Which Two Renewable Energy Forms Did You Choose?

This week, please look online and read the week’s learning guide and the textbook chapters. Then, research different forms of alternative (renewable) energy forms available.

Choose two, and then answer the following questions:

1. What does the term “renewable” mean?

Renewable as it refers to energy is simply, energy that is not depleted when it is used. The types of renewable energy are hydro, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, wave and tide. All of these forms of energy come from only three sources, the light from the sun, the heat from the earth’s crust, and the gravity of the sun and moon. Each type of energy can be used and reused without ever diminishing the supply (Foundation, n.d.).

2. Which two renewable energy forms did you choose?

For each, describe two benefits.

Geothermal energy has two benefits, which I find beneficial for a renewable energy source. First, is the Baseload, that is where the power plants are able to produce electricity nonstop, no matter what the weather is. The second benefit is resources to run a geothermal power plant can be gathered domestically, without the need to import fuel (Geothermal, n.d.).

Wind energy has a distinct advantage over most other forms of energy as its completely clean. There are no pollutants, fossil fuels are not needed to harness the wind energy, and there are no atmospheric emissions which cause greenhouse gases. The other benefit of wind energy is its sustainability. Wind is caused by the solar energy of the sun heating the atmosphere, this means wind will always be a source for energy as long as the sun is in the sky (Wind energy, n.d,).

4. For each, describe two drawbacks.

Geothermal energy has two distinct drawbacks, location and cost. First the location must be the right composition of hot rocks to heat the water from the well. This location could be so remote its of little use to anyone except locals, also, the location may just stop producing the needed hot rocks after years of reliable service. The second drawback is the cost associated with drilling and building a geothermal power plant. With an average cost of about $10 million to drill the well, and a 1/5 failure rate, it is obvious geothermal is an expensive choice. (Geothermal, 2012),

The report speculates species extinction, warmer climate with water shortages and crop losses. Assumes the entire world would be willing to make a jump to renewable energy sources, and the countries with the ability would be willing to power the rest of the world (Energy report, 2011). There would have to be great losses in all fuel industries before it would be cost effective to use renewable energy as the only power source. The lack of jobs alone should be enough to ward off such an ambitious plan, what happens to all the coal miners, nuclear workers, oil workers, as the mills and mines are shut down? The only answer is those areas would be left to dwindle and disappear. As huge portions of each country suddenly become worthless for production, where does the desire to give them low cost energy come from? I would have to say to speculate the entire world would be working together to provide low cost electricity to everyone, is good for a report, but not