Alternative Energy Resources - Research Paper Example

? Alternative Energy Resources Introduction The increasing energy requirements of the world have started debate about energy deduction using alternative resources. Energy is the ultimate source of gaining power, advancement and development. The conventional methods of producing energy are expensive and require several protocols (Jorgensen 22). The energy requirements of the world are ever increasing therefore substitutes exploration phase needs enhancement. In the lieu of energy production; researchers, scientists, analysts and several innovators have suggested numerous reminiscent measures through which energy can be generated so that humanity would not be facing energy crisis in the coming years. The roar of new energy alternatives can be heard throughout the globe but strings attached to them do not motivate governments and concerned authorities to take further measures. Some of the ideas however are exclusive and require expensive machinery to produce energy (Kuo, 36). The objective of this paper is present hawk-eye view regarding the production of energy through alternative sources. The technological advancements have eased everyday proceedings so utilizing them in the production of energy can bring substantial results. The study examines regions having alternative energy resources and their quest for the optimization of energy. The most recognized alternative methods of energy are nuclear energy, Hydropower, Bio diesel, Biomass, Geothermal, Solar hot water, Ethanol and Biomass electricity production models. The paper precisely examines the impact of energy production models in different countries. Special emphasizes on geothermal energy is put down to dissect it from all angles. What outcomes have the countries experienced after using alternative resources are epitomized in this research paper. Geothermal Energy Paradigm The focus of developed and developing countries has now been extensively shifted on geothermal energy. This is one of the best ways of energy production by using natural resources. Thermal power is present in the crust of earth naturally. The radioactive decomposition of minerals play vital role in the formation of geothermal power. This form of energy is stored and produced from earth’s crust therefore it is escalated to be preeminent energy resource (Ting 233). The temperature level in the earth has critical role hence it cannot be produced in all the localities. Scientists have estimated that the amount of geothermal power present in the crust of earth is sufficient to fulfill the energy requirements of the world for upcoming many centuries. It is sustainable, cost effective, and reliable; and has the tendency to facilitate all mainstream energy units (Jorgensen 51). According to Ting (2011, p.230), the drilling interface for the production of this kind of energy is very expensive. The machinery and equipment required for the digging purpose cannot be afforded easily. The selection of appropriate place needs accuracy as drilling costs are too high. Governments’ intervention for this energy producing resource is essential as private bodies cannot solely bear its costs. Some countries like United States, Philippines, Ice land and Japan have taken serious measures to produce energy from this form. China is taking colossal steps in this regard too. The expense of machinery eventually effects on the consumers too thus people have to pay lot more than usual rates. Chevron Corporation has immensely invested in the geothermal production units. It is the largest private sector energy producing unit and has tremendously facilitated numerous consumers throughout the globe. The focus of the corporation remains to fulfill energy requirements of residents at all levels. Currently in United States more than 77 geothermal power electricity units are operational; producing approximately 3086 MW energy. The Geysers, California is the region where America’s largest geothermal production unit is installed. Philippines government and private sector has taken incredible steps from in this field. It is the second largest country that produces geothermal energy. Approximately 1900 MW unit of energy is produced in Philippines through thermal reservoirs (Kuo 84). It is discovered that energy produced through geothermal resources is powerful than other sources. The main element is the use of direct heat from the surface of earth. It enables the functioning and performance of electrical supplies too. China is making progressive measures in the geothermal production units. The problem lies with the machinery costs for which Chinese government and local citizens are taking essential steps. Alternatively they have discovered many other resources to fulfill energy requirements. China is one of the world’s countries where almost every method of energy production has been used till date (Zhang, Qiu and Hasi, 257). Geothermal Energy Advantages The installation of geothermal units throughout the globe can eliminate dependency of humans on any other energy reservoir. The main factor that governs this energy production is sustainability, reliability and assurance of the presence of infinite heat reservoirs in earth’s crust. The problem of saving and maintaining resources occurs evidently in all other forms of energies. Geothermal has the competitive edge over others as energy prevails beneath the crust of earth. The energy production requires specific protocols and measure; moreover maintenance costs are hectic for producers. In accordance to that reservoirs maintenance also plays vital role in increasing costs but there is no such case with geothermal energy. As the resource is already present therefore no maintenance required. Raw form of earth’s heat is taken under consideration while using it for energy purposes (Lund 1452). The energy production fields of geothermal energy are built are high locations; away from general locality. There is no health hazards affiliated with this form of energy production. The methodology is simple, precise and trouble-free. The distinguishing character of geothermal energy is the enduring stability. Unlike any other energy production practice; geothermal gives best value for the money spent. Geothermal powers have been present in the earth before its creation therefore strong virtue lies beneath it. The mixing of minerals decay makes it further strong due to which strong form of energy is deducted. The presence of geothermal powers demonstrate that even future generations can relax for centuries after the incorporation of geothermal plants all over the globe (Huang and Liu 293). Geothermal Energy Shortcomings The area selection of geothermal energy extraction has remained problem. The high altitude where geothermal energy is at zenith is taken under account usually. Although every location is not suitable for the deduction of this energy; hence specific locations needs to be figured out by the scientists, geologists and researchers first. The locality finalizing for transplanting activity requires team of geologists who precisely know what sort of energy stream lies beneath. The inspection and exploration expertise bears time and costs. Any mistake by the geologists and researchers results in millions of loss (Kuo, 2012). The cost of geothermal energy is higher than other forms of energies. The main reason remains high costs in the exploration and installation of machinery. It is assumed that people will have to pay thrice or even more if geothermal energy is fully incorporated. The prices would eventually go down if machinery prices and exploration costs go down. Economically it is not deemed to be the best method. Human race is not able to afford such expensive energy forms therefore focus on others would be better. The strong pros of geothermal however advocate the case in different passion (Haehnlein, Bayer and Blum 2615). Countries Making Use of Geothermal Energy The developed countries of the world have welcomed this form of energy production as it has the steadiness to facilitate masses for several years. Some countries have not shown any interest in geothermal energy because of high costs and several strings attached to it. United States has been leading the queue of geothermal energy production. The energy producing plant in California is the world’s largest geothermal production unit. It has been making headlines in the energy sector for quite some times now. The costs affiliated with it are very high but subsequently the reward is appealing too. United States government has announced to make more measures in this field in the coming years (Lund 1458). The benefits attached with the induction of geothermal energy units are certainly moving governments of the world. The International Geothermal Association (IGA) has started awareness campaign in order to educate masses about this form of energy. The campaigns of awareness successfully run in U.S and European countries. The government of Philippines showed potential in thermal energy deductions and implied this approach in the country. The energy requirements of the country are fulfilled by geothermal now as 17% contribution in national power grid of Philippines is through geothermal energy. The country holds pride of having second most energy producing nation in the world (Haehnlein, Bayer and Blum 2617-2622). Mexico is third in the list of producing geothermal energy. China is taking potential steps but they already have made use of several other methods. Chinese philosophy is fulfilling energy requirements is state of the art. They make use of every possible technique that produces energy. The modeling of geothermal plants in China went successful but the costs constraints attached to it not motivated Chinese enthusiastically (Kuo, 2012). Critical Evaluation The rising energy requirements of the world need to be fulfilled by concerned authorities at any level. The conventional methods applied till dates are not very feasible now as resources eventually wipe out. The usage of strong energy production unit is necessary which guarantees long lasting success and promise not to wipe out for at least a century. The whole world is under mental tension of energy shortfalls. Even the developed countries have great fear about energy crisis in the coming years. Steps taken in this regard are encouraging but some of the newly presented methods also suggest that resources would eventually varnish (Jorgensen, 2012). The underdeveloped and developing countries can become stable if energy requirements are fulfilled properly. The energy shortfalls in under developed and developing countries have given great stress to the masses. People are unable to perform daily tasks because of energy shortfalls. Ultimately problems of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy are prevailing in the world. Energy is the backbone of all humans’ related tasks therefore proficient production units are essential for all localities (Lund 1465). The contributions of researchers are promising and can bring change in the society but on the same end; serious attitude of governments is required acknowledge action plans and try to implement them in satisfying energy wants of the country. Geothermal energy has made huge roar in the past ten years and the results accumulated so far present promising results in the upcoming years. The cost attached to this method is the biggest problem with it. Reduction in fixed costs is impossible however technological advancements would eventually decrease the prices of machinery. USA has been front line player to make use of this form of energy. The geothermal energy reservoirs operating in California have been facilitating thousands of people in the region. The independence by federal government of U.S to its respective states has brought significant outcomes. States research teams are exploring new ways to fulfill energy shortfalls. Surplus energy units’ strategy is also under action so that there would be no problem in the coming years. Conclusion The above illustrate discussion demonstrate that geothermal power is one of the safest forms of energy production expeditions. The energy requirements of all the countries can be easily fulfilled if geothermal energy units are incorporated. World would eventually progress rapidly and swiftly when energy shortfalls are eradicated. The machinery, equipment and team required for the plantation purpose of geothermal powers requires accuracy and precision. The costs of geothermal energy production are relatively higher than other forms of the energy producing models but it ensures long lasting success. The major constituent making geothermal prominent is the deduction methodology of this energy source. Since earth’s crust is the resource and also stores energy too, therefore there is no element of reserving it somewhere else. Moreover countries have to bear costs of this energy production unit once; it can fulfill energy requirements for upcoming numerous years. Researchers have elevated geothermal as the best method of energy production and have also discussed its economic factors too. In the inauguration of any energy producing reservoir costs have to be met. The amount is eventually spent annually or semiannually on the maintenance and up gradation of energy production models but geothermal guarantees long-lasting sustainability, reliability and cost effectiveness. References Kuo, G. Geothermal energy, World Future Review, (2012) 4(1) Jorgensen, S. E. Employing Energy and Carbon Models to Determine the Sustainability of Alternative Energy Landscapes, Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton, FL, USA. (2012). Glassley, W. E. Geothermal energy: renewable energy and the environment. (2011) CRC Press Zhang, Q., Ma, J., Qiu, G., Li, L., Geng, S., Hasi, E., & Li, X. Potential energy production from algae on marginal land in China, Bioresource Technology, (2012) 109, 252-260 Lund, John W. "Direct utilization of geothermal energy." Energies 3.8 (2010): 1443-1471. Huang, S., & Liu, J. (2010), Geothermal energy stuck between a rock and a hot place. Nature, 463(7279), 293-293 Haehnlein, S., Bayer, P., & Blum, P. (2010), International legal status of the use of shallow geothermal energy, Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 14(9), 2611-2625. Ting, D. S. K. Geothermal Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment. International Journal of Environmental Studies, (2011) 68(2), 229-234. Read More