subject: Six Most Popular Sources Of Hawaii Green Energy [print this page] Looking at the pace at which we are exhausting the available non-renewable energy sources, well leave close to nothing for our future generations to come. Non-renewable sources of energy cannot be replenished. These sources like coal, petroleum are formed as a result of fossils being subjected to natural sources for millions of years. The answer to the depleting energy sources is use of green energy. These are typically sources which originate from sources of energy like sun, wind, water or energy crops which will be available forever. For places like Hawaii which imports most of its energy from outside looking for Hawaii Green Energy sources is a must. In Hawaii photovoltaic energy and solar power are among the most popular green energy solutions being harnessed. Efforts are being made to substantially increase the percentage of energy harnessed from these sources.
Some of the Hawaii Green Energy sources are:
1. Solar Energy- Tapping energy from the sun with the help of photovoltaic cells is among the fastest and rapidly growing sources of energy. The research and development of photovoltaic cells was triggered by the oil crisis in 1973. These cells work in a way to trap electrons by way of absorbing solar radiation that is then converted to electricity. This has found use in homes as well as in agricultural fields. The only shortcoming with respect to this source of energy is the absence of constant sunshine for production of solar energy. Hawaii with its tropical location is blessed with ample sunshine to harness solar energy.
2. Tidal Energy- By generating energy using tidal sources, the energy is not only renewable but also has minimal effects on existing ecosystems. It can be produced either by making a barrage or by tidal stream generators. Tidal generators rotate underwater due to motion of water from higher to lower density, which is used to produce electricity. The source of energy here is the gravitational pull between the Earth and the Moon. Although not widely used but this source of energy has immense potential for future.
3. Wind Energy- The energy of wind is captured using propellers and this energy is converted to electrical energy. This source of energy has already been since centuries to propel boats. The same principle is extended to produce electricity. It has minimal effect on the environment. At the moment, only 1.5% of the total electricity generated worldwide is through wind energy.
4. Hydropower- The energy of water stored behind a dam is used to run water turbine connected to generators. This is the most popular and widely used source of green energy. This source does have impact on the ecosystem. This is because it affects the process of migration of fish, but the upside to this is that it still helps form new ecosystems.
5. Geothermal Energy- At the places at the boundary of tectonic plates, the energy inside the earth can be used to produce steam. This steam runs turbines to produce electricity. However, this energy is not forever unlike other sources of energy and it might diminish over time.
6. Biomass Energy- This is the energy produced from bio degradable material including plants, animal wastes and any other biodegradable material. It is growing in popularity as a sustainable energy source.
Use of green energy is a step towards having a greener, cleaner and better future. It means that we care for the bounties provided to us by Mother Nature by being a little less reckless in our actions.
