Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy

Biomass: What is it? • Solar energy stored in organic material • Wood • forest residue • animal manure and waste • Grains • energy crops grow specifically for energy purposes • aquatic plants • urban wood waste • Biomass facilities burn wood, agricultural wastes and/or methane gases from landfills to spin a turbine that then generates electricity

Biomass Drawback Benefit • using land to grow energy crops does not allow a soil rest period or to grow other crops • Supply infrastructure …..the present situation does not suffice for an adequate steady supply of biomass • a new industry would have to be formed to harvest, transport and prepare biomass into a useable form • ..biomass must compete with other industries for biomass (wood chips can be mulch, other wood waster can be recycled into new products) • Technology challenges....we do not have the technology set in place for a wide scale use of this source of energy • If the burning of biomass is carried out in a controlled environment, it cuts down on open air pollution • Biomass is a replenish-able resource when compared with fossil fuels that need millions of years to replenish, if they are replaceable or renewable at all. • Biomass can be used for a variety of purposes directly such as: heating, power, fuels (ethanol). • Animal waste collected for energy purposes instead of an open air lagoon that can overflow during heavy rains, taint groundwater and release strong odors is a more comfortable use • If a farmer is growing crops specifically to be used as an energy source, they require less fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides than most food crops

Geothermal Power: What is it? • Heat energy from deep in the earth, groundwater is heated to create hydrothermal resources---naturally occurring hot water and steam • Where does the energy come from? • Hot water directly used • steam is separated from the liquid and fed to a turbine engine which turns a generator • accessing the energy that natural comes to the surface or drilling down into the earth’s crust

Geothermal Drawback Benefit • systems require large amounts of money for initial creation • While there is low air pollution associated with geothermal energy, if the rate of extraction exceeds the rate of the reservoir’s recharging, the source can be potentially depleted • further research and development is needed…better technology is needed • development needs to be actively promoted by governments and utilities • must be near a geothermal reservoir • The direct use of heat from the center of the earth can save as much as 80% from traditional fuel costs • Using geothermal energy can reduce peak loads for AC use, heating and water heating.

Solar Power: What is it? • Harnessing the sun’s emissions of heat and light • Where does the energy come from? • collect the energy, heat water with it, to a steam generator or engine where it is converted into electricity • passive solar energy such as south facing windows

Solar Drawback Benefit • Need sunlight; otherwise you need energy storage or link to traditional energy source • Depends of location/angle of sun • Cost; expensive currently • Air pollution can affect efficiency • Disposal of batteries used for overnight energy storage • Doesn’t create pollution • Energy is clean • Quiet • CAN GET POWER TO REMOTE AREAS (DEVLEOPING AREAS) • Not linked to the “grid” (don’t need a power plant/produces energy at the site)

Nuclear Power: What is it? • Harnessing a nuclear reaction on the atomic level • Where does the energy come from? • Nuclear power plants run on uranium fuel • Uranium atoms split—or fission, producing energy that is converted to heat. ..the heat boils water, creating steam • The steam turns a turbine, which spins the shaft of a generator. Inside the generator, coils of wire spin in a magnetic field and electricity is produced.

Nuclear Drawback Benefit • public concern for nuclear waste management, its storage and treatment, possibility of leaks. • public concern for nuclear safety and potential accidents or spills • small risk that nuclear waste could potentially be used for nuclear weapons • nuclear power needs a water source; not considered a good source in a drought or arid location • Too expensive for developing world in countries that lack government subsidies • if it is to be used responsibly, requires extensive security, highly trained personnel, and an effective cost-efficient way to deal with emergencies • If done safely, nuclear energy produces little pollution and virtually no greenhouse gases • Well-designed, constructed and operated nuclear power plants have proven to be reliable, safe, economical and environmentally benign • Nuclear power plants are among least expensive power plants to operate for the developed world (partly because many governments subsidize the use of it)

Hydropower: What is it? • Power obtained from the natural movement of masses of water • Where does the energy come from? • Hydroelectric power plants convert the energy contained in flowing water, like rivers and streams, into electricity

Hydropower Drawback Benefit • Expensive initially • Alter flow of river; wildlife • Location specific you NEED a river • Address climate issues • Might be environmental factors (droughts) • Water sources has to provide enough strong movement to provide energy • Renewable • Harmless to environment; doesn’t create pollution • Doesn’t require advanced technology; new technology • Instant power

Wind Power: What is it? • Harnessing the power of the wind • Where does the energy come from? • Wind electric turbines generate electricity for homes, businesses and for sale to utilities

Wind Drawback Benefit • Large upfront investment/expensive at the beginning • Hurt ocean bed • Loud/noise pollution • Ugly in some people’s opinion • Repair costs • Need wind; minimum amount needed---determines location • Kills birds • Renewable; green; self-sufficient • Low maintenance • Small footprint, tall but don’t take up land • Can put up anywhere • Doesn’t HAVE to be on the grid • Works well with other alternative energy sources

Alternative Energy