subject: Can renewable energy sources solve the UK's energy problems? [print this page] Can renewable energy sources solve the UK's energy problems?
There are many different types of renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy, wind energy, wave energy, tidal energy, hydro electrical energy and biomass energy, now these renewable energy sources won't necessarily help resolve UK's energy problems because they all have disadvantages.
The disadvantage of solar energy isthere is less available solar energy in areas near the poles of the Earth. Cloud cover can reduce efficiency.
The disadvantage of geothermal energy is it can only be used in some areas around the world, where the crust is thin and hot rocks are near the surface. Sometimes the hot water that is pumped to the surface contains pollutants such as sulphur.
The disadvantages of wind energy are to be efficient wind turbines need to be linked together in wind farms, often with about 20 turbines. This looks unsightly, and can be noisy. The wind farms also need to be sited reasonably close to populations so that the electricity generated can be distributed. Another disadvantage is that winds are intermittent and do not blow all the time.
The disadvantage of wave energy is the turbines can be unsightly. Wave heights vary considerably, so they would not produce a constant supply of energy.
The disadvantage of tidal energy is Present designs do not produce a lot of electricity, and barrages across river estuaries can change the flow of water and, consequently, the habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The disadvantages of hydro electrical energy is a good site for a hydroelectric scheme, such as a mountainous region, is not always near towns. The building of large dams floods large areas and causes damage to existing habitats. Changing the flow of a river will affect the water supply to lands nearer the sea. This may cause problems of irrigation for crops.
The disadvantage of biomass is biomass energy sources are no more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels because they recycle carbon into the atmosphere when they are burned. Carbon dioxide, which is produced when these fuels are burned, is a major cause of the greenhouse effect.
Current renewable production methods of hydrogen include H2 production from biomass, from water by electrolysis and the Millennium Cell alternative, Hydrogen on Demand. The advantage is that the storage of the sodium borohydrate is inherently safe. It is a derivative of borax, which is a natural raw material with substantial natural reserves.
Nanotechnology can also contribute to the improvement of conventional energy sources including coal, oil, gas, and nuclear energy and electricity. The report covers both nanotechnology contributions to electricity production and to primary energy production. To start with electricity, the production from coal or natural gas can be made more efficient by using nanotechnology in turbine plants. In nuclear energy, nanotechnology can help improve the radiation resistance of the materials.
Overall renewable energy sources are good energy sources because they will not run out, you can reuse them again but that doesn't mean this will solve UK's energy problems. Nanotechnology is an option of solving UK's energy problems but that is not reliable I think for natural energy, it is not 100% certain that it will improve conventional energy sources.
In my opinion I think what will definitely solve UK's energy problems is simply the UK's population, us the people, if we use less electricity, less water when not needed we save energy and help reduce costs, we should become more energy efficient and find ways to help decrease UK's energy problems by fixing in solar-panel roofs to let in natural sunlight, have materials which can sustain heat, air ventilation through ceilings and doors when its hot and more energy saving light bulbs, use less electrical heaters, to save gas, wear more jumpers and layers instead! Simple!
This will help to solve the UK's energy problems if everyone wastes less energy.
