Hydro power is the largest source of renewable energy. This renewable source of energy provides 10% of the nation’s electricity. As of now, there are 77,000 Megawatts of hydropower, enough to provide 35 million homes with energy. Converting flowing water into usable energy produces hydropower. Most of this water comes from rivers and is released through turbines to produce energy. Although this power source does not release pollution, it can possibly harm fish and wildlife, displace people, and alter the quality of water. Better technology is trying to reduce the loss of aquatic life, but the problem with this technology is that it is highly expensive and takes a long time to build.
Did you know…? Renewable energy technology is improving considerably. Energy prices have dropped; new vehicles with advanced fuel systems and alternative fuels (such as Ethanol) are being introduced and are a way to better technological advancements.
Biomass/Bioenergy
Biomass makes up about 7,000 Megawatts of renewable electricity. Biomass fuels stem from industrial processing, such as forestry and wood products, agriculture and wood products, and construction and transportation. Biomass can replace coal in power plants because it produces less sulfur dioxide than coal.
Mill operations seem to be the main source of biomass energy in the U.S. Europe, on the other hand, draws its main source of bioenergy from urban wood waste. Third world countries make timber their main source of bio energy.
According from statistics from the International Energy Agency, 11% of the world derives its energy from biomass. Developing countries use about 35%, while the poorest ones use roughly 90%.
One way to convert biomass into usable energy is through gasification—converting biomass to gas and burning it in a gas turbine.
under the Earth’s surface. The steam rotates a turbine, which in turn powers an electric generator. Also, hot water can be used to directly heat buildings. The downside to geothermal energy is that land sites are very hard to find and extremely rare. A positive fact is that geothermal energy is very cost effective and reliable.
Wind Energy
Wind energy produces about 2,500 Megawatts of energy, and generates a mere .1% of our electricity. The wind rotates blades around a hub, which is connected to the main shaft. The main shaft spins a generator. The size of turbines is determined by how much energy is needed. Small wind turbines are usually used for homes, farms and ranches. Other ways to use wind energy include grinding grain and pumping water.
Wind is classed in categories of 1 through 7, with 7 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. A good wind source that has a class of 3 or higher is the east coast and along the Appalachian Mountains. North Dakota is an excellent wind source.
The disadvantages of wind energy are that again, the technology is very expensive, the machinery is known to be noisy, birds have been killed by running into the turbines, and the wind might not be present at certain times throughout the year.
Photovoltaics (PV) Cells
PV cells produce electricity from sunlight. Materials used in computer chips are similar to materials used in PV cells. These materials absorb sunlight, which frees the electrons from their atoms and allows them to generate electricity.
PV cells are great because they don’t require high maintenance, are very reliable, and don’t produce pollutants.
Although it is better to use renewable energy, we still have to use some type of fossil fuels. We can, however, make the best choices, by using natural gas for water heating and power appliance, which not only is better for the environment, but costs less as well.
The downside to this power resource is that it costs more than other energy sources and tends to work effectively only when the sun is shining.
Hybrid Power Systems
Hybrid Power Systems are a combination of renewable energy systems. A hybrid system, according to experts, has its advantages over a single energy system. For example, a PV System works well during the summer, while wind turbines work well during the winter. If weather conditions at times prevent this hybrid system from working, a battery that accompanies the system is always available. Also, if batteries run low, an engine-generator powered by fossil fuels can be installed to work while the battery is charging. You should set up a system that provides 80% or renewable energy, and 20% of fossil fuels.
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