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Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy Sources - Pros and Cons

by Wayne Wargo (PenWay.org)

The importance of increased global energy consumption and the resulting depletion of the world's non-renewable energy sources has become a popular news media topic, particularly since many environment-conscious celebrities have become involved in this cause. Due to the increase in energy consumption and the increasingly rapid depletion of our most important non-renewable energy sources, scientists and agriculturists as well as environmentally conscious individuals are finding ways of exploring and utilizing alternative energy sources. However, the use of alternative energy sources can be both beneficial and difficult. This article examines the different pros and cons of alternative energy source usage.

A major advantage of renewable energy is that it can be regenerated; therefore it is sustainable and will never run out. More importantly, renewable energy is eco-friendly and produces little or no waste products that may pollute or have harmful effects on the environment.

Some countries using renewable energy as an alternative source of energy are also showing increased economic benefits, especially in various regional areas. Most of their projects are located away from the metropolitan urban centers and capital cities. They have been able to increase the use of local services as well as increase tourism.

One general disadvantage of using renewable energy is that it is difficult to generate large quantities of electricity similar to that using conventional fossil fuels. Another common problem that may occur with the use of alternative energy sources is the reliability of the energy supply. Since it is naturally generated, renewable energy supplies are dependent upon weather conditions at the time and in the region of use.

Alternative energy sources also have another drawback or disadvantage. It is relatively more expensive to acquire and set up the equipment necessary for generating the energy, although the initial cost is generally offset by the long-term benefits.

Here are several different alternative energy sources, along with some of their advantages and disadvantages:

• Solar energy - the sun is a great source of energy since it is free and it is efficient. It is possible to maximize the energy given by the sun to replace traditional electricity. There are limitations, though; for example, areas at high latitudes and places with frequent rains and overcast weather conditions are places not capable of producing efficient solar energy.

• Wind energy - wind is also an efficient electricity source. It is possible that wind energy can replace up to 20 percent of the planet's total electric consumption in the future. It is also a very environment-friendly source of energy since there are no harmful gases produced in the process of converting the energy. Location is a very important factor in using wind energy. For instance, high latitudes and coastlines are good places to set up windmills. A relatively large land area is also needed to put up a sufficient number of windmills to generate adequate wind energy.

• Hydroelectric and tidal energy - both of these types of energy come from water. Hydroelectric energy is mainly sourced from dams. Tidal energy, on the other hand, uses the natural tides of the ocean. Production of energy from water is another clean way of producing energy. However, there are several disadvantages. Putting up river dams as sources of hydroelectric energy is very expensive, and careful study is needed before making changes that might adversely affect animal and plant life in these areas. The source of tidal energy depends much on the ocean. Since oceans tend to be unpredictable, there are only 9 places worldwide that are suitable for this kind of energy source. Additionally, tidal energy power plants are subject to scrutiny by conservationists, because if not properly monitored and maintained they are said to cause damage to the ecosystem and provide negative effects on migratory birds and fish.

• Biomass - biomass consists of fermented animal waste, agricultural crops, grains and other natural products. It can be used to produce an alcohol and also replace gasoline needs. It maximizes waste materials as an alternative energy source. A major drawback is that it still produces greenhouse gas.

Alternative energy sources, despite being renewable and sustainable, also pose some disadvantages. On the contrary, its unfavorable effects are relatively insignificant compared with the harmful effects and irreparable environmental damage of conventional fossil fuels. The hunt for a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative energy source continues.

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