Extreme Importance of Alternative Energy Sources - Research Paper Example

Alternative Energy Sources: The Need of the Hour. The world’s need for energy appears to be insatiable and is increasing by the hour. This is understandable, as energy is necessary for all the requisites of life, such as heat for cooking, cooling and warmth, power for manufacturing, and for transport and lighting. This demand for energy reflects the industrialization, urbanization and affluence of society. Conventionally, these energy needs are met by fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and peat. There is also significant input from nuclear power and natural gas. All these sources of energy are non-renewable. Forecasts show that coal, gas and oil supplies will last only for a few more centuries. Secondly, the use of fossil fuels poses serious danger to the environment. The combustion of fossil fuels leads to the emission of chlorofluorocarbons, mainly carbon-dioxide. This causes the ‘greenhouse effect’ which traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming. The combustion of fossil fuels also causes atmospheric pollution and acidification of the environment. The environmental damage caused by oil-spills in the wake of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is fresh in minds. Likewise, nuclear power is associated with the risk of nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, and the problem of disposal of hazardous radioactive waste. As there is no sign of energy use declining in the conceivable future, the environmental impacts of energy consumption, and the depletion of energy sources, assumes grave implications. It is clear that the need for alternative, renewable sources of energy is the need of the hour. Energy consumption shows tremendous global variation, and “about a quarter of the world's population consumes three-quarters of the world's primary energy” (UN Document). About 20% of the global energy consumption is by the USA. Again, it is estimated that U.S. is responsible for about one-fifth of all human-produced greenhouse-gas emissions. Renewable sources of energy account for only 9.3% of the total US energy consumption (EIA). In this scenario, it is evident that the need for alternative energy sources should be a high priority for the government of the United States. It is heartening to note that President Obama has declared that “I know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the global economy in the 21st century” (qtd. in Scientific American). The US government must promote alternative, renewable sources of energy, and also encourage energy conservation. Renewable sources of energy refer to those sources which are natural and are constantly replenished. Hydropower, solar energy, wind power, biomass energy, wood fuel and geothermal energy are examples of renewable energy sources. The destruction of the ecosystem through the construction of large dams across rivers, the flooding of vast areas of land, and the danger of dam wall rupture make hydroelectric power debatable. Dams also act as barriers to fish migration and pose the risk of waterborne diseases and toxic gases from submerged vegetation and soil. Geothermal energy appears promising, but is yet in the research and development stage. Biofuels compete with agricultural crops for land and can produce toxic combustion. Investment in Biofuels results in the rise in the price of food. They also generate large quantities of organic waste effluents which cause water pollution if they are not completely used as fertilizer. Ethanol is strongly dependent on government and tariffs. It also fuels an increasing demand for natural gas, as corn cultivation is fertilizer intensive and natural gas is an integral part of fertilizers. Corn-based ethanol is a major source of greenhouse gas emission. The burning of firewood is one of the worst air pollutants. Wood smoke is a major eye and lung irritant (UN Document). In this analysis, it is clear that the two sources of renewable energy which best qualify for receiving assistance from the government are solar power and wind energy. Solar power captures the sun’s energy to generate electricity and heat through a system of panels or mirrors. Solar power works in various ways. (1) Passive solar design involves the innovative incorporation of windows, skylights and sunrooms, building sites and orientation, and thermal construction materials in such a way as to naturally generate heat and light. (2) Solar concentration systems use a series of mirrors arranged in a round dish, a circle or in a series of parabolic troughs around a ‘power tower’ to concentrate the reflected rays of the sun on a heat collecting element. The concentrated sunlight generates steam by heating water or a heat-transferring fluid, such as molten salt. This steam is used to spin turbines and generate electricity. (3) Solar thermal collectors generate heat through heat-absorbing panels and attached circulation tubes. (4) Solar or photovoltaic cells made of silicon are arranged on rectangular panels. The energy from sunlight converts photons into free electrons which flow through the material. This direct current is then converted into alternating current by a power inverter. Solar power can be effective anywhere with direct sunlight. Its many advantages include the fact that it is free and renewable, is completely pollution-free, is noiseless and almost maintenance free, it can lower utility bills and provide extra energy to increment electricity at peak hours. Solar panel manufacture also generates a large number of jobs and reduces dependence on foreign energy. The only disadvantage of solar energy is its comparatively high cost. Electricity from a concentrated solar power plant can cost about 10 to 14 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with about 4 cents per kilowatt-hour from a coal or natural gas power plant (NRDC). However, improved technology, cheaper raw materials and increased production has resulted in a steep decline in the price of photovoltaic equipment. In fact, “The cost of photovoltaic equipment has fallen from around $500-600 per peak watt to $5 and is approaching the $1-2 level where it can compete with conventional electricity production” (UN Document). It is expected that the cost of solar energy will become cheaper than conventional electricity by the end of this decade. Another obstacle to solar power is that it is dependent on variable atmospheric conditions and on daylight. However, with its obvious advantages and potential, it is evident that the US Government should proactively encourage the tapping of solar energy as an alternate energy source. The role of the government in the solar energy field can include encouraging utility companies to more fully engage in this source. The US Department of Energy’s ‘SunShot’ Initiative is a step in the right direction. This is a collaborative national initiative to make solar energy cost competitive with other forms of energy by the end of the decade. The Department’s launching of the free Photovoltaic Online Training program for officials who inspect and grant permits for solar installations. The Department also funds more than 150 projects in photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, market expansion and systems integration. With government initiatives, the US can regain its former position as the world’s leading manufacturer of photovoltaic panels. (US Department of Energy). Wind energy taps the potential of winds. The wind’s kinetic energy is harnessed by a turbine. As the wind moves the turbine’s blades, energy is transferred to a generator through a central hub. The generator converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy which passes into the power grid for distribution. The advantages of wind energy are manifold. Wind power is highly environment friendly. It emits no pollutants, it is free and inexhaustible. Wind farms can be constructed rapidly in comparison to fossil fuel plants. It has the fastest payback time of any energy manufacture, as it recoups the energy spent on installation and building in less than eight months. Farmers and ranchers receive considerable financial gains by leasing land for wind farms. Wind power operation does not require water. This factor assumes significance in the terms of sustainability as water is increasingly being viewed in terms of sustainable consumption. Wind energy also contributes to the economy by creating manufacturing and technical jobs. This job creating potential of wind energy extends to engineers, construction employees, blade manufacturers, gearbox makers, electricians and operators. A minor hazard of wind energy is that the turbines pose a threat to bird and bat safety. This can be addressed by locating wind farms in areas which do not interfere with bird migration routes and innovative technologies to drive away birds and bats from turbines. Research into technology which facilitates the use of wind power in offshore and low-wind areas is being promoted. It is estimated that wind energy has the potential to meet more than 30% of the nation’s energy requirements (NRDC). The government encourages wind energy through initial substantial tax incentives. Tax credits for wind energy is another promising government incentive. Notably, President Obama’s economic stimulus, signed into law in February 2009, made a 30 percent investment tax credit available to wind farms, and the section 1603 grants allowed wind farms to take that 30 percent as an immediate rebate of their investment cost instead of taking the 30 percent over time as a tax credit. It is essential that the government ensures the continuation of the Production Tax Credit for wind farms, as this incentive expired in 2011. Another step which promotes wind power is the government introduction of ‘renewable energy standards,’ requiring that a certain percentage of the electricity supplied by utilities is to be generated from renewable energy. This makes many utilities choose wind energy as it is the least expensive alternate energy source. In order to make wind energy competitive with traditional sources of energy, the US Department of Energy aims to bring the cost of land-based wind energy down by 18% and the cost of offshore wind energy down by 63% by 2020. (NRDC). The prevailing global hunger for energy, and the adverse consequences of dependence on fossil fuels, poses a challenge to the USA. In the present climate of political chaos in the oil-producing Middle East, it is mandatory that the US government becomes actively involved in the energy matters of the country. Dependence on imported oil threatens the nation’s security. At the same time, the government must accept the reality of global warming and discourage the indiscriminate use of fossil fuel. In order to ensure energy security and sustainability, the government can invest substantially in energy efficiency. This calls for significant government funding for research into energy-efficient technology. Government establishment of emission standards, and monitoring of air-quality, is required. The government should actively encourage a shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. President Obama’s proposed ‘Clean Energy Standard,’ which aims to generate 80 percent of US electricity from clean energy sources like wind, solar, clean coal, and natural gas by 2035 is definitely a step in the right direction. (Scientific American). The government can invest in all renewable and alternate energy sources. The investment made should reflect the potential of the respective sources. The government should focus on funding or giving incentives to alternative sources of energy based on the cost of energy, the environmental impact and renewability. An analysis of renewable energy sources shows solar power and wind energy to have the most potential for development. In this scenario, government initiatives and incentives can do a great deal to promote investment in these two sources. The optimum development and utilization of solar and wind power will go a long way in making the US energy efficient and independent, and contribute towards a safer and greener environment. Works Cited EIA. “Frequently Asked Questions.” US Energy Information Administration. 2012. Web. 8 November 2012. http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/index.cfm#renewables NRDC. “Renewable Energy for America.” Natural Resources Defense Council. Web. 8 November 2012. http://www.nrdc.org/energy/renewables/solar.asp Scientific American. “Obama and Romney Tackle 14 Top Science Questions.” 4 September 2012. Web. 8 November 2012 http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=obama-romney-science-debate “Sunshot Initiative.” US Department of Energy. 2012. Web. 9 November 2012. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/about.html UN Documents. “Our Common Future, Chapter 7: Energy: Choices for Environment and Development.” World Commission on Environment and Development. Web. 8 November 2012 http://www.un-documents.net/ocf-07.htm Read More