subject: Why Should I Do An Energy Comparison? [print this page] The prices of just about everything are sky-high today and there seems to be no end in sight. One of the most basic of our needs today may very well be energy. Energy is what gives us light, heat, and the ability to cook our food. A reliable source of energy is required to transport us around, and run all the gadgets we use every day just to function in our world. Performing an energy comparison is definitely a good idea if there are alternative, more affordable, and efficient source to be found. Many times there is only a single source of power used to operate the things we require. Electricity, for example, is the energy of choice for many things such as cell phones, computers, and lighting for the home and office. Alternative energy can be used instead, but it may well create more problems than it solves in these instances.
When it comes to comparing among the many sources available, one must consider what it costs to get that source of power to you, the consumer. Electricity is sent along large power lines called trunk lines, over long distances. This, in itself, is not expensive, but considering what it took to erect those poles and run the lines, this gets to be an expensive proposition. Once the electricity arrives at your electric company, it must be stored, and then distributed to individual homes or businesses. By the time you turn on the light switch or the heater, it has changed hands several times, and the cost rises accordingly.
Coal as a source of energy (heat) has been around a long time and still remains relatively cheap as a provider. But there are issues involving air pollution, transporting it, and additionally it seems to contribute significantly to our global warming and acid rain issues. Nuclear energy is an inexpensive source and the waste involved is far more concentrated than others, and it is "greenhouse friendly" without creating acid rain issues. However, it is much more expensive to build a nuclear power plant due to costs of containment, waste and storage of the radioactive materials present. There are many large nuclear power stations operating quite successfully all around the world, and they have been around for many years now.
Hydroelectric power stations are very affordable once a dam has been constructed as a water source. This need for a large water source makes their practicality somewhat limited. Oil and gas still remain viable options in the power industry since they are easily obtainable and available in most areas. They still remain the most commonly used source of heating power. A couple of the disadvantages are in relation to availability, which is often limited, and the fact that it is very costly as a source of energy generation. Prices remain volatile, and seem to be on the rise constantly.
Solar energy works very well, when there is sunlight to fuel it, although some parts of the world never seem to have quite enough.
When making an energy comparison keep in mind all the reasons you need a power source, and the processes involved before it gets to you.
