Modern technology continues to grow in leaps and bounds enabling us to live better and more comfortable lives. Today, one of the greatest challenges is to find methods of producing energy efficiently, using environmentally friendly techniques. There are numerous sources used to produce energy; namely, petroleum fuels, geothermal power, nuclear energy, solar power, wind power, tidal power and bio fuels. Given below is a simple chart showing the categories of energy sources we use. Abiotic (non-living) natural recourses Perpetual Renewable Non-renewable solar, wind fresh water, air, soil Recyclable Non-recyclable metals fossil fuel Currently, the most commonly used energy source is fossil fuel which is non-renewable and non-recyclable.
Switching to alternative sources such as electric cars can help pull this number down significantly. Electric cars are more affordable as Electricity is cheaper than gas, and can come from renewable resources such as solar and wind power. Electric cars pollute less than gas-powered cars, which makes them better for our environment. Electric cars are much more reliable and require less maintenance than gas-powered cars. By using domestically generated electricity rather than relying on foreign oil, we can achieve energy independence and will no longer need to engage in costly wars in the Middle East to secure an energy supply.
Alternative energy can be defined as any energy source that is an alternative to fossil fuel. Alternative energy sources are renewable and are thought to be "free" energy sources. They all have lower carbon emissions, compared to conventional energy sources; these include Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy sources (Altenegy.org, 2014).These energy is generated from natural sources which are mostly naturally replenished; in addition, when comparing the processes for producing energy, there remain several fundamental differences between renewable energy and fossil fuels. The process of producing oil, coal, or natural gas fuel is a difficult and demanding process that requires a great deal of complex
Effects of Using Bio Diesel as a Main Fuel Source The cost of fuel is an increasing problem and the cost of obtaining crude oil to process into many kinds of fuels has risen. By replacing diesel fuel with an alternative such as bio diesel, we can lower the cost of fuel. Although using this fuel has a few draw backs, they are overcome by the beneficial effects. A few of the effects of using this fuel as a main source are lower prices, higher availability, and climate adaptability. Bio-diesel is a relatively easy to produce, and low cost fuel.
Non-renewable fuels are organically-derived fuels. The original organic material, with the aid of heat and pressure, becomes a fuel such as oil or gas. These fuels are hard to come by and are sometimes harmful to the environment when burned. Concerns about these fuel sources has been very prominent in the past few years. Concerns greenhouse gas emissions and many other things such as energy security has caused for people to look towards a new source of fuel.
Renewable energy sources are hydropower energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy, wind energy and solar energy. Renewable sources of energy can be used over and over again and also they generate much less pollution, both in gathering and production. But they are not as popular as the nonrenewable sources as can be seen in Figure-1. Figure-1: Renewable Energy Sources vs Total Energy Sources Solar Energy As you can see in Figure-1, the sun is probably the most important source of renewable energy available recently years. We are able to harness the sun’s energy and use it to help heat our buildings, our water, and also to produce electricity.
Kliesch (2011) wrote that electric automobiles are obviously cleaner than most of the vehicles that are roaming the streets, today’s electric cars are in reality guilty for some pollution, yet by considering many factors they are a cleaner alternative than wide variety automobiles which are now available. Besides if companies created utilization of sustainable energy, the future for electric cars will just be stunning. Nonetheless as he mentioned that electric cars are responsible for toxic gases secretions due to the power plant emissions which transmogrify oil into electric power, except in terms of calculations and accurate studies, Negoiţescu, A., & Tokar, A. (2013) stated that it can be seen that for the production of electricity expected to power up electric automobiles, (263.76 MtCO2) are released into the troposphere. In spite of this, if one compare this price to the amount of CO2 depleted by petrol and diesel vehicles , it gives the idea that if all classic cars would be supplanted with electric ones, CO2 emissions would be diminished by about 500 times.
Future possibilities and environment benefits, there’s a study that it lessen the air pollution by using it. Abundant domestic production, increased resale value and more affordable maintenance. As evidenced in the Environment Protection Agency, natural gas as the cleanest fossil fuel was used in many ways to help reduce the emissions of pollutants into the environment. Burning natural gas than other fossil fuels emits fewer harmful pollutants and increase the reliance on potentially reduces emission of those many harmful pollutants. The use of natural gas does not significantly contribute in the formation of the smog as it emits lower nitrogen oxide and doesn’t have particulate matters.
The thirst for energy led us to look for more sources here on Earth. This led us to sources like coal, and fossil fuels. Some developed nuclear power plants that powered thousands of houses. While these energy sources provided us with benefits, did it also benefit Earth? At first we thought that this is a gift from Mother Earth, but we now realize its consequences.
Wind turbines do not release emissions that pollute the air and they do not require water for cooling. Not only does wind power provide a clean source of electricity, it helps keep electric rates low and protects consumers against fossil fuel price volatility. Through these facts, America can see a vast amount of benefits. To recap, these benefits include: reduced consumption of fossil fuels, exponential reduction of water and air pollutions, creation of jobs, and can be used as energy for virtually anything. This energy is free and inexhaustible; meaning it is renewable and infinite source of energy.