Go Greener Tips

The debate on utilizing renewable energy sources is an ongoing one. Finding sustainable energy that’s affordable yet environmentally friendly has drawn much attention from industry experts and media alike. Several possibilities exist that would meet our existing needs without mortgaging future energy concerns. As we continue to hear about these opportunities, we must break down the basics of how green energy can benefit consumers, business, and most importantly our nation’s energy independence.

The most common green energy sources we hear about today are wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and to some extent nuclear. All of which have inherent benefits. However, an argument can be made for each alternative as to why it would be most cost effective, environmentally sound, and scalable. We’ll take a look at the very basics of each in the following sections…

Wind Energy

Without getting into the science of atmospheric pressure and how wind is created, wind energy is created by turbines that use wind to generate electricity. Wind speed is incredibly important when using wind turbines. Even the slightest increase in wind speed can generously increase the production of a turbine. Hence, turbines must be operating at optimal capacity. In the right geographical areas, wind farms can have a tremendous positive impact on local economies. Farmers and landowners can benefit from leasing several acres to wind energy companies. It is estimated that wind energy provided 2% of the world’s energy in 2009.

Solar Energy

Solar energy has been harnessed by humans since ancient times. Creating solar power is the generation of electricity from sunlight. Sunlight is converted into electricity using photovoltaics in which cells of photovoltaic material convert solar radiation into electricity. You can see simplistic uses of this technology in everyday life, like on a solar powered calculator. Perhaps the greatest attraction of solar energy is the relative low cost and the fact that it is pollution free during use. It is estimated that solar power provided .02% of the world’s energy in 2008.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy refers to power generated by extracting heat stored in the earth. This heat exists from the radioactive decay of minerals. One detractor from geothermal energy is that it has been limited to geography near tectonic plate boundaries where high temperature resources are abundant. Several gases and pollutants are associated with geothermal energy as well. Most notably, carbon dioxide. However, the levels of these pollutants are much smaller than those of conventional plants. The main cost of geothermal energy is the capital needed to drill and explore potential sources.

Hydro Energy

Hydroelectricity is the generation of electricity by harnessing the force of falling or flowing water. Naturally, the greater the potential energy of a water source, the higher the production of energy. Hydroelectricity emits no carbon dioxide and is not dependent on fossil fuels. One danger associated with the use of hydro energy is dam failure. Past dam failures have resulted in some of the worst man made disasters every recorded. Hydroelectricity accounted for 5.74% of all electricity in the US in 2009, while it accounted for 61.12% in Canada and an impressive 98.25% in Norway.

Obviously, this is a fundamental review of green energy alternatives for those trying to grasp the basics. The more we can do to aid the progress of renewable energy the better. Please visit us for an extended look on Green Renewable Energy

Matt Lianovo writes on the future of green energy @ http://www.advancinggreenenergy.com

Author: Matt Lianovo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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