Highlight in detail over 2 pages, the hidden impact of renewable technologies on
ID: 284291 • Letter: H
Question
Highlight in detail over 2 pages, the hidden impact of renewable technologies on our environment like wind, solar etc. Are there environmental impacts detractors use to argue against renewables that you think are overblown?
While answering this question, Consider the environmental impact of these renewable technologies versus their energy potential. Then consider whether the environmental effects of using these renewables would be net-positive when pitted against the negative environmental consequences of nonrenewable, fossil-fueled energies.
Explanation / Answer
Let us understand the environmental impacts associated with producing power from renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydropower.
The exact type and intensity of environmental impacts varies depending on the specific technology used, the geographic location, and a number of other factors
The environmental impacts associated with solar power can include land use and habitat loss, water use, and the use of hazardous materials in manufacturing, though the types of impacts vary greatly depending on the scale of the system and the technology used — photovoltaic (PV) solar cells or concentrating solar thermal plants (CSP)..
Manufacturing and transporting the renewable energy will produce some emissions and pollutants.
The production of some photovoltaic (PV) cells, for instance, generates toxic substances that may contaminate water resources.
Renewable energy installations can also disrupt land use and wildlife habitat.
Some of these technologies consume significant quantities of water.