In your third assignment of this course, you should compare all of the non-renew
ID: 216284 • Letter: I
Question
In your third assignment of this course, you should compare all of the non-renewable resources (fossil fuels) with the more renewable resources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, etc.). What are the pros and cons of each energy source? How much has each been consumed in the past? What about currently? What about in the future? How do each impact the quality of life (i.e., which ones pollute the most and the least and why)? Which energy sources have the brightest futures and why? How can we create a more sustainable society in the future using energy?
Explanation / Answer
A renewable resource is defined as a natural resource that renews itself at a rate that is faster, or equal to the rate of consumption. Renewable resources differ from resources that once depleted never return, such as fossil fuels. The use and cultivation of renewable resources helps to minimize the impact humanity has on the Earth while supporting a growing population.
1. Wind Power
Power is generated from wind by converting its energy into electricity. In 2016, 5.6% of energy produced in U.S. originated from wind power. The use of wind turbines is expected to increase in the future, both on land and in the ocean, propelled by new designs claims Popular Mechanics. The two main types of wind power generation are :
2. Hydropower
Power harnessed from water accounts for 6.5% of energy generation in U.S this dynamic source of energy can be produced in multiple ways:
3. Geothermal Energy
The near constant earth temperatures can be used for energy generation that is nearly emission free for heating and cooling by using geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). The US has been a world leader in geothermal energy production a 2017 Renewable Energy World report states. It contributed 0.4% of the energy needs of the US in 2016 .
Geothermal energy works through either closed or open loop systems. You'll find plenty of advantages to geothermal energy, but there are also bad things about the pumps, depending on the system selected. In U.S., of 1.4 million GHPs 90% are closed loop and only 10% are open loop systems in 2015.
4. Solar Energy
The U.S. produced 0.9% of its energy from solar in 2016 . Bloomberg points out this was also the year that solar power generation nearly doubled (95%) in US. There are two main types of solar energy technologies-photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP).
Passive solar systems reduce the amount of energy traditionally needed to power a location, such as a building or house.
5. Biomass and Biofuels
Biomass produced 1.5% of energy in 2016 . Biomass can be used for bio-energy and to produce biofuels.
Energy from biomass in the U.S. comes 43% from wood and wood-derived biomass, 46% from biofuels (mainly ethanol), and about 11% from municipal waste.
Non-renewable resources are sources of energy whose supply or reserves are fixed. These are resources that are used and consumed faster than nature produces them. As Investopedia points out, it takes billions of years to form these resources, making their use unsustainable. As supply decreases, it becomes uneconomic to use them. So for practical purposes these resources are finite. Recycling and using alternate renewables can help extend their limited supply. Here are some facts regarding non-renewable:
Advantages of Non-Renewable Energy
Non-renewable energy sources cannot be replenished in a short period. They include fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium used for nuclear energy.
The main advantages of non-renewable energies is that they are abundant and affordable. For example, oil and diesel are still good choices for powering vehicles. Non-renewable energy is cost effective and easier to product and use. According to National Geographic, there are reservoirs of non-renewable energy sources throughout the world.
Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy
On the other side are the disadvantages to non-renewable energy. Solarschools.net indicates that once sources of non-renewable energies are gone they can't be replaced or revitalized.
The mining of non-renewable energy and the by-products they leave behind causes damage to the environment. There is little doubt that fossil fuels contribute to global warming. When fossil fuels are burned, nitrous oxides causes photochemical pollution, sulphur dioxide creates acid rain, and greenhouse gases are emitted.
As countries disagree through wars and differences, the prices of non-renewable energies such as oil has become a commodity where price fluctuation is always eminent. The burning of fossil fuels continues to rise producing high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) which climatologists believe is a major cause of global warming.
In recent years, consumer attitudes towards the use of non-renewable energy sources have been undergoing a significant shift. More people realize the damaging effects non-renewable fossil fuels have on the environment and are beginning to take active measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Many of these activities are easy and don't require a major lifestyle change, like turning off the lights (and use energy saving bulbs) when leaving a room, using solar energy at home, and installing high efficiency appliances in their homes. Green living ideas like buying hybrid gas/electric cars, driving less, reducing use of plastics, and last but not least, recycling are simple ways to reduce use and depletion of non-renewables.