With solar energy at the forefront of the new technologies being researched to reduce global warming, we have a way to combat our energy problems. With so many options I say, "Why not?" In todays society we need power in basically everything we do, whether its to heat our homes, get somewhere, or even to relax. With all of this "dirty" power usage, there is a need to switch over to more "clean" energies.
This could start with the waves of our oceans. They produce a great amount of energy, even though we can not see it. Not only do oceans carry the energy of waves, but they also carry offshore winds, currents, thermal energy, and tidal power. The cycles of the oceans are well studied and predictable, which make advancements in this kind of technology possible. For costal cities, this could be a huge step in the right direction.
The wind is also a form or solar power. And with the introduction of the wind turbine, it is a very smart solution to our energy needs. Turbines convert the winds kinetic energy into mechanical power (electricity). Generation of power through harnessing the wind does not burn up near as many resources as traditional power plants. It also does not create hazardous chemicals that are released into our atmosphere.
Hydro-electricity is the most used form of renewable energy to date. Electricity is extracted from the water (usually damned) by falling or flowing into a turbine creates energy and powers the generator. Also, most of these complexes produce no waste or harmful greenhouse gases.
Next, our very own sun produces a huge amount of energy in the form of light everyday. This light can be trapped and used in the production of energy. There are two different ways to extract the energy from the light of the sun, photovoltaic panels (solar cells) and solar power plants. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into direct, useable energy. Solar power plants convert the suns energy into electricity by heating fluids into a steam, and the steam is used to power the generator.
Last but not least, is biomass. There are many different kinds of biomass that can be used as fuels for our ever growing energy needs. Wood, garbage, alcohol fuels, and landfill gases are where we find biomass. Wood and garbage waste can be burned to produce steam, which can generate electricity or can provided heat to homes and industries. Biomass can also be converted into other types of useful energies. Agricultural, garbage, and human waste produce methane gas as they decompose. This "gas" can be used to help power our vehicles, machines, and homes. Biomass can help us cut down on fossil fuels, and give us a safe way to reduce the waste that we produce everyday in our homes.
In the 21st century, there are many ways to combat the problem of global warming, and everyday these technologies are getting more sophisticated and more efficient in the production of energy. If our country can jump-start the movement towards renewable energy sources as common place, then maybe other places around the world would follow suit. As regular people, we must start to make demands to our local governments that we will no longer ignore the problem of burning fossil fuels. We need to make these new advancements in technology a part of our everyday lives.
SOURCES
American Solar Energy. "The Zero Energy Home challenge". 2006. http://www.ases.org/index.php?view=article&catid=12%3Alatest-features&id=298%3ASolarToday&option=com_content&Itemid=23
U.S. Department of Energy. "Concentrating Solar Power". 2008. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/csp_program.html
Energy Quest. "Energy Story". 2008 http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter15.html
This Article was Written By Rachel Trimmer
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