Hobbies And Interests
Solar Energy
Solar energy involves the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. Types of solar energy collection include passive solar design, photovoltaic cells, concentrating solar power systems and flat-plate collectors. Solar energy accounts for approximately .01 percent of energy production in the U.S. Capitalizing on this alternative energy resource is limited by the efficiency of our technology and its limited availability. As of 2011, solar energy is twice as expensive as energy produced by fossil fuels. Environmentally, the manufacturing process involves highly toxic chemicals.
Biomass Energy
Biomass energy produces biopower from the energy stored in plants and plant byproducts. This alternative energy source serves two benefits: it is an important source of renewable energy and it is an important part of our waste management system. Biomass resources include wood and waste products from the paper industry, such as pulping liquor. Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are liquid fuels produced from plants. Corn is the most common source of ethanol, and biodiesel is produced from vegetable oil, animal fat or recycled cooking oil. Serious problems with biomass energy include the fact that they yield only slightly more energy than required to produce, and biofuels compete with our rising food demand.
Wind Energy
While wind energy is the world's fastest-growing energy technology, it currently produces only 2.4 percent of the nation's electricity. This form of alternative energy is geographically limited to areas of sustained, high winds, such as Alaska, the western U.S. and the Appalachians. While wind energy appears to have the least environmental impact of all the renewable energy resources, its use of tall towers, needed to escape the turbulent and slower surface winds, and spinning propellers pose a danger to birds.
Hydro Energy
Hydropower involves the use of water to generate electricity. Hydropower produces 5 to 7 percent of the electricity in the United States in 2011, accounting for half of all the power produced by alternative energies. Hydropower is one of the least expensive forms of alternative energy; however, it is limited by the availability of suitable rivers. The best locations for this type of power are the Northwest, Tennessee River Valley and on the Colorado River. This type of alternative energy creates serious environmental concerns, as the use of dams disrupts and damages ecosystems.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy uses the natural heat of our planet to produce energy. Types of geothermal processes include direct-use systems, use of deep reservoirs and geothermal heat pumps. This alternative energy is geographically limited, and is commonly available only in locations far from population centers. Only California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah have operating plants.