Alternative Energy Sources

Alternative Energy Sources

Alternative Energy Sources

The world has seen the discoveries of some extremely amazing sources of energy. From the ancient men who discovered the different ways to use fire, to the ambitious people of the 1800's who realized that fuel and oil were not only good for lamps but for automobiles too. Now, we actually have a great variety of energy sources and it is up to us to decide which ones are best for our economy, our needs, and our world. We all know that the presiding energy source today is oil; and we are all equally aware of the many challenges facing the oil industry. Only months away from BP's recent oil spill, we are even more aware of this industry's undeniable consequences for our planet not to mention for our economic dependence on foreign powers. But what other types of energy sources are available and how can we use these alternative energy sources instead? A few of these available today include wind, hydro power, and solar energy.

Using wind when powering our homes and buildings does have its pro's and con's. According to the department of energy, it is estimated that wind power could account for twenty percent of the nation's electrical supply by 2030. Using wind power to provide electricity to cities is a great idea when it comes to preserving oil and cheapening the cost of transporting it. Two problems with wind energy include the inability for the turbines to be constantly spinning, and the fact that they often blow the hardest in deserted areas far away from the populations that need the energy. Building such massive turbines often requires significant out-of-gauge cargo transportation to some of the most remote places on the planet, allowing gigantic facilities to be built and operated. Finding more ways of efficiently getting wind energy to the cities that need it and compensating for the occasional lack of wind, will allow this energy source to be more useful and productive.

We've all seen the shows lobbying for solar power as a viable energy source. According to the New York Times, solar power accounts for less than one percent of United States electricity use. The majority of solar power use is found in the state of California. The type of solar power most frequently used is called concentrating solar power. By using mirrors, you can reflect the sun's rays which produce enough heat to power a generator. Another way is by solar panels found on roofs which are called photovoltaic panels. These panels are transported across the country or across the globe by cargo transportation specialists who can ensure proper transportation and storage in order to build effecting solar capturing stations in key energy deficient locations. The benefit of using solar energy for power is that it is really safe for the environment. Unfortunately, solar panels tend to be very expensive and are obviously of no use during the night. According to the New York Times solar panels cost four times more than what coal costs and double the price of what it would cost you to use wind power. Although these are tough facts to gulp, this age is quickly advancing. Scientists are continually researching more efficient ways to use solar power for the benefit of the American people.

The use of water as an energy source was introduced to the world before electricity had a name. You may remember the water propellers often seen on the side of homes while watching old country movies. Well that form of energy is still being used today, except, you should be thinking even bigger than that. The United States Department of Energy described hydro power this way. "Water constantly moves through a vast global cycle, evaporating from lakes and oceans, forming clouds, precipitating as rain or snow, and then flowing back down to the ocean. The energy of this water cycle, which is driven by the sun, can be tapped to produce electricity or for mechanical tasks like grinding grain." A recent New York Times article stated that hydroelectric facilities supply 19 percent of all electricity across the globe, and between 7 and 9 percent of electricity in the United States.

Alternative energy is not only environmentally friendly but it is becoming more and more necessary both for the benefit of our world and our economy. All energy sources present challenges when harnessed, but the more we expand our horizons and possibilities, the more equipped we will be to face the future. The price and availability of these energy sources is improving daily, and the United States is working its' way to developing a more eco-friendly environment for generations to come.

Tamara

GlobalRelogistics.com

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