Clean energy alternatives:
Solar:
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Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the sun that has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar energy technologies include solar heating, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal electricity, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis. These processi can make considerable contributions in the future to solving some of the most urgent energy problems the world faces.
In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that "the development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through:
1) reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource,
2) enhance sustainability
3) reduce pollution
4) lower the costs of mitigating climate change,
5) keep fossil fuel prices low
"These advantages are global, hence the additional costs of for early deployment should be considered a learning investments; they must be wisely spent and need to be widely shared."
In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that "the development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through:
1) reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource,
2) enhance sustainability
3) reduce pollution
4) lower the costs of mitigating climate change,
5) keep fossil fuel prices low
"These advantages are global, hence the additional costs of for early deployment should be considered a learning investments; they must be wisely spent and need to be widely shared."
Hydro:
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Hydro or water power is power derived from the energy of falling and running water, which may be harnessed for hydro-electric power. Since ancient times, hydropower has been used for irrigation and the operation of various mechanical devices, such as watermills, sawmills, textile mills, dock cranes, domestic lifts, power houses and paint making.
Since the early 20th century, the term is used almost exclusively in conjunction with the modern development of hydro-electric power. once a dam is constructed, electricity can be produced at a constant rate which creates an array of advantages IF electricity is not needed the electricity generation can be shut off and the water used for another time. Dams are designed to last many decadeds. The lake water build up can be used for irrigation of nearby agriculture. When in use, electricity procuded does not create any Green House gases. Hydro power is a renewable energy source as long as the worlds rivers and streams continue to flow.
Since the early 20th century, the term is used almost exclusively in conjunction with the modern development of hydro-electric power. once a dam is constructed, electricity can be produced at a constant rate which creates an array of advantages IF electricity is not needed the electricity generation can be shut off and the water used for another time. Dams are designed to last many decadeds. The lake water build up can be used for irrigation of nearby agriculture. When in use, electricity procuded does not create any Green House gases. Hydro power is a renewable energy source as long as the worlds rivers and streams continue to flow.
Wind:
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Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electrical power, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships.
Wind power, as an alternative to fossil fuels as it is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation and uses little land. The effects on the environment are generally less problematic than those from other power sources. As of 2011, 83 countries around the world are using wind power on a commercial basis. Wind energy production was over 2.5% of total worldwide electricity usage, and growing rapidly at more than 25% per annum. The monetary cost per unit of energy produced is similar to the cost for new coal and natural gas installations.
These large wind farms consist of hundreds of individual wind turbines which are connected to the electric power transmission network. Offshore wind farms can harness more frequent and powerful winds than are available to land-based installations and have less visual impact on the landscape.
Wind power, as an alternative to fossil fuels as it is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation and uses little land. The effects on the environment are generally less problematic than those from other power sources. As of 2011, 83 countries around the world are using wind power on a commercial basis. Wind energy production was over 2.5% of total worldwide electricity usage, and growing rapidly at more than 25% per annum. The monetary cost per unit of energy produced is similar to the cost for new coal and natural gas installations.
These large wind farms consist of hundreds of individual wind turbines which are connected to the electric power transmission network. Offshore wind farms can harness more frequent and powerful winds than are available to land-based installations and have less visual impact on the landscape.
Geothermal:
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Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. The Geothermal energy of the Earth's crust originates from the original formation of the planet making up 20% of the energy and from radioactive decay of minerals, 80%. Heat conducts from the core, temperatures reaching over 5000 degrees Celsius (9,000 degrees Fahrenheit) to surrounding cooler rock. The high temperature and pressure cause some rock to melt, creating magma convection upward since it is lighter than the solid rock.
The advantages of Geothermal are cost saving as geothermal energy generally involves low running costs since it saves 80% costs over fossil fuels and no fuel is used to generate the power. There is no pollution, which helps maintain and create a clean environment. Lastly direct use, used to heat homes, and produce electricity. These Technologies in use include dry steam power plants, flash steam power plants and binary cycle power plants. Geothermal electricity generation is currently used in 24 countries, while geothermal heating is in use in 70 countries
The advantages of Geothermal are cost saving as geothermal energy generally involves low running costs since it saves 80% costs over fossil fuels and no fuel is used to generate the power. There is no pollution, which helps maintain and create a clean environment. Lastly direct use, used to heat homes, and produce electricity. These Technologies in use include dry steam power plants, flash steam power plants and binary cycle power plants. Geothermal electricity generation is currently used in 24 countries, while geothermal heating is in use in 70 countries