Substituting Non-Renewable Energy With Renewable Energy - Research Paper Example

Substituting Non-Renewable Energy With Renewable Energy Abstract The research paper proffered pertinent issues relative to substituting nonrenewable sources of energy with renewable energy, particularly focusing on sustainable biomass energy. Initial theoretical discourse on differentiating renewable from nonrenewable energy sources were presented; as well as rationalizing the need for substitution. A discussion on justifications for using renewable biomass energy as a more effective substitution included integrating its natural sources; as well as its impact on the environment. The sources of biomass energy were expounded and currently, continued researches on the subject continue to determine its advantages and disadvantages. Proper management practice and knowledge of alternative applications are noted to be instrumental in its successful use; as well as in harnessing maximized potentials as a sustainable energy source. Introduction Thematically, this paper focuses on integrating various sources of non-renewable energy with renewable energy sources with a key focus on sustainable biomass energy. Reliable and sufficient sources of energy are a requirement for industrialized nations. Energy is required for cooking, heating, manufacturing, and transportation. Energy sources are broadly categorized into renewable and non-renewable sources (Lens, 2005). Statistics have indicated that over 85 percent of the energy used is from non-renewable sources. Examples of non-renewable energy include nuclear power and fossil fuel such as oil and coal (Field, et al., 2008). These sources of energy are considered as non-renewable because they cannot be regenerated enough to keep pace with their utilization. On the other hand, renewable energy is generated from natural sources such as tide, rain, sun, and wind and it can be regenerated over and over as and when required. Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible, plenty, and the cleanest sources of energy (Macqueen, 2011). Similarly, energy from biomass from plants, geothermal, and wind can be transformed to electricity for both domestic and industrial use (Field, et al., 2008). Environmental problems such pollution and ozone layer depletion resulting from energy wastes have called for the need to substitute non-renewable energy with renewable energy. This is primarily intended to conserve the environment by adopting clean sources of energy, and preserving the scarce sources of non-renewable energy (Macqueen, 2011). The need to substitute a non-renewable biomass energy source by a renewable biomass is of significance because an energy fuel, which increases carbon dioxide concentration, in the atmosphere, is replaced with energy fuel that reduces the concentration of carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere (Field, et al., 2008). Renewable biomass reduces anthropogenic emissions, into the atmosphere because it involves complete energy consumption. Renewable biomass is even more effective, in reducing anthropogenic emissions, than projects, which focus on transforming from fossil fuel to biomass use (Cheng, 2010). This is because non-sustainable biomass energy is obtained from native forests, which existed for thousands of years. Additionally, the use of non-sustainable biomass energy from ancient carbon stocks does not show any considerable reduction of carbon dioxide concentration, in the atmosphere (Field, et al., 2008). All the living materials that are found on earth make up a limitless source of energy that may be used by the entire of humanity. When used appropriately, only a small amount of the biomass energy produced by all these living things every year would be enough to supply the world’s need for energy. A form of renewable energy source due to its ability to be reproduced over and over, biomass energy would no doubt be one of the cleanest and the most reliable substitute for nonrenewable energy sources that the world use now (Khan 2009). Animals, plants, and other living organisms are responsible for the production of biomass energy. As such, it is also one of the cheapest sources of energy that is readily available in the planet for utilization. In the past, biomass energy has been used both in the households as well as big industries. However, as modernization progresses, a growing demand for a more convenient energy source was indispensable. This need therefore leads to the utilization of nonrenewable energy sources such as those that are made from fossil fuels for which have grown a scarce energy source nowadays (Khan 2009). Biomass energy can be derived from different sources, thus it is widely available for everyone. This type of energy may be produced from the most common and often taken for granted matters that are present in the surroundings. Wastes, forests, and energy crops are identified as good sources of biomass energy. The substituted nonrenewable biomass (fossil fuel) and the renewable biomass have similar chemical and physical characteristics; however, it is necessary to note that they are different products. The differences may include different plant species, different parts of the tree, and different ecological environments (Field, et al., 2008). Although it has been found that the organic matter found in municipal wastes obtains a large amount of biomass energy, other waste sources are identified to be of equal potential. Burning wastes from “wood scraps, unusable parts of trees, pulp residue, and paper scraps,” as well as “sticks, branches, leaves, stumps, and roots” that are left behind after lumbering operations, biomass energy may be produced. Forests, which produce mainly various organic products that can be used for the production of biomass energy, may, on the other hand, be limited. Although when its trees and other living matters are harvested in a controlled manner, natural standing forests are excellent potential source of biomass energy. Growing of energy crops such as those that produce ethanol and oil are just as stupendous renewable energy source in the form of biomass (McKinney, Schoch, & Yonavjak 2013). Additionally, these energy sources also differ in their commercial productions with nonrenewable energy sources being anarchic and informal while renewable biomass being labeled and monitored. For instance, when renewable and nonrenewable biomasses have the same chemical and physical characteristics, and the burning process also remains unchanged, the emissions from renewable biomass can easily be monitored and measured (Friedrich & Reis, 2004). This indicates that anthropogenic emissions resulting from renewable biomass and the combustion equipment can be easily analyzed and controlled. This further implies that, with renewable sources of energy, it is easier to control and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, in the environment, than nonrenewable energy sources, which are difficult to monitor and control (Field, et al., 2008). The use of biomass as an energy source is still a critical issue to date. Scientists continue to weigh the advantages and disadvantage of using such form of energy as a replacement to the nonrenewable energy that is used widely in the planet. Since the production of biomass energy involve processes that are harmful to the environment, such as cutting and burning of trees, people must figure out a process in which biomass production will be as efficient and sustainable. Traditional practices in using biomass as fuel has already resulted in fuel wood shortage in different countries, especially the underdeveloped as well as the developing countries in the world. Some of these countries include “parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.” Such inefficiency in the use of the raw materials used in the production of biomass energy has already been affecting about three billion people due to the shortage in fuel wood (McKinney, et al., 2013). When a proper management practice is employed in utilizing the living organisms found in the natural environment, biomass energy has a huge potential as a sustainable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, biomass is widely available (Hall, Rosillo-Calle, Williams, & Woods 1993). There are different alternatives in which biomass may become a sustainable energy source. According to Klass (1998), when a suitable conversion process is developed biomass or any of its waste products may be transformed into synthetic organic fuels. Growing specific trees that produces high-energy hydrocarbons such as rubber trees and guayule bush is also an efficient way to attain biomass sustainability. As such, the biomass not only produces continuous source of hydrocarbons, but it also plays an important role in fixing the carbon in the air. Conclusion Nonrenewable sources of energy should be replaced with renewable sources of energy because they are scarce, and they also have adverse negative effects on the environment. For instance, non-sustainable biomass or fossil fuel energy are obtained from plants and animal remains, which existed million years ago, and they are currently on the verge of depletion. In order to ensure sustainable production of non-renewable energy, there is a need to substitute these sources with renewable sources, which are plenty and clean. This is because renewable energy is obtained from natural sources that are readily available. Their productions can also be monitored and measured implying that their anthropogenic emissions, in the atmosphere, can be measured and control, thus ensuring a clean environment. References Cheng J. (2010). Biomass to Renewable Energy Processes. New York: CRC PressINC. Field C. B, Campbell J. E, Lobell D. B. (January 01, 2008). Biomass Energy: The Scale of the Potential Resource. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 23, 2, 65-72. Friedrich R, Reis S. (2004). Emissions of Air Pollutants: Measurements, Calculations and Uncertainties. New York: Springer. Hall, D., Rosillo-Calle, F., Williams, R., Woods, J. (1993). Renewable Energy: Sources for Fuels and Electricity. Washington, D.C.: Island Press. Khan, B.H. (2009). Non-Conventional Energy Resources. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill Private Limited. Klass, D. (1998). Biomass for Renewable Energy, Fuels, and Chemicals. San Diego, California: Academic Press. Lens P. N. (2005). Biofuels for Fuel Cells: Renewable Energy from Biomass Fermentation. New York: IWA Publishing. Macqueen D. (2011). Bundles of Energy: The Case for Renewable Biomass Energy. London: IIED. McKinney, M, Schoch, R., Yonavjak, L. (2013). Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Read More