Energy Topics of Global Significance Why Energy Energy

Energy Topics of Global Significance

Why Energy? Energy comes from a resource, those resources are either renewable or non- renewable. As populations grow the demand for resources increases As consumption increases non-renewable resources are depleted and the dependence on renewable resources will continue to grow Current Global Resource Consumption California Institute of Technology

Problems with non-renewable resources Dependence on non-renewables such as oil causes a number of problems. #1 It gives power to the nations who have the majority of the resources over those who do not. The most obvious effect being a increase in the cost of these resources, i. e. oil.

Problems with non-renewable resources #2 Most countries are past their “oil peak”, meaning most countries will now need alterative resources for energy more than ever.

Problems with non-renewable resources #3 Energy production is also the highest contributor to the production of green house gases. Rock Island Market #4 Coal power plants are an example of how harmful non-renewable resource production can be. Coal power plant emissions have been linked to the harmful mercury concentrations in fish. Wikimedia Commons

Energy is not available to everyone Number of people without access to electricity (millions)

Photo courtesy of World Bank, IFC and Lighting Africa Energy Poverty is a term for a lack of access to electricity, heat, or other forms of Power. Often referring to the situation of peoples in the developing world, the term also implies any quality of life issues relating to this lack of access. - Wikipedia Web Definitions

Paul Cherfurka’s projections of global energy use This is why the world needs renewable energy and lots of it!

What is considered Renewable energy? Renewable energy is defined differently depending on area or group being asked. In general terms renewable energy is that which is naturally occurring and can replenish itself. tli. umn. edu

Renewable energy in Texas Definition of Renewable Energy: ”Any energy resource that is naturally regenerated over a short time scale and derived directly from the sun (such as thermal, photochemical, and photoelectric), indirectly from the sun (such as wind, hydropower, and photosynthetic energy stored in biomass), or from other natural movements and mechanisms of the environment (such as geothermal and tidal energy). Renewable energy does not include energy resources derived from fossil fuels, waste products from fossil sources, or waste products from inorganic sources. ”-Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA)

Renewable Resources Available The main Five: Hydropower Solar Power Geothermal Power Biomass Wind Power theecocorp. net

Image by Ontario Power Generation Hydropower is generated using the mechanical energy of flowing water by forcing it through piping called a penstock, which then turns a generator in order to produce electricity. Green. Energy. Choice

Instructables. com Solar Power Solar cells made from silicon absorb the sun's radiation, also called photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic process involves the movement and displacement of electrons to absorb the sun's radiation and create electricity, but there also solar systems that use large-scale mirrors to heat water, or produce high temperatures and generate steam, which is used to turn a generator. Green. Energy. Choice

Example of Other Solar Power uses: The Japanese energy firm Eco Marine Power has developed rigid sails that are installed with solar models and the system, called The Aquarius is able to collect both solar and wind energy to power ships. http: //inhabitat. com/eco-marine-power-developing-solar-sails-to-power-ships/

About. My. Planet. com Geothermal Power The process involves trapping heat underground, then building energy that rises near the surface in the form of heat. When this heat naturally creates hot water or steam, it is harnessed and then used to turn a steam turbine to generate electricity. Green. Energy. Choice

Biomass power plants burn biomass fuel in boilers to heat water and turn a steam turbine to create electricity. Biomass fuel is everything from wood to landfill trash, which is currently being used to convert into methane for the production of dry natural gas. Green. Energy. Choice

openeuropeblogspot. com Wind Power A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy (motion) of wind into mechanical energy that is used to generate electricity. The energy is fed through a generator, converted a second time into electrical energy, then fed into the grid to be transmitted to a power station. Green. Energy. Choice

Pros and Cons of Wind Energy Pros Cons No pollution or Global Warming effects Low persistent noise Land usage Big industry base No fuel cost Offshore advantage Self Sufficient Harm to bird and bat populations

Low Persistent Noise All industrial wind farms are located in high wind zones. Wind is noisy, and anyone who spends time on wind farms will tell you that high wind is much nosier than the wind turbines themselves. It has also be pointed out that if low persistent noise was harmful how would cities like New York, Chicago, or Boston continue to house millions of people in their downtown areas.

Land Usage The majority of the land used to build wind farms is ranching land. As this photo shows the animals are not bothered at all by the wind turbines and the ranchers are making more money off their land, while saving on their electric bills. The other major home to wind turbines is the open ocean, another location providing great wind movement and unused space.

Bird and Bat Mortalities From the beginning the major worry was about bird populations, and their collisions with the wind turbines. However research has shown that for the most part birds are not harmed in great numbers by the wind farms. On the other hand, bats that were not thought of as being in danger have shown to be killed in great numbers by barotraumas during their migrations.

Texas Renewable Facts In 2010 Texas was rated the largest producer of cumulative wind energy in the United States Texas now produces 7. 8% of its electricity with wind -Global Wind Energy Council The energy from sunshine falling on a single acre of land in West Texas is capable of producing the energy equivalent of 800 barrels of oil each year. –State Energy Conservation Office SMU's Geothermal Laboratory estimates that within ten years, Texas could have 2, 000 to 10, 000 MW in generating capacity from geothermal resources accessed through oil and gas wells.

What you can do to help! Buy energy efficient products Change the way you travel -Cars with good gas mileage -Walk or ride a bicycle -Energy efficient home appliances -Use public transportation -Avoid products with excess packaging Reduce, Reuse, Recycle -By recycling half your household waste you can save 2, 400 pounds of CO 2 annually -Carpool Educate Future Generations -The best way to help the global energy crisis to educate future generations of a better way to live