overview of the topic beyond the discussions of the necessity and the benefits, which are so important in essays of this type. The essay is going to be an exploration in the manner in which the uses of energy have changed and the different sources of energy that are being explored. The energy sources that are going to be covered in the essay are coal, natural gas and oil, all the fossil fuels. This essay that is supposed to explore the progress of an energy from different eras and determining the future wealth of the availability of nonrenewable energy such as fossil fuels and the reasons why it is so important to support the renewable alternative fuels we have established today. I also understand the fact that this is an ongoing emerging technology that will not only affect our life, it also affects the environment that we live in.

2. Fossil Fuels

When people think of fossil fuels, they typically think of coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels develop steadily over millions of years and are formed from the remains of plants and animals. The heat from the Earth's core and pressure from rock layers over the long periods of time created these fuels. Fossil fuels are quite abundant. They are by far the most used fuels today. However, fossil fuels have disadvantages - one of them is that they are not renewable. Although new formation of oil is occurring constantly in the Earth's crust, it is occurring far too slowly for the oil reserves to be renewed. We are using up our oil and once it is gone, it will be gone for good. The cost of extracting oil and of refining it is cost-effective to only extract and refine oil when the reserves are quite concentrated. All of the easy oil and oil near the Earth's surface has most likely already been found, which means that more and more time and money will have to be spent to extract oil. This is a huge disadvantage - not to mention a big surprise - for many people. Many are very worried about what will happen when the oil is all used up. There will be no fuel for cars or machinery. The modern world depends on energy that is easy to get and easy to use - usually oil. Just the thought of no more oil is frightening. Using up the world's oil resource would create chaos - people need to work together to find solutions to a fuel crisis.

2.1 Definition and examples

Fossil fuels are often used to generate electricity for homes and other buildings. But what is a fossil fuel? A common fossil fuel, as described by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is coal. It explains that coal is a black or brownish-black hard rock and that coal is composed of mostly carbon and hydrocarbons, which contain energy that can be released through combustion. The website for the Arkansas Geological Survey suggests that coal forms over long periods of time through the residue of plants and trees, and that the resulting deposit is buried by younger sediment to create pressure, heat, and thus coal. Also, according to the Arkansas Geological Survey, there are types of coal that describe coal with a certain quality grade, anthracite being the highest and lignite being the lowest; these differences are based upon the amount of carbon in the coal. On the other hand, an article by NPR describes petroleum, another fossil fuel, as a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is found in underground (at 1000 to 5000 feet beneath the Earth's surface) deposits and is used for a variety of products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This article also describes the formation of petroleum due to the decomposition of tiny sea creatures and algae at the bottom of ancient seas, and that most petroleum is believed to come from the Jurassic period. When these organisms died and settled, they were gradually buried by sediment layers, and this created the high temperatures and pressure needed for petroleum formation. As for natural gas, the Arkansas Geological Survey suggests this as occurring in subsurface deposits in which pressure and heat have had time to lead to the altered remains of organic material. The website goes on to say that natural gas is mainly methane, and that methane and natural gas become part of the atmosphere as waste products of some microorganisms. Last but not least, an article by Alternative Energy News describes the process of how natural gas is created and how it can be consumed and used as a fossil fuel. It explains that natural gas can be found right alongside coal and oil deposits, and that natural gas is created when certain organisms, such as plankton and algae, are buried and placed under pressure and heat. The article goes on to outline that natural gas is formed along with petroleum and coal, and that the presence of natural gas is detected through the use of seismology and other geological investigation. As for use, the article lists many fields in which natural gas has its part, including the abilities to heat homes, generate electricity, and power vehicles. From 1870 to 2017, as reported by the Energy Information Administration, natural gas has been the main source of fuel for both residential and commercial sector electricity generation.

2.2 Environmental impact

Fossil fuels release harmful pollutants when burnt, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons. These cause pollution and contribute to global warming and climate change. Coal is considered as one of the dirtiest fossil fuels as it produces the highest amount of carbon dioxide when burnt. In addition, mining and extracting coal, as well as transporting it, can result in a lot of environmental degradation. This can lead to the destruction of habitats, soil erosion, and water pollution. Emissions from natural gas use are primarily made up of carbon dioxide but also contain small amounts of nitrous oxide. Although natural gas produces far fewer pollutants than either coal or oil, it is still a major contributor to global warming. In terms of environmental damage, oil extraction and transport can also have serious impacts. Offshore oil drilling can result in oil spills which can be catastrophic to marine habitats and wildlife. Onshore oil extraction can lead to significant deforestation and destruction of ecosystems. However, oil is used as a primary energy source in many leading countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. This not only creates high demand for more oil but it also means that the harmful environmental impacts of oil use are felt across the globe. For example, the habitats in which wildlife in the US rely upon are often destroyed and degraded as a result of oil use. Furthermore, the global nature of the petroleum industry means that the spillage and leaks during the extraction, refinement, and transportation of oil can affect countries and ecosystems across the world. Overall, fossil fuels cause far more harm than renewable energy. Despite providing an effective energy source, the environmental impacts are too big to ignore. With increasing pressure to combat climate change and the damage fossil fuels are doing, it is essential that more countries make the transition to renewable energy sources as soon as possible.

2.3 Depletion and limited availability

With the rapidly increasing human activities, the heat produced by people is growing extremely fast. In accordance to this, the world's reliance on fossil fuel contributes to depletion and limited availability of fossil fuel. People have been relying on fossil fuel for over 80% of the energy for the past century; however, the rapid usage of the limited fossil fuel has raised many concerns which cause a lot of people to shift their reliance on alternative sources of energy and leave the fossil fuel for future generations. There are two reasons for the depletion of the fossil fuel. First, fossil fuels are limited natural resources formed mainly from the remains of ancient plants and animals. It requires thousands to millions of years of heat and pressure to form the fossil fuel and once the fuel is extracted and used, it cannot be easily replaced. Second, the time that it is needed for the formation of fossil fuel is much longer than the time that is needed to deplete them. Nowadays, research has shown that most of the fossil fuels are buried deep in the earth and those are the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago that has undergone a long process of heat and pressure to form the fuel. For example, the extraction and usage of oil has caused oil spillage in many parts of the world which lead to affect the environment seriously. Besides, pollution will be caused if incomplete combustion occurs such as formation of carbon monoxide during the process of combustion. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it prevents the blood from carrying oxygen by combining with hemoglobin in blood to form carboxyhemoglobin. So, it is very harmful and may cause death. Moreover, the combustion of fossil fuel will produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide which will trap the infrared radiation from the sun in the earth's atmosphere and as a result, global warming will occur. Most of the scientists and environmentalists have reached the consensus that the excessive emission of greenhouse gases may lead to climate change. So, the combustion of fossil fuel has indirectly affected the environment and our life seriously. Some people may think of reducing the usage of fossil fuel by driving less. However, any feasible and effective solutions to the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuel would require a global effort and responsive to 3Rs or other effective methods.

3. Renewable Energy Sources

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the United States has some of the world's best renewable energy resources. Solar energy is electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun and is among the oldest of the planet's energy sources. In fact, it is one of the most diverse and powerful energy sources in the world. By taking a look at the resource map of the United States, we can see that the Southwestern United States has the highest potential for solar energy, although some energy is available just about everywhere in the United States. Wind energy is the natural, kinetic energy of the air in the United States. It is in fact the fastest growing energy source in the world and is also the most abundant energy source. Wind energy is the kinetic energy associated with the speed of the wind. It has been used for centuries in our society. Wind energy shares its turbines with farming and animal life. The turbines can be placed on farmland, and the farm can still use the land to grow crops and graze animals. They still leave the farmers with more space than that of a traditional, non-renewable power plant. American wind power is made in the United States, using American workers. In fact, we are home to some of the largest producers of large, commercial-sized wind turbines. According to the resource map of the United States, the most wind potential exists in the Great Plains and the Midwest of the United States on land. Wind energy is the kinetic energy associated with the speed of the wind.

3.1 Solar energy

Solar energy is the much talked about source of energy. And why not? The sun pours more energy onto the earth in one hour than the entire population could use in a year. The power of the sun creates such a stir in the science community because it is a source of nearly unlimited power. "Energy from the sun in the form of sunlight and warmth, which can be used by technology such as solar heating" (Oxford Dictionary). The technology behind solar energy has improved so much in the last few years that the prices are dropping and the government is actually offering incentives to get people to go solar. Also, another reason why solar power is a good option is because it doesn't just provide energy for power, but also for water heating systems. This could be fantastic in colder places or where the occupation is too high, like hotels. There are gigantic fields of these collectors on the south coast, but some people have them on their homes. You can't just wholly rely on sunlight to create the PV technology, but warmer places in Europe, like Cyprus, could be considered to start using this method more as you would be surprised how much the solar panels could generate. In fact, the amount of power from the sun that hits the earth's surface in one hour is greater than the entire world's energy consumption. This has shown the advantages of solar power and why it is so popular. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy. And solar energy is free - it is the most plentiful of all the sources of energy. By investing in solar power, you will be gaining cheaper energy bills and also the safety that you have not damaged the environment. The solar panels you invest in will have to pay for themselves over a period of time from the electricity saved, including a profit. And by showing more and more people about the advantages of solar energy by not using it, we are not playing to its potential but supporting the more polluting forms of energy. The advantages are worth the investment in the panels and do not just benefit one person; they benefit the next generation.

3.2 Wind energy

Another alternative source of energy is wind energy. Wind energy is produced when wind moves through propeller-like turbines, which convert its kinetic energy into mechanical power. It is a renewable source of energy that could help in avoiding climate change. Wind power plants, or wind farms, as they are sometimes called, are clusters of wind machines used to produce electricity. Nevertheless, wind energy can be produced in almost any place on Earth. In many countries, the power of the wind is used as an alternative source of energy because it is pollution-free and a limitless fuel source. On the other hand, wind energy is not very efficient in some places compared to other sources of energy. Wind energy also does not provide a consistent power source, and reliability is an issue in some places. But on a smaller scale, wind energy can be used and stored off the grid. In conclusion, the main advantages of wind energy are that it is an unlimited and free source of energy, and it is pollution-free. Also, it is not very expensive to produce, and its initial outlay is not much. In addition, the cost of energy created by wind power is very low. The disadvantages of wind power are that it must have consistent wind in an area, and environmental and aesthetic issues are also cons.

3.3 Hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power is produced by making use of the gravitational force of falling water. It's perhaps the cleanest, most reliable form of renewable energy and is worthy of increasing attention as the world looks for reliable sources of clean energy. The earth's water cycle is a very important renewable energy cycle. Clouds, made up of evaporated water, are steered by the wind. When the clouds bump into each other, the tiny droplets of water in the clouds combine to make larger and heavier droplets. When this occurs, the heavier water droplets fall to the earth in the form of precipitation. This precipitation collects in rivers and streams and is returned to the ocean. Kinetic energy in the form of the waterfall, builds up as this water travels from high elevation to low elevation. This type of energy is considered gravitational potential energy and can be measured as mass times the height times "g", where "g" represents gravity. The more water and the higher the elevation, then the more available potential energy. The amount of energy that can be carried by the water at the bottom of the waterfall is typically less than the total potential energy of the water because some of the energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as sound and heat. Turbines convert the rotational energy of the moving water into mechanical energy, which drives a generator to produce the electrical energy. In the picture on the left, the dam not only helps to increase the gravitational potential energy of the water behind the dam, but it also controls the flow of water. By letting the water flow at a controlled rate and then passing through the turbine, large amount of electrical energy can be generated at a constant rate. Currently, hydroelectric power represents only about 6% of total energy consumed in the United States. However, because the energy from moving water is the most concentrated form of renewable energy, the potential exists to supply a substantial amount of the world's energy needs. For example, in the far reaches of China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, engineers are building new hydropower dams that will take over the job of supplying energy to cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. These new dams will produce three times as much energy as the Three Gorges Dam, which is currently the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Work on the Three Gorges Dam's additional water turbine is expected to be finished by June 2012, which will further increase the energy output. Well-designed hydroelectric power stations can have very positive effects.

3.4 Geothermal energy

Geothermal power is a form of energy that takes advantage of the earth's internal heat energy. The earth is made of four different layers and the outer layer is called the crust. The crust is made up of huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a puzzle. The heat source for geothermal power is deep within the earth, far from the sun's heat. This heat is produced by the radioactive decay of minerals and from the original formation of the planet. Even though the temperature of the earth's core is over 4,000°C, the heat conducts from the core to the surface very slowly. As a result, the temperature increases 25 to 30°C for each kilometer down into the earth. This internal heat energy from the deeper part of the earth is used to make steam from water. The steam can then be converted into mechanical energy that turns a generator to produce electricity. In addition, the water that is used in the process is kept moving by natural replenishment from the rain and the water used can be reused. One of the most advantageous factors of having a geothermal power plant is that it can run continuously. A well-managed geothermal plant can provide steady and non-intermittent power all the time. It is very responsive to meet the needs for energy, even when the demand changes in daytime or at night. Today, geothermal energy has been used in over twenty countries, and it provides 10 gigawatts of electricity supply in the world. It is remarkable that there are many great benefits of geothermal power when comparing with fossil fuels. For example, the hot water from the geothermal reservoir which contains a variety of dissolved minerals can be used for aquaculture, and the geothermal heat energy from the earth can be used for greenhouses to grow crops. This makes geothermal power more reliable and environmentally friendly for energy. On the other hand, the drilling and the rock fracturing are big challenges for a geothermal power plant. The process of finding a good spot to drill a hole is extremely difficult and once the factory starts to run, the drilling rig will need to be moved to drill another well. The drilling for oil and gas are familiar to drillers, but the drilling for geothermal power needs more precision and takes longer time. Today's technological improvements have been minimizing the impact of drilling on the environment, and there have been many successful cases for the drilling. Geothermal power is expected to play a valuable and environmentally friendly role in global energy supply.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages

First and foremost, one major advantage of alternative sources of energy is that they are renewable and inexhaustible. Renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, and hydro energy are not only free but are endless; it is possible to tap the energy without depleting the earth's reserves. In contrast to this, most of the non-renewable sources are associated with much more environmental risk such as oil spills and air pollution. Also, the main benefit of alternative energy is that it is safe and clean to use. An example is hydro power which has been praised for being the best and leading source of energy. In fact, scientists are in agreement that in the future a great number of dams should be taken into consideration when thinking about efficient ways of converting energy. Solar power, which is becoming increasingly popular, is the answer to this question. As it uses the sun's radiation, which is constantly being emitted, there is no fear of using it all up, making it a perfect alternative and one that can eventually replace the position petroleum holds today. Another benefit of alternative energy is that it grants us energy sovereignty. This term means that a nation would be able to fully supply its own energy needs without any dependence on foreign nations. In today's world, it is a well-known fact that many western countries, the United States included, are heavily dependent on foreign nations for oil in particular. This is seen as harmful to domestic security, as tensions in the Middle East are a real migraine for politicians around the world. On the other hand, with the many types of alternative energy, this issue could be bypassed altogether. It is a fact that it is a greater challenge to produce energy from waste but there is potential to do so. For instance, there are special energy plants where waste gases are used to power turbines which in turn generate electrical power. Solar energy can also be used to bring about a positive spin to the amount of pollution that is currently in the environment and make a real difference in the fight against "climate change". It is therefore quite clear that alternative sources of energy produce many benefits which can be summarized in a number of different ways: convenience, independence, cost, the environment, and our future.

4.1 Advantages of alternative sources of energy

Another significant advantage of alternative sources of energy is the fact that they are renewable. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower, offer clean alternatives to fossil fuels. They produce little or no pollution and work well within the natural environment. The availability of alternative energy sources also has huge potential. For example, the wind and the sun are free, and their energy is unlimited. As we can see from the graph above, all renewable energy sources are available every day. As a result, using alternative sources of energy can help preserve the world's natural environment. This is because most of the energy we use comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. These fossil fuels emit harmful gases that cause pollution and global warming, as well as damaging our planet. On the other hand, renewable energy sources can be used over and over again and will never run out. Because the energy potentially exists forever, we cannot say that renewable energy is not renewable no matter how much we use.

4.2 Disadvantages of alternative sources of energy

Firstly, whether the alternative energy is the main power of a country or just the local power, it is not always available. (Cited) For example, sunny and windy days are the production days for solar energy and wind energy, but if there is a period of time without sunlight and wind, the people need to use other sources to generate power, such as commercial energy or fossil fuels. Otherwise, it will influence the stability of the power grid and the electrical devices are unable to get enough power to run. Secondly, the equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines that are needed to harvest alternative energy are costly. With the manufacturing processes of new technology, the cost of those equipment can be expected to go down. However, the prices of those equipment are still high now. And the repairing of those equipment is also expensive. Also, converting to the use of alternative energy would be too space consuming because the natural resource collectors such as solar panels and wind turbines would have to be placed in large numbers and in vast areas in order to achieve a substantial level of power. Last but not least, with the technology and the manufacturing industries keep improving, it seems that the alternative energy is getting more attention and relevance. However, with the continuous use of fossil fuels and some people think that it is inevitable and unfeasible to avoid the use of fossil fuels, the further development on the alternative energy may not be supported by everyone and hence the research and development for the alternative energy cannot be promoted.

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1. Introduction L'impact des changements climatiques dans un contexte de mondialisation est un sujet d'une grande importance dans le monde d'aujourd'hui. Alors que la mondialisation a entraîné une interconnexion croissante entre les pays et les économies, les effets du changement climatique se font ressentir à l'échelle mondiale, impactant des populations entières, les écosystèmes et l'économie. Ce document vise à examiner les interactions complexes entre les changements climatiques et la mondi ...

The impact of technological advancements on environmental sustainability: Exploring innovative solutions for pollution reduction

1. Introduction The current era continues to witness advanced technological developments that show potential in enhancing economic, social, and environmental sustainability. In most industries, particularly fossil fuels and chemical products, innovative green technologies are responsible for the existing environmental burdens. The introduction of innovative solutions aimed at solving environmental problems has lately expanded the interpretation of the word technology in various industries. Ther ...

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that will not be used up in our lifetimes, such as the sun and wind.

Earth Science, Experiential Learning, Engineering, Geology

Wind Turbines in a Sheep Pasture

Wind turbines use the power of wind to generate energy. This is just one source of renewable energy.

Photograph by Jesus Keller/ Shutterstock

The wind, the sun, and Earth are sources of  renewable energy . These energy sources naturally renew, or replenish themselves.

Wind, sunlight, and the planet have energy that transforms in ways we can see and feel. We can see and feel evidence of the transfer of energy from the sun to Earth in the sunlight shining on the ground and the warmth we feel when sunlight shines on our skin. We can see and feel evidence of the transfer of energy in wind’s ability to pull kites higher into the sky and shake the leaves on trees. We can see and feel evidence of the transfer of energy in the geothermal energy of steam vents and geysers .

People have created different ways to capture the energy from these renewable sources.

Solar Energy

Solar energy can be captured “actively” or “passively.”

Active solar energy uses special technology to capture the sun’s rays. The two main types of equipment are photovoltaic cells (also called PV cells or solar cells) and mirrors that focus sunlight in a specific spot. These active solar technologies use sunlight to generate electricity , which we use to power lights, heating systems, computers, and televisions.

Passive solar energy does not use any equipment. Instead, it gets energy from the way sunlight naturally changes throughout the day. For example, people can build houses so their windows face the path of the sun. This means the house will get more heat from the sun. It will take less energy from other sources to heat the house.

Other examples of passive solar technology are green roofs , cool roofs, and radiant barriers . Green roofs are completely covered with plants. Plants can get rid of pollutants in rainwater and air. They help make the local environment cleaner.

Cool roofs are painted white to better reflect sunlight. Radiant barriers are made of a reflective covering, such as aluminum. They both reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it. All these types of roofs help lower the amount of energy needed to cool the building.

Advantages and Disadvantages There are many advantages to using solar energy. PV cells last for a long time, about 20 years.

However, there are reasons why solar power cannot be used as the only power source in a community. It can be expensive to install PV cells or build a building using passive solar technology.

Sunshine can also be hard to predict. It can be blocked by clouds, and the sun doesn’t shine at night. Different parts of Earth receive different amounts of sunlight based on location, the time of year, and the time of day.

Wind Energy

People have been harnessing the wind’s energy for a long, long time. Five-thousand years ago, ancient Egyptians made boats powered by the wind. In 200 B.C.E., people used windmills to grind grain in the Middle East and pump water in China.

Today, we capture the wind’s energy with wind turbines . A turbine is similar to a windmill; it has a very tall tower with two or three propeller-like blades at the top. These blades are turned by the wind. The blades turn a generator (located inside the tower), which creates electricity.

Groups of wind turbines are known as wind farms . Wind farms can be found near farmland, in narrow mountain passes, and even in the ocean, where there are steadier and stronger winds. Wind turbines anchored in the ocean are called “ offshore wind farms.”

Wind farms create electricity for nearby homes, schools, and other buildings.

Advantages and Disadvantages Wind energy can be very efficient . In places like the Midwest in the United States and along coasts, steady winds can provide cheap, reliable electricity.

Another great advantage of wind power is that it is a “clean” form of energy. Wind turbines do not burn fuel or emit any pollutants into the air.

Wind is not always a steady source of energy, however. Wind speed changes constantly, depending on the time of day, weather , and geographic location. Currently, it cannot be used to provide electricity for all our power needs.

Wind turbines can also be dangerous for bats and birds. These animals cannot always judge how fast the blades are moving and crash into them.

Geothermal Energy

Deep beneath the surface is Earth’s core . The center of Earth is extremely hot—thought to be over 6,000 °C (about 10,800 °F). The heat is constantly moving toward the surface.

We can see some of Earth’s heat when it bubbles to the surface. Geothermal energy can melt underground rocks into magma and cause the magma to bubble to the surface as lava . Geothermal energy can also heat underground sources of water and force it to spew out from the surface. This stream of water is called a geyser.

However, most of Earth’s heat stays underground and makes its way out very, very slowly.

We can access underground geothermal heat in different ways. One way of using geothermal energy is with “geothermal heat pumps.” A pipe of water loops between a building and holes dug deep underground. The water is warmed by the geothermal energy underground and brings the warmth aboveground to the building. Geothermal heat pumps can be used to heat houses, sidewalks, and even parking lots.

Another way to use geothermal energy is with steam. In some areas of the world, there is underground steam that naturally rises to the surface. The steam can be piped straight to a power plant. However, in other parts of the world, the ground is dry. Water must be injected underground to create steam. When the steam comes to the surface, it is used to turn a generator and create electricity.

In Iceland, there are large reservoirs of underground water. Almost 90 percent of people in Iceland use geothermal as an energy source to heat their homes and businesses.

Advantages and Disadvantages An advantage of geothermal energy is that it is clean. It does not require any fuel or emit any harmful pollutants into the air.

Geothermal energy is only avaiable in certain parts of the world. Another disadvantage of using geothermal energy is that in areas of the world where there is only dry heat underground, large quantities of freshwater are used to make steam. There may not be a lot of freshwater. People need water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Biomass Energy

Biomass is any material that comes from plants or microorganisms that were recently living. Plants create energy from the sun through photosynthesis . This energy is stored in the plants even after they die.

Trees, branches, scraps of bark, and recycled paper are common sources of biomass energy. Manure, garbage, and crops , such as corn, soy, and sugar cane, can also be used as biomass feedstocks .

We get energy from biomass by burning it. Wood chips, manure, and garbage are dried out and compressed into squares called “briquettes.” These briquettes are so dry that they do not absorb water. They can be stored and burned to create heat or generate electricity.

Biomass can also be converted into biofuel . Biofuels are mixed with regular gasoline and can be used to power cars and trucks. Biofuels release less harmful pollutants than pure gasoline.

Advantages and Disadvantages A major advantage of biomass is that it can be stored and then used when it is needed.

Growing crops for biofuels, however, requires large amounts of land and pesticides . Land could be used for food instead of biofuels. Some pesticides could pollute the air and water.

Biomass energy can also be a nonrenewable energy source. Biomass energy relies on biomass feedstocks—plants that are processed and burned to create electricity. Biomass feedstocks can include crops, such as corn or soy, as well as wood. If people do not replant biomass feedstocks as fast as they use them, biomass energy becomes a non-renewable energy source.

Hydroelectric Energy

Hydroelectric energy is made by flowing water. Most hydroelectric power plants are located on large dams , which control the flow of a river.

Dams block the river and create an artificial lake, or reservoir. A controlled amount of water is forced through tunnels in the dam. As water flows through the tunnels, it turns huge turbines and generates electricity.

Advantages and Disadvantages Hydroelectric energy is fairly inexpensive to harness. Dams do not need to be complex, and the resources to build them are not difficult to obtain. Rivers flow all over the world, so the energy source is available to millions of people.

Hydroelectric energy is also fairly reliable. Engineers control the flow of water through the dam, so the flow does not depend on the weather (the way solar and wind energies do).

However, hydroelectric power plants are damaging to the environment. When a river is dammed, it creates a large lake behind the dam. This lake (sometimes called a reservoir) drowns the original river habitat deep underwater. Sometimes, people build dams that can drown entire towns underwater. The people who live in the town or village must move to a new area.

Hydroelectric power plants don’t work for a very long time: Some can only supply power for 20 or 30 years. Silt , or dirt from a riverbed, builds up behind the dam and slows the flow of water.

Other Renewable Energy Sources

Scientists and engineers are constantly working to harness other renewable energy sources. Three of the most promising are tidal energy , wave energy , and algal (or algae) fuel.

Tidal energy harnesses the power of ocean tides to generate electricity. Some tidal energy projects use the moving tides to turn the blades of a turbine. Other projects use small dams to continually fill reservoirs at high tide and slowly release the water (and turn turbines) at low tide.

Wave energy harnesses waves from the ocean, lakes, or rivers. Some wave energy projects use the same equipment that tidal energy projects do—dams and standing turbines. Other wave energy projects float directly on waves. The water’s constant movement over and through these floating pieces of equipment turns turbines and creates electricity.

Algal fuel is a type of biomass energy that uses the unique chemicals in seaweed to create a clean and renewable biofuel. Algal fuel does not need the acres of cropland that other biofuel feedstocks do.

Renewable Nations

These nations (or groups of nations) produce the most energy using renewable resources. Many of them are also the leading producers of nonrenewable energy: China, European Union, United States, Brazil, and Canada

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Environmental Sustainability — Alternative Energy

Essays on Alternative Energy

Dive into the dynamic world of alternative energy solutions with our extensive collection of essays. As the globe grapples with the pressing need to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources, our essays explore the innovations, challenges, and impacts associated with alternative energy.

Diverse Alternative Energy Sources

From solar and wind to geothermal and bioenergy, our alternative energy essays cover a broad spectrum of renewable resources. Each piece provides insightful analysis on the potential and limitations of these energy sources, offering a comprehensive overview of the future energy landscape.

The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Alternative Energy

Understand the crucial role alternative energy plays in combating climate change and promoting global sustainability. Our essays delve into the environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions and conservation of natural resources, alongside the economic implications, including job creation and energy security.

Technological Innovations and Policy Frameworks

Discover the latest advancements in alternative energy technology and the policy frameworks that support their adoption. Through detailed essays, learn about the strides being made in energy efficiency, storage solutions, and smart grid technology, as well as the legislative measures driving renewable energy deployment.

Engaging the Global Community in Alternative Energy Discourse

Our collection aims to engage readers in the vital discourse on alternative energy, encouraging a shift in perception and action towards renewable energy sources. By highlighting both the successes and obstacles in the field, these essays inspire informed discussions and proactive involvement in the global transition to alternative energy.

Study on Bioenergy as Alternative Energy

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Solar Power:an Eternal Source of Energy

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Research Whether Renewable Energy is Really a Green Energy

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Impact of Oil Drilling to Fish Industries and Other Sources of Energy

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Analysis of Wind Energy Sector in India

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Renewable and Alternative Energy

Latest Nelson Issue Brief focuses on the benefits, barriers, and considerations of adopting alternative energy sources.

Imagine a future where our energy comes from the sun, wind, and flowing water, rather than from burning fossil fuels. Fortunately, that vision isn’t too far off; research continues to show the environmental, economic, societal, and health benefits that will come from shifting our energy systems to renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, nuclear, and biofuels.

However, the path to widespread adoption of alternative energy isn’t without its challenges. We need vast mineral resources, answers to tough land-use questions, and solutions to creating better energy facilities and storage systems.

The Nelson Institute Issue Brief is a quarterly publication that shares new research from across the UW–Madison campus on key issues of environmental concern. This edition focuses on renewable and alternative energy in Wisconsin and beyond. Learn how we can use satellite data to support energy applications, engage with the community to address local energy needs, and better understand the economic, health and societal benefits of grid decarbonization.

Featured in This Issue

• Satellite Data for Renewable Energy : UW–Madison’s Tracey Holloway, Michael Kamp, Brad Pierce, and Morgan Edwards (and Paul Stackhouse, NASA Langley Research Center)
• What are Wisconsinites’ Perspectives on Community Energy Management and the Clean Energy Transition? Mikhaila Calice
• A Holistic Framework of the Benefits of Utility-Scale Solar : Katie Mummah, Sofia Taylor, Manman Ding, and Lew Blank (and Cristina Crespo Montañés, UC–Berkeley; Eric O’Shaughnessy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)
• Health Benefits for Electricity Decarbonization Pathways in Wisconsin : Nova Tebbe, Jonathan Patz, Michael Ferris

Read this issue as a PDF or browse past editions

Essay on Alternative Energy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Alternative Energy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Alternative Energy

Introduction.

Alternative energy refers to energy sources that are different from traditional fossil fuels. These include solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. They’re important because they’re renewable and cause less pollution.

Solar Energy

Solar energy comes from the sun. We use solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. It’s a clean, renewable source that doesn’t harm the environment.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is harnessed by wind turbines. As the wind blows, it spins the turbines, generating electricity. It’s plentiful and renewable, but depends on the wind’s speed.

Hydroelectric Energy

Hydroelectric energy is produced by the movement of water. Dams are built to store water, which is then released to turn turbines and generate electricity. It’s renewable and efficient.

250 Words Essay on Alternative Energy

Alternative energy, often referred to as renewable energy, is energy derived from resources that are naturally replenished. Unlike fossil fuels, these resources are limitless, making them a sustainable option for energy production.

The Need for Alternative Energy

Our planet’s health is in a critical state due to the excessive use of fossil fuels. Their combustion contributes to climate change by releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide. Switching to alternative energy sources is a viable solution to this urgent issue.

Types of Alternative Energy

There are several types of alternative energy sources. Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy, while wind power uses air flow to generate electricity. Hydropower and tidal energy exploit water’s kinetic energy, and geothermal energy utilizes heat from beneath the Earth’s surface. Biomass and biofuels are derived from organic matter.

Benefits of Alternative Energy

Alternative energy sources offer numerous benefits. They significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus mitigating climate change. They also reduce dependence on finite resources and can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their benefits, alternative energy sources face challenges such as intermittency and high initial costs. However, with technological advancements and political will, these hurdles can be overcome. The future of energy lies in harnessing these sustainable resources, underlining the importance of investing in alternative energy research and infrastructure.

500 Words Essay on Alternative Energy

Introduction to alternative energy.

Alternative energy refers to energy sources that are not based on the burning of fossil fuels or nuclear fusion. The term is commonly used to refer to renewable and non-polluting energy sources. These are energy sources that are continually replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water flows. They are a vital part of our future, as they offer an alternative to fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment and are limited in supply.

The Importance of Alternative Energy

The need for alternative energy sources is driven by two major factors: environmental concerns and the depletion of our planet’s natural resources. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming, air pollution, and acid rain. On the other hand, renewable energy sources produce little or no pollution and do not contribute to climate change. Furthermore, the world’s oil and gas reserves are finite. As these resources become harder to find and extract, the cost of extraction and production will increase.

Hydropower, generated by the movement of water, is a reliable and constant energy source, but the construction of dams can have significant environmental impacts. Bioenergy, derived from organic materials, is renewable and can be produced locally, reducing our dependence on foreign oil. However, it competes with food resources and may contribute to deforestation. Geothermal energy, derived from the Earth’s internal heat, is reliable and sustainable, but its availability is limited to certain regions.

The Future of Alternative Energy

The future of alternative energy looks promising. Technological advancements are making these energy sources more efficient and cost-effective. Governments around the world are implementing policies to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, the transition to a sustainable energy future will require a combination of strategies, including energy conservation, increased energy efficiency, and the development of new technologies.

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Essay on Renewable Energy

Introduction to Renewable Energy

In the quest for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future, adopting renewable energy has emerged as a pivotal solution to mitigate the challenges posed by traditional fossil fuels. Take, for instance, the remarkable growth of solar power in countries like Germany, where the “Energiewende” policy has catapulted them to the forefront of green energy innovation. This transformative journey showcases the potential of harnessing solar energy as an alternative and a cornerstone for economic prosperity, reduced carbon emissions, and heightened energy security. As we delve into the world of renewable energy, it becomes evident that these innovations are key to shaping a cleaner, more resilient global energy landscape.

Importance of Transitioning to Renewable Sources

A sustainable future and resolving numerous global issues depend heavily on the switch to renewable energy sources. This shift is crucial for several reasons:

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• Environmental Preservation: Fossil fuel combustion contributes significantly to air and water pollution and climate change. Transitioning to renewables reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigates environmental degradation, and helps preserve ecosystems.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Renewable energy is a key player in mitigating climate change . Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, is crucial to prevent catastrophic outcomes such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
• Energy Security: Wind and solar power, as renewable energy sources, provide a diverse and decentralized energy supply. This reduces dependence on finite and geopolitically sensitive fossil fuel reserves, enhancing energy security and resilience.
• Economic Opportunities: The renewable energy sector fosters job creation and economic growth. Investments in clean energy technologies stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities, and contribute to developing a robust and sustainable economy.
• Public Health Improvement: Transitioning away from fossil fuels decreases the release of harmful pollutants, leading to improved air and water quality. This, in turn, positively impacts public health by reducing respiratory illnesses and other pollution-related diseases.
• Resource Conservation: Unlike finite fossil fuel reserves, renewable sources are inherently sustainable and inexhaustible. By harnessing the power of sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat, societies can meet their energy needs without depleting limited natural resources.
• Technological Advancements: The transition to renewables drives innovation and technological advancements. Research and development in clean energy technologies contribute to a cleaner environment and the advancement of scientific knowledge and industrial capabilities.
• Global Cooperation: The shift to renewable energy encourages international collaboration to address shared challenges. Collaborative efforts in research, development, and the adoption of clean energy technologies can foster diplomatic ties and strengthen global cooperation.

Types of Renewable Energy

Sources naturally replenished on a human timescale, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly, derive renewable energy. Listed below are the main types of renewable energy:

• Solar Power: While solar thermal systems use sunshine to heat a fluid that produces steam to power turbines, photovoltaic cells use sunlight to convert light into energy.
• Wind Energy: Wind turbines are machines that use the wind’s kinetic energy to generate electricity through wind energy. When the wind rotates the turbine blades, a generator transforms that rotational energy into electrical energy. Onshore or offshore locations often host wind farms.
• Hydropower: Hydropower produces electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water. Run-of-river systems divert a portion of a river’s flow, while dam-based hydropower involves the controlled release of stored water through turbines to generate power.
• Biomass Energy: Organic materials like wood, agricultural waste, and agricultural residues produce biomass energy. Biomass can produce heat, electricity, and biofuels through combustion or anaerobic digestion, offering a versatile energy source.
• Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy taps into the Earth’s internal heat by harnessing steam or hot water beneath the Earth’s surface. Geothermal power plants convert this thermal energy into electricity, providing a consistent and reliable power source.
• Tidal Energy: Tidal energy harnesses the moon’s and sun’s gravitational pull to create electricity as the tides rise and fall. Utilizing underwater turbines allows tidal stream devices to capture the energy of the water’s flow.
• Wave Energy: Wave energy captures the motion of ocean waves to generate electricity. Wave energy converters, including point absorbers and oscillating water columns, convert waves’ up and down motion into usable power.
• Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen, often considered a carrier of energy, can be produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity. It is a clean fuel for various applications, including transportation and industrial processes, emitting only water vapor when used.

Technological advancements

Technological breakthroughs have shaped the modern world, revolutionizing industries and elevating people’s standard of living. Several key areas highlight the profound impact of technology on society:

• Information Technology (IT): The evolution of IT has transformed communication, information access, and business operations. The development of the Internet, cloud computing , and mobile technologies has facilitated instantaneous global communication, d ata storage , and access to vast amounts of information.
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: AI and ML have ushered in a new era of automation and decision-making capabilities. From autonomous vehicles to predictive analytics in healthcare, these technologies continue to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and problem-solving across various industries.
• Biotechnology: Advances in biotechnology have revolutionized healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 offer unprecedented possibilities in treating genetic disorders, while biotech applications in agriculture improve crop yield and resilience.
• Renewable Energy Technologies: Clean energy generation is now more economical and efficient thanks to renewable energy technology, including energy storage systems, wind turbines, and solar panels. These innovations are pivotal in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices.
• Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology manipulates materials at the atomic or molecular level. Nanotechnology has transformed the fields of materials science, electronics, and medicine. As a result, scientists have created sophisticated materials with unique qualities, developed more compact and potent electrical devices, and improved medication delivery methods.
• 3D Printing: Layer-by-layer construction of three-dimensional items is possible with additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. This technology utilizes diverse applications, from prototyping and manufacturing to healthcare, producing custom implants and prosthetics.
• Blockchain Technology: The decentralized and secure ledger technology known as blockchain powers cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin . Beyond finance, it finds applications in supply chain management , voting systems, and ensuring the integrity and transparency of various processes.
• Quantum Computing: Using the ideas of quantum mechanics, quantum computing can execute intricate calculations at a pace impossible for conventional computers. This can potentially revolutionize fields such as cryptography, optimization problems, and drug discovery.
• Internet of Things (IoT): The technology known as the Internet of Things (IoT) enables commonplace objects to be linked to the Internet and gather and share data. This interconnectedness enhances efficiency in smart homes, cities, and industries, optimizing resource utilization and overall productivity.
• Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR): AR and VR technologies immerse users in virtual or augmented environments, transforming experiences in fields like gaming, education, healthcare, and training simulations.

Challenges and Solutions

Addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements, societal changes, and global issues requires proactive strategies and innovative solutions. Here are some main challenges and possible solutions:

• Cybersecurity Threats:
• Challenge: Due to the growing interconnectivity of systems and the dependence on digital technology, individuals and organizations are more vulnerable to cyber threats such as ransomware attacks and data breaches.
• Solution: Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, regular updates, and user education can help mitigate cyber risks. Collaboration between governments, industries, and cybersecurity experts is crucial for developing effective strategies.
• Privacy Concerns:
• Challenge: The collection and utilization of personal data by companies and governments raise concerns about privacy infringement.
• Solution: Implemented to safeguard people’s privacy rights, GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation) and other stricter laws and policies exist. Innovations like privacy-enhancing technologies and decentralized identity solutions offer alternative approaches.
• Job Displacement Due to Automation:
• Challenge: Automation and artificial intelligence technologies can lead to job displacement and economic inequality.
• Solution: Reskilling and upskilling programs and focusing on education in emerging fields can prepare the workforce for the changing job landscape. Social policies like universal basic income (UBI) may provide a safety net during transitions.
• Environmental Degradation:
• Challenge: Industrial activities and resource exploitation contribute to environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
• Solution: Sustainable practices, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy principles can mitigate environmental impact. International cooperation and stringent environmental regulations also play a crucial role.
• Ethical Concerns in AI:
• Challenge: Ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence include biased algorithms, lack of transparency, and potential misuse.
• Solution: Implementing ethical guidelines and standards for AI development, promoting transparency in algorithms, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on AI ethics can help address these concerns.
• Healthcare Access Disparities:
• Challenge: Access to quality healthcare is unique globally, with disparities exacerbated by factors such as geography and socioeconomic status.
• Solution: Telemedicine, mobile health applications, and innovative healthcare delivery models can improve access. International collaborations and investment in healthcare infrastructure can reduce disparities.
• Digital Inequality:
• Challenge: Not everyone has equal access to digital technologies, leading to disparities in education, economic opportunities, and social inclusion.
• Solution: Initiatives focusing on digital literacy, affordable internet access, and technology inclusion programs can bridge the digital divide. Governments and organizations can also invest in infrastructure to expand connectivity.
• Global Public Health Crises:
• Challenge: Events like pandemics can strain healthcare systems, disrupt economies, and create social upheaval.
• Solution: Preparedness plans, early warning systems, and international cooperation in research and resource allocation are crucial. Advances in biotechnology and data analytics can aid in swift responses.
• Ethical Use of Biotechnology:
• Challenge: Biotechnological advancements like gene editing raise ethical concerns about human enhancement and unintended consequences.
• Solution: Robust ethical frameworks, public engagement, and interdisciplinary dialogues involving ethicists, scientists, and policymakers can guide responsible biotechnological development.
• Energy Transition Challenges:
• Challenge: Shifting from traditional to renewable energy sources faces infrastructure, economic viability, and societal acceptance challenges.
• Solution: Government incentives, public awareness campaigns, and investment in research and development can accelerate the transition. Community involvement and stakeholder engagement are critical for successful adoption.

Global Initiatives and Policies

Global initiatives and policies play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of technological, economic, and environmental progress. These initiatives often reflect the collective effort of nations to address shared challenges and promote cooperation in various domains. Here are some notable global initiatives and policies:

• Paris Agreement: Global leaders reached a global agreement to keep the rise in temperature to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Nations aim to enhance climate resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The 17 goals address global issues, including poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Goal 7 targets explicitly affordable and clean energy, promoting the transition to renewable sources.
• IRENA(International Renewable Energy Agency): An intergovernmental organization promoting the widespread use of renewable energy. IRENA facilitates cooperation among nations, provides policy advice, and supports capacity building for renewable energy projects.
• Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM): A forum bringing together energy ministers from various nations to promote clean energy policies, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives to advance the global transition to low-carbon technologies.
• Mission Innovation: A global initiative involving 24 countries and the European Union, committed to doubling public investment in clean energy research and development over five years. It aims to accelerate innovation and make clean energy more affordable.
• European Green Deal: An ambitious EU policy framework aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. It describes plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions, support renewable energy, and completely revamp the European economy.
• Renewable Energy Policies at National Levels: Many countries have established specific policies and targets to promote renewable energy adoption. Examples include Germany’s Energiewende, India’s National Solar Mission, and China’s commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030.
• Power Africa: An initiative by the U.S. government to increase access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. Its main objectives are to encourage investment in the region’s power sector and to facilitate the development of renewable energy projects.
• Global Geothermal Alliance: Launched at COP21, the alliance promotes geothermal energy deployment worldwide. It encourages collaboration between governments, development partners, and the private sector to harness the potential of geothermal resources.
• ESMAP (World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program): ESMAP supports developing countries in building sustainable energy systems. It provides technical assistance, policy advice, and financial support for projects promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Case Studies

• Germany’s Energiewende: Germany’s ambitious energy transition, known as Energiewende, aims to shift from conventional energy sources to renewable energy. The country has made significant investments in wind and solar energy, enacted energy-saving measures, and plans to phase out nuclear power. The Energiewende case study exemplifies the integration of renewables into the energy mix and the challenges of maintaining grid balance during this transition.
• China’s Renewable Energy Expansion: China has become a global leader in renewable energy deployment. The country has significantly invested in wind and solar energy projects, increasing capacity. The case study explores China’s policy incentives, market dynamics, and technological advancements that have facilitated its rapid expansion in the renewable energy sector.
• Denmark’s Wind Power Success: Denmark has been a pioneer in wind energy, with wind power contributing significantly to its electricity generation. The case study delves into Denmark’s wind energy policies, including favorable regulatory frameworks, community engagement, and advancements in wind turbine technology. It highlights the economic and environmental benefits of widespread wind power adoption.
• California’s Renewable Energy Leadership: In the US, California has used renewable energy. The state’s case study examines its aggressive renewable portfolio standards, innovative policies promoting solar power, and the role of technology companies in driving clean energy initiatives. California’s experience demonstrates the potential for subnational entities to lead in renewable energy transitions.
• Rural Electrification in India through Solar Power: India’s case study focuses on rural electrification efforts using solar power. Initiatives like the National Solar Mission and off-grid solar projects have brought electricity to remote areas, transforming lives and fostering economic development. The study explores the challenges faced and lessons learned in scaling up solar energy access in a diverse and populous country.
• Costa Rica’s Renewable Energy Achievement: Costa Rica stands out for achieving high levels of renewable energy generation, primarily from hydropower, wind, and geothermal sources. The case study examines the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability, policies promoting clean energy, and the role of hydropower in maintaining a reliable and renewable energy supply.
• South Australia’s Grid Transformation: South Australia’s case study illustrates its transition to a renewable energy-dominant grid. The state has faced challenges related to grid stability and intermittency but has also demonstrated successful integration of wind and solar power. The study delves into the policy measures, technological solutions, and lessons learned in South Australia’s journey toward a low-carbon energy system.
• Morocco’s Concentrated Solar Power Project: Morocco’s case study focuses on the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the world’s most significant concentrated solar power projects. The initiative aims to harness solar energy for electricity generation, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to national energy security. The study explores the project’s technological innovations, financing models, and the impact on Morocco’s energy landscape.

Future Prospects

The future of energy holds exciting possibilities as technological advancements and evolving societal priorities shape the landscape. Several key prospects are likely to influence the trajectory of the global energy sector:

• Emerging Technologies: Ongoing research and development in renewable energy technologies will likely yield breakthroughs in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and energy storage. Innovations such as advanced solar cells, next-generation wind turbines, and novel energy storage solutions will be crucial in shaping the future energy landscape.
• Tidal and Wave Energy: Tidal and wave energy, largely untapped at present, hold significant potential for sustainable power generation. As technologies mature, harnessing the kinetic energy of ocean tides and waves could contribute to a more diverse and reliable renewable energy mix.
• Advanced Solar Technologies: Continued advancements in solar technologies, including thin-film solar cells, tandem solar cells, and solar paint, are anticipated. These innovations aim to enhance the efficiency of solar energy capture and broaden its applications across various industries.
• Integration into Various Sectors: One of the most important aspects of the energy landscape of the future is integrating renewable energy into various sectors, including industrial processes and transportation. Electric vehicles, green hydrogen production, and sustainable manufacturing will likely gain prominence.
• Energy Transition in Developing Countries: A significant role in the global energy transition is expected to be played by developing countries. International collaborations, financial support, and technology transfer will empower these nations to leapfrog traditional fossil fuel-dependent phases of development and embrace cleaner energy solutions.
• Smart Grids and Energy Storage: Deploying smart power grids, in conjunction with advanced energy storage solutions, will simplify the integration of renewable energy resources in existing power systems. Battery technologies, grid-scale storage, and demand-response mechanisms will enhance grid reliability and flexibility.
• Decentralized Energy Systems: Decentralized energy systems, such as community microgrids and distributed energy resources, will likely become more prevalent. These systems empower communities to generate, store, and manage their energy locally, promoting resilience and energy independence.
• Circular Economy in Energy: The adoption of circular economy principles in the energy sector will gain traction, emphasizing resource efficiency, recycling, and waste reduction. This strategy seeks to mitigate the harmful consequences of energy production and consumption on nature.
• Policy and Regulatory Shifts: Governments worldwide are expected to implement more ambitious policies and regulations to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Carbon pricing, renewable energy mandates, and incentives for sustainable practices will shape the regulatory environment.
• Global Collaboration: International cooperation and collaboration will be crucial for addressing global energy challenges. Shared research initiatives, technology transfer, and joint efforts to combat climate change will foster a collective approach to building a sustainable energy future.

The global shift towards renewable energy is pivotal in fostering a sustainable future. The imperative to mitigate climate change, ensure energy security, and promote economic prosperity underscores the significance of embracing clean technologies. The trajectory towards a low-carbon energy landscape becomes increasingly tangible as nations unite in initiatives like the Paris Agreement and implement robust policies. The successes of case studies from Germany to China demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of renewable energy adoption. By continuing to innovate, invest, and collaborate, humanity can unlock the full potential of renewable sources, ensuring a resilient and environmentally responsible energy paradigm for generations to come.

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Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends Essay

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Sources of energy have been important since the times of antiquity. Ancient civilizations in western countries were characterized by the industrial revolution. During this period, most energy sources were discovered and used to improve the industrial productivity. Energy sources are classified into two major categories; renewable or non-renewable (Twidell, 2006).

Whereas renewable sources cannot be depleted with time, non renewable sources can be depleted over time. Examples of renewable sources of energy are; solar, geothermal power, wind, nuclear energy, hydropower, and biomass. Fossil fuels and coal are the most common sources of non-renewable energy. This paper outlines the existence, environmental impacts and market trends of various renewable sources.

Renewable energy sources are naturally occurring sources. They can be replenished again and again. They are regarded eco-friendly as opposed to fossil fuels (Twidell, 2006). Various renewable energy sources are discussed next. Solar energy refers to the energy derived from the sun.

It can be used directly or indirectly for the generation of electricity. Direct generation of electricity from the sun involves the use of photovoltaic cells (Maczulak, 2010). Indirect generation employs the use of concentrators that tap heat energy required to heat water and produce steam. The steam is then used to run generators. Biomass energy refers to the energy derived from the combustion of either animals or plants.

Use of wood and biogas is rampant in many regions. Biomass is not only used for heating and cooking but also for used to generate electricity. Wood waste or paper waste are often burnt to produce steam vital for generation of electricity (Maczulak, 2010). Hydropower energy, on the other hand, refers to the energy derived from moving water.

Water is made to drop from a high level so that it can be used to rotate turbines resulting in the generation of electricity. Here, mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy. Geothermal energy is derived from the crust of the earth.

Deep wells are used to bring superheated steam onto the earth’s surface. The steam is used to turn turbines for electricity generation. Wind energy is derived from moving air. High speed winds rotate blades that generate electricity. Wind turbines and mills are used to harvest maximum wind energy (Solway, 2010).

Issues of global warming have initiated endless debates regarding how the issue can be addressed adequately (Clarisse, 2009). Fossil fuels have been attributed to increased carbon-dioxide emission. It is important to note that about 20% of the world energy sources come from renewable sources (Clarisse, 2009).

Renewable sources are regarded as the only option available in checking the increasing effects of global warming. However, some renewable energy sources have some negative environmental ramifications. Solar energy ranks best in terms of minimizing global warming (Clarisse, 2009).

Hydropower energy is usually dictated by the velocity and head of the water. Reduction of either of these parameters minimizes the energy produced. The source has negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. For instance, it is feared that salmon may be endangered in Columbia River due to presence of hydroelectric facilities (Abbasi, 2008).

The presence of turbine blades poses a threat to these endangered species of fish. Biomass energy has always been an air pollutant. In addition, there have been serious objections regarding the use of land to cultivate energy crops (Maczulak, 2010).Wind energy is only realized in areas where there are no trees. The establishment of wind energy plants may necessitate the clearing of forests.

This development may bring about land-use conflicts. Massive logging to pave way for such projects may lead to serious cases of desertification. Birds such as hawks and eagles have recently been killed by rotating blades. Geothermal energy is usually characterized by smelly emissions. The heavy metals or gases released from geothermal plants may negatively affect the health and lives of neighboring people (Abbasi, 2008).

Renewable energy sources bear different costs in terms of installation, operation and maintenance. It is important to note that most renewable sources are sustainable. Some such as the nuclear energy require a wide capital base to set up. Nuclear plants require radioactive waste and storage systems that are expensive to set up (Abbasi, 2008).

However, the amount of energy produced from nuclear plants is more than what is produced by the other sources. The short-term costs of setting up a nuclear plant may be high in the short term but low in the long term. Similarly, wind energy is gaining popularity in most countries. The maintenance costs are decreasing thereby reducing the short term costs (Sorensen, 2004).

However, the fact that the energy realized is far below the demand makes it expensive in the long term. All renewable energy sources carry with them their merits and demerits.

The increasing energy demand of renewable energy will automatically favor the growth of sources that have low long-term costs as opposed to those with low short-term costs. The period required to realize the long run benefits varies from one energy sector to another (Sorensen, 2004).

Supply and demand are major market forces. Renewable energy sources are also subject to varying demand and supply. Whereas the supply of some is high due to reduced cost of production, the supply of some is low due to elevated production costs. It is expected that use of renewable sources will increase drastically in the next 20 years (Panwar, 2007).

Economic, political and technological factors influence the demand and supply of renewable energy sources. Economic factors such as regional and national trade relations, taxation, tariffs and cost of production may influence the nature of supply realized. Similarly, high costs of fossil fuels, environmental degradation by fossil fuels, and technological innovations may increase the demand for fossil fuels.

The cost of raw materials required for the production of renewable energy may also dictate the nature of demand or supply observed (Panwar, 2007). Nuclear energy production, for instance, requires enough deposits of uranium. Lack of this mineral may lead to outsourcing. This makes the demand for nuclear energy low due to the high costs and unavailability of raw materials.

It is however important to note that growth in energy demand has not been consistent causing a phenomenon of energy intensity. Energy intensity has been due to adoption of different technological innovations (Panwar, 2007).

The management and maintenance of renewable energy production may be in the short run or long run (Solway, 2010). In the short run, the law of diminishing returns applies. Varying units of input such as raw materials made to fixed variables like capital results in variation in the total output. The output increases at first but later decreases. This is followed by a decline in marginal and later average product.

Fixed variables of production are under-utilized in short run productions. The effects of globalization are making managers to adopt the long run models of production. In the long run, all production factors are regarded as variables.

Returns to scale is a term used to describe the behavior of a business organization to changes in factor inputs. It is important that the supply and demand factors are put into consideration to make the renewable energy business-viable and sustainable.

Abbasi, S. (2008). Renewable Energy Sources and their Environmental Impact . New Delhi: PHI Learning Private.

Clarisse, F. (2009). Renewable Energy Sources: A Change to Combat Climate Change . Alphen aan den Rijn: Kluwer Law International.

Maczulak, A. (2010). Renewable Energy: Sources and Methods .New York: Facts On File.

Panwar, L. (2007). Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Development . Pitam Pura, New Delhi: New India Pub. Agency.

Solway, A. (2010). Renewable Energy Sources . Chicago, Ill.: Raintree.

Sorensen, B. (2004). Renewable Energy: Focus on its Physics, Use, Environmental.

impacts, Economy, and Planning Aspects . Amsterdam; Boston: Elsevier Academic Press. Twidell, J. (2006). Renewable Energy Resources . Taylor & Francis.

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What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished. Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.

Fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - on the other hand, are non-renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to form. Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide.

Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels. Transitioning from fossil fuels, which currently account for the lion’s share of emissions, to renewable energy is key to addressing the climate crisis.

Renewables are now cheaper in most countries, and generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels.

Here are a few common sources of renewable energy:

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy weather. The rate at which solar energy is intercepted by the Earth is about 10,000 times greater than the rate at which humankind consumes energy.

Solar technologies can deliver heat, cooling, natural lighting, electricity, and fuels for a host of applications. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.

Although not all countries are equally endowed with solar energy, a significant contribution to the energy mix from direct solar energy is possible for every country.

The cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically in the last decade, making them not only affordable but often the cheapest form of electricity. Solar panels have a lifespan of roughly 30 years , and come in variety of shades depending on the type of material used in manufacturing.

WIND ENERGY

Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air by using large wind turbines located on land (onshore) or in sea- or freshwater (offshore). Wind energy has been used for millennia, but onshore and offshore wind energy technologies have evolved over the last few years to maximize the electricity produced - with taller turbines and larger rotor diameters.

Though average wind speeds vary considerably by location, the world’s technical potential for wind energy exceeds global electricity production, and ample potential exists in most regions of the world to enable significant wind energy deployment.

Many parts of the world have strong wind speeds, but the best locations for generating wind power are sometimes remote ones. Offshore wind power offers t remendous potential .

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy utilizes the accessible thermal energy from the Earth’s interior. Heat is extracted from geothermal reservoirs using wells or other means.

Reservoirs that are naturally sufficiently hot and permeable are called hydrothermal reservoirs, whereas reservoirs that are sufficiently hot but that are improved with hydraulic stimulation are called enhanced geothermal systems.

Once at the surface, fluids of various temperatures can be used to generate electricity. The technology for electricity generation from hydrothermal reservoirs is mature and reliable, and has been operating for more than 100 years .

Hydropower harnesses the energy of water moving from higher to lower elevations. It can be generated from reservoirs and rivers. Reservoir hydropower plants rely on stored water in a reservoir, while run-of-river hydropower plants harness energy from the available flow of the river.

Hydropower reservoirs often have multiple uses - providing drinking water, water for irrigation, flood and drought control, navigation services, as well as energy supply.

Hydropower currently is the largest source of renewable energy in the electricity sector. It relies on generally stable rainfall patterns, and can be negatively impacted by climate-induced droughts or changes to ecosystems which impact rainfall patterns.

The infrastructure needed to create hydropower can also impact on ecosystems in adverse ways. For this reason, many consider small-scale hydro a more environmentally-friendly option , and especially suitable for communities in remote locations.

OCEAN ENERGY

Ocean energy derives from technologies that use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater - waves or currents for instance -  to produce electricity or heat.

Ocean energy systems are still at an early stage of development, with a number of prototype wave and tidal current devices being explored. The theoretical potential for ocean energy easily exceeds present human energy requirements.

Bioenergy is produced from a variety of organic materials, called biomass, such as wood, charcoal, dung and other manures for heat and power production, and agricultural crops for liquid biofuels. Most biomass is used in rural areas for cooking, lighting and space heating, generally by poorer populations in developing countries.

Modern biomass systems include dedicated crops or trees, residues from agriculture and forestry, and various organic waste streams.

Energy created by burning biomass creates greenhouse gas emissions, but at lower levels than burning fossil fuels like coal, oil or gas. However, bioenergy should only be used in limited applications, given potential negative environmental impacts related to large-scale increases in forest and bioenergy plantations, and resulting deforestation and land-use change.

For more information on renewable sources of energy, please check out the following websites:

International Renewable Energy Agency | Renewables

International Energy Agency | Renewables

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change | Renewable Sources of Energy

UN Environment Programme | Roadmap to a Carbon-Free Future

Sustainable Energy for All | Renewable Energy

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🏆 best essay topics on alternative energy, 🌶️ hot alternative energy essay topics, 👍 good alternative energy research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting alternative energy research titles, 💡 simple alternative energy essay ideas.

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• Solar Energy and Its Impact on Environment The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of solar energy on the environment. The major positive impact is the minimal emission of greenhouse gases.
• Is Nuclear Power Renewable Energy? Renewable energy is obtained from the naturally-occurring elements, implying that it can be easily accessed, cheaply generated, and conveniently supplied to consumers.
• Siemens Energy: Renewable Energy System Renewable energy technologies are methods of energy production that utilize naturally replenishable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal heat, and tides.
• Renewable Energy: Why Do We Need It? Renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, or hydropower can bring multiple environmental benefits and tackle the problems of climate change and pollution in several ways.
• Renewable Energy Programs in Five Countries Energy production is vital for the drive of the economy. The world at large should diversify the sources to reduce the over-usage of fossil energy that is a threat of depletion.
• Alternative Energy Industry’s Competition Dynamics Understanding the level of competition in the industry by a company is very important as the level of profits depends to a large extent, the level of competition.
• Renewable Energy in Japan: Clean Energy Transition Renewable energy in Japan became significantly important after the Fukushima Daiichi tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.
• Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages Renewable energy sources are being supported and invested in by governments to instigate a new environment-friendly technology.
• Installing Solar Panels to Reduce Energy Costs The purpose of the proposal is to request permission for research to install solar panels to reduce energy costs, which represent a huge part of the company’s expenses.
• The Use of Renewable Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages Today’s world is dependent on electricity, which is supplied from many different sources such as fossils fuels which emit harmful gases that pollute the environment.
• Renewable Energy: Benefits Outweigh Downfalls Renewable technology is becoming increasingly popular in today’s world. These inventions are often presented as an alternative eco-friendly solution that eliminates fossil fuels.
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• The G20 Countries’ Competitiveness in Renewable Energy Resources “Assessing national renewable energy competitiveness of the G20” by Fang et al. presents an assessment of competitiveness in renewable energy resources among G20 countries.
• Future of 100% Renewable Energy This article explores the future of renewable green energy and a review the topical studies related to 100% renewable energy.
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• Environmental Biology: Green Energy a precise definition of green energy is manifested in its source, which must be natural, such as the sun or geothermal sources.
• Discussion of Realization of Solar Energy Company ABC is interested in creating a “solar” project which will fully install and staff solar panels to ensure the safe transformation of solar energy into electricity.
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• Full Renewable Energy Plan Feasibility: 2030-2040 The paper argues that green energy in its current state will struggle to meet the humanity’s demand and the development of better hybrid, integrated grids is required.
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StudyCorgi . "92 Alternative Energy Essay Topics." July 14, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/alternative-energy-essay-topics/.

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These essay examples and topics on Alternative Energy were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 20, 2024 .

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Global Energy Crisis

How the energy crisis started, how global energy markets are impacting our daily life, and what governments are doing about it

• English English

What is the energy crisis?

Record prices, fuel shortages, rising poverty, slowing economies: the first energy crisis that's truly global.

Energy markets began to tighten in 2021 because of a variety of factors, including the extraordinarily rapid economic rebound following the pandemic. But the situation escalated dramatically into a full-blown global energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The price of natural gas reached record highs, and as a result so did electricity in some markets. Oil prices hit their highest level since 2008. 

Higher energy prices have contributed to painfully high inflation, pushed families into poverty, forced some factories to curtail output or even shut down, and slowed economic growth to the point that some countries are heading towards severe recession. Europe, whose gas supply is uniquely vulnerable because of its historic reliance on Russia, could face gas rationing this winter, while many emerging economies are seeing sharply higher energy import bills and fuel shortages. While today’s energy crisis shares some parallels with the oil shocks of the 1970s, there are important differences. Today’s crisis involves all fossil fuels, while the 1970s price shocks were largely limited to oil at a time when the global economy was much more dependent on oil, and less dependent on gas. The entire word economy is much more interlinked than it was 50 years ago, magnifying the impact. That’s why we can refer to this as the first truly global energy crisis.

Some gas-intensive manufacturing plants in Europe have curtailed output because they can’t afford to keep operating, while in China some have simply had their power supply cut. In emerging and developing economies, where the share of household budgets spent on energy and food is already large, higher energy bills have increased extreme poverty and set back progress towards achieving universal and affordable energy access. Even in advanced economies, rising prices have impacted vulnerable households and caused significant economic, social and political strains.

Climate policies have been blamed in some quarters for contributing to the recent run-up in energy prices, but there is no evidence. In fact, a greater supply of clean energy sources and technologies would have protected consumers and mitigated some of the upward pressure on fuel prices.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine drove European and Asian gas prices to record highs

Evolution of key regional natural gas prices, june 2021-october 2022, what is causing it, disrupted supply chains, bad weather, low investment, and then came russia's invasion of ukraine.

Energy prices have been rising since 2021 because of the rapid economic recovery, weather conditions in various parts of the world, maintenance work that had been delayed by the pandemic, and earlier decisions by oil and gas companies and exporting countries to reduce investments. Russia began withholding gas supplies to Europe in 2021, months ahead of its invasion of Ukraine. All that led to already tight supplies. Russia’s attack on Ukraine greatly exacerbated the situation . The United States and the EU imposed a series of sanctions on Russia and many European countries declared their intention to phase out Russian gas imports completely. Meanwhile, Russia has increasingly curtailed or even turned off its export pipelines. Russia is by far the world’s largest exporter of fossil fuels, and a particularly important supplier to Europe. In 2021, a quarter of all energy consumed in the EU came from Russia. As Europe sought to replace Russian gas, it bid up prices of US, Australian and Qatari ship-borne liquefied natural gas (LNG), raising prices and diverting supply away from traditional LNG customers in Asia. Because gas frequently sets the price at which electricity is sold, power prices soared as well. Both LNG producers and importers are rushing to build new infrastructure to increase how much LNG can be traded internationally, but these costly projects take years to come online. Oil prices also initially soared as international trade routes were reconfigured after the United States, many European countries and some of their Asian allies said they would no longer buy Russian oil. Some shippers have declined to carry Russian oil because of sanctions and insurance risk. Many large oil producers were unable to boost supply to meet rising demand – even with the incentive of sky-high prices – because of a lack of investment in recent years. While prices have come down from their peaks, the outlook is uncertain with new rounds of European sanctions on Russia kicking in later this year.

What is being done?

Pandemic hangovers and rising interest rates limit public responses, while some countries turn to coal.

Some governments are looking to cushion the blow for customers and businesses, either through direct assistance, or by limiting prices for consumers and then paying energy providers the difference. But with inflation in many countries well above target and budget deficits already large because of emergency spending during the Covid-19 pandemic, the scope for cushioning the impact is more limited than in early 2020. Rising inflation has triggered increases in short-term interest rates in many countries, slowing down economic growth. Europeans have rushed to increase gas imports from alternative producers such as Algeria, Norway and Azerbaijan. Several countries have resumed or expanded the use of coal for power generation, and some are extending the lives of nuclear plants slated for de-commissioning. EU members have also introduced gas storage obligations, and agreed on voluntary targets to cut gas and electricity demand by 15% this winter through efficiency measures, greater use of renewables, and support for efficiency improvements. To ensure adequate oil supplies, the IEA and its members responded with the two largest ever releases of emergency oil stocks. With two decisions – on 1 March 2022 and 1 April – the IEA coordinated the release of some 182 million barrels of emergency oil from public stocks or obligated stocks held by industry. Some IEA member countries independently released additional public stocks, resulting in a total of over 240 million barrels being released between March and November 2022.

The IEA has also published action plans to cut oil use with immediate impact, as well as plans for how Europe can reduce its reliance on Russian gas and how common citizens can reduce their energy consumption . The invasion has sparked a reappraisal of energy policies and priorities, calling into question the viability of decades of infrastructure and investment decisions, and profoundly reorientating international energy trade. Gas had been expected to play a key role in many countries as a lower-emitting "bridge" between dirtier fossil fuels and renewable energies. But today’s crisis has called into question natural gas’ reliability.

The current crisis could accelerate the rollout of cleaner, sustainable renewable energy such as wind and solar, just as the 1970s oil shocks spurred major advances in energy efficiency, as well as in nuclear, solar and wind power. The crisis has also underscored the importance of investing in robust gas and power network infrastructure to better integrate regional markets. The EU’s RePowerEU, presented in May 2022 and the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act , passed in August 2022, both contain major initiatives to develop energy efficiency and promote renewable energies. 

The global energy crisis can be a historic turning point

Energy saving tips

1. Heating: turn it down

Lower your thermostat by just 1°C to save around 7% of your heating energy and cut an average bill by EUR 50-70 a year. Always set your thermostat as low as feels comfortable, and wear warm clothes indoors. Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperature to 15°C while you sleep and 10°C when the house is unoccupied. This cuts up to 10% a year off heating bills. Try to only heat the room you’re in or the rooms you use regularly.

The same idea applies in hot weather. Turn off air-conditioning when you’re out. Set the overall temperature 1 °C warmer to cut bills by up to 10%. And only cool the room you’re in.

2. Boiler: adjust the settings

Default boiler settings are often higher than you need. Lower the hot water temperature to save 8% of your heating energy and cut EUR 100 off an average bill.  You may have to have the plumber come once if you have a complex modern combi boiler and can’t figure out the manual. Make sure you follow local recommendations or consult your boiler manual. Swap a bath for a shower to spend less energy heating water. And if you already use a shower, take a shorter one. Hot water tanks and pipes should be insulated to stop heat escaping. Clean wood- and pellet-burning heaters regularly with a wire brush to keep them working efficiently.

3. Warm air: seal it in

Close windows and doors, insulate pipes and draught-proof around windows, chimneys and other gaps to keep the warm air inside. Unless your home is very new, you will lose heat through draughty doors and windows, gaps in the floor, or up the chimney. Draught-proof these gaps with sealant or weather stripping to save up to EUR 100 a year. Install tight-fitting curtains or shades on windows to retain even more heat. Close fireplace and chimney openings (unless a fire is burning) to stop warm air escaping straight up the chimney. And if you never use your fireplace, seal the chimney to stop heat escaping.

4. Lightbulbs: swap them out

Replace old lightbulbs with new LED ones, and only keep on the lights you need. LED bulbs are more efficient than incandescent and halogen lights, they burn out less frequently, and save around EUR 10 a year per bulb. Check the energy label when buying bulbs, and aim for A (the most efficient) rather than G (the least efficient). The simplest and easiest way to save energy is to turn lights off when you leave a room.

5. Grab a bike

Walking or cycling are great alternatives to driving for short journeys, and they help save money, cut emissions and reduce congestion. If you can, leave your car at home for shorter journeys; especially if it’s a larger car. Share your ride with neighbours, friends and colleagues to save energy and money. You’ll also see big savings and health benefits if you travel by bike. Many governments also offer incentives for electric bikes.

6. Use public transport

For longer distances where walking or cycling is impractical, public transport still reduces energy use, congestion and air pollution. If you’re going on a longer trip, consider leaving your car at home and taking the train. Buy a season ticket to save money over time. Your workplace or local government might also offer incentives for travel passes. Plan your trip in advance to save on tickets and find the best route.

7. Drive smarter

Optimise your driving style to reduce fuel consumption: drive smoothly and at lower speeds on motorways, close windows at high speeds and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Try to take routes that avoid heavy traffic and turn off the engine when you’re not moving. Drive 10 km/h slower on motorways to cut your fuel bill by around EUR 60 per year. Driving steadily between 50-90 km/h can also save fuel. When driving faster than 80 km/h, it’s more efficient to use A/C, rather than opening your windows. And service your engine regularly to maintain energy efficiency.

Analysis and forecast to 2026

Fuel report — December 2023

Europe’s energy crisis: Understanding the drivers of the fall in electricity demand

Commentary — 09 May 2023

Where things stand in the global energy crisis one year on

Commentary — 23 February 2023

The global energy crisis pushed fossil fuel consumption subsidies to an all-time high in 2022

Commentary — 16 February 2023

Fossil Fuels Consumption Subsidies 2022

Policy report — February 2023

Background note on the natural gas supply-demand balance of the European Union in 2023

Report — February 2023

Analysis and forecast to 2025

Fuel report — December 2022

How to Avoid Gas Shortages in the European Union in 2023

A practical set of actions to close a potential supply-demand gap

Flagship report — December 2022

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Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues

As governor of Minnesota, he has enacted policies to secure abortion protections, provide free meals for schoolchildren, allow recreational marijuana and set renewable energy goals.

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By Maggie Astor

• Aug. 6, 2024

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the newly announced running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, has worked with his state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to enact an ambitious agenda of liberal policies: free college tuition for low-income students, free meals for schoolchildren, legal recreational marijuana and protections for transgender people.

“You don’t win elections to bank political capital,” Mr. Walz wrote last year about his approach to governing. “You win elections to burn political capital and improve lives.”

Republicans have slammed these policies as big-government liberalism and accused Mr. Walz of taking a hard left turn since he represented a politically divided district in Congress years ago.

Here is an overview of where Mr. Walz stands on some key issues.

Mr. Walz signed a bill last year that guaranteed Minnesotans a “fundamental right to make autonomous decisions” about reproductive health care on issues such as abortion, contraception and fertility treatments.

Abortion was already protected by a Minnesota Supreme Court decision, but the new law guarded against a future court reversing that precedent as the U.S. Supreme Court did with Roe v. Wade, and Mr. Walz said this year that he was also open to an amendment to the state’s Constitution that would codify abortion rights.

Another bill he signed legally shields patients, and their medical providers, if they receive an abortion in Minnesota after traveling from a state where abortion is banned.

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