Evaluation of domestic energy sources

Energy Sources:

There has been much debate recently about where our energy should come from. The many possible energy sources make the decision of how to power our lives a very complicated one. Energy effects every aspect of our daily lives, whether we would admit it or not, and so the controversy over what source or sources to use runs deep. Here is a basic overview of some of the available energy sources and some background on the argument for or against each.

Fossil Fuels

Map - Power plant locations (jpg file 12K)

Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources produce fewer harmful emissions and generate less waste than most nonrenewable sources. These sources are also sustainable, and therefore more appealing for future generations as well as economically for a continued profit. By using a resource that will not run out, we are insuring continued energy possibilities for the future. There are, however, environmental impacts from these resources as well. They vary depending on the type of resource; an explanation of the impacts of the most common sources follows:

Wind: The turbines decrease visibility and create noise pollution, both of which can impact nearby wilderness areas. But because wind turbines do not take up much space, the land they occupy can be used for other applications such as farming as well. Without proper research into migratory paths and local bird behaviors, the wind turbines can be a cause of many bird deaths.

Solar: Solar panels require energy to be manufactured, which is usually produced by fossil fuels. The amount of energy created by the solar panels does outweigh the amount that would be produced if only the fossil fuels were used. Additionally some of the materials used in solar panels can be harmful, especially if burned. Solar power does not make a practical energy source on the utility level because of the vast amount of space needed. On a small scale panels can take up unused spaces such as rooftops and parking lots, which decreases the physical footprint of the source almost to zero.

Geothermal: This resource involves the trapping of hot water or steam from under the Earth’s surface. Some issues arise because areas that can support these plants are often protected wilderness lands. Also, there is a large amount of water needed for the electricity production, which could cause strains in areas with short water supplies. There are some controversial fumes from the geothermal sources, which are greatly reduced by the use of a closed-loop system which returns the water and the chemicals it contains to the well after energy production. These fumes, however, are still significantly less than those emitted by fossil fuels.

Hydropower: The development of hydroelectric power plants has decreased greatly in United States due to the environmental regulations placed on the source. Because of the endangerment of certain fish species caused by the dams, and the destruction of both terrestrial and water-based ecosystems, the building of large-scale hydroelectric plants has stopped in the US.

Evaluation of domestic energy sources

Ecological and human health impacts of disparate energy sources

Challenges and advances in coal-burning power plants

Additional resources on energy