J.U.I.C.E // Renewable Energy

RENEWABLE ENERGY

"Governments must get greater energy efficiency out of existing power stations and develop new, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, ocean and human power"
- The Earth Summit's Agenda 21, Chapter 9.

The current situation of the world means we need to turn to alternative sources of energy - namely Renewable, or Sustainable Energy. With minimal effect on the environment and constant availability, renewable energy is thought to be the future. It solves many of our problems around the world, for example the oil crisis, environmental issues and so on. But like all other things, renewable energy has its negative sides. It is good to know both the positive and negative sides of renewable energy to make sure we are under no illusions about its effectiveness.

Wind Power
Advantages:
1. The technology is rapidly improving. Some individual machines are being developed that are capable of generating 3 megawatts.
2. Like solar energy, it has no CO2 emissions that would pollute the air.
3. Wind energy is sustainable energy that we have unlimited access of.
Disadvantages:
1. Wind turbines can be noisy and unattractive. People who live near the wind turbines are affected by the noise, and the windmills are often stationed in places where landscapes are beautiful.
2. Wind doesn't blow continuously to keep supplying us with energy, and like solar energy the storage capsules are still being developed.

Solar energy:
Advantages:
1. Solar energy is completely renewable. The energy we receive from the sun is unlimited so we are constantly able to receive it.
2. The sun shines everywhere on earth, so solar energy equipment can be installed in numerous places - however, the amount of energy received can vary.
3. There are no CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions, since solar energy isn't based on burning fuels, but on using the heat of the sun in order to generate energy.
Disadvantages:
1. A large area is required to generate much energy. The sun must shine on to a large solar cell for large amounts of energy to be generated.
2. It is quite expensive technology. Although the prices are falling, most people cannot afford it. Scientist and engineers are constantly developing more and more solar technologies that are more economical and efficient, but we have a long way to go!
3. Unfortunately the sun does not shine all the time. So we aren't able to receive the energy from the sun after sunset. We can try to store the energy but current energy stores can only hold a small amount. The technology is still developing.

Hydro-electricity

Water - the Hydro in Hydro-electricity

Advantages:
1. It is a well-established technology, having been used for centuries.
2. Large amounts of energy may be produced with hydro-electricity. The force of the water due to gravity can generate a lot of energy to provide for energy needs.
Disadvantages:
1. The main downside of hydroelectricity is that it can damage the environment. If a dam is built, it can drastically alter the ecology of nearby land and water habitats.
For example: Between 1950 and 1975, India lost 194,000 hectares of forest when waters were backed up behind new dams. Also, in the pacific, some dams blocked the annual migration routes of Pacific salmon, preventing them to reach their spawning areas. At least 3 pacific salmons are now under endangered species.

Click here to read why renewable energy is still preferable to current energy sources.

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