Abstract This paper assesses the costs and benefits to the environment of using nuclear energy. The paper explains that while theoretically nuclear energy is a clean, effective, efficient and almost inexhaustible form of power, public opinion is widely opposed to its usage. However, the author of this paper maintains that that opposition is based on misinformation. The paper explains the process of creating and harnessing nuclear energy, showing how it is nearly identical -- save the source of the heat -- to that used by geothermal energy plants and many coal-burning plants. The paper further demonstrates that nuclear energy is actually the safest, most environmentally-sound energy option and concludes that more should be done to support its adoption as America's primary sustainable energy source.
From the Paper "The public's apprehensive assessment of nuclear power remains its most serious obstacle. Although disasters and fatalities have been fairly limited, the potential for catastrophe is not overlooked by anyone. The Three Mile Island disaster seems to be burned into public perception regarding any discussion of nuclear energy (Beder, 224-5). Additionally, radioactive nuclear waste cannot be dumped back into the environment: it remains dangerous for thousands of years. As a consequence, collecting, relocating, and storing this waste presents environmental risks that most other energy resources are not associated with. Naturally, if proper precautions are taken and no mishaps occur; nuclear power is perhaps the most cost effective, cleanest, safest, and sustainable form of energy society has to offer. However, all rests upon its appropriate handling and the public's trust in its distributors."
Tags:energy, recycling, sustainable, global, warming, nuclear, coal, feul, environmentalism, power
Abstract The paper states that, in light of the effects of global warming,
it presents the case for alternative energy sources, which are becoming popular. both because they do not contribute greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and also because they are less expensive for the most part than electricity produced by coal, oil and gas. The paper reviews the positives and the negatives for wind energy, and discusses in depth the reasons why solar energy and biomass energy sources are very attractive and offer consumers practical ways to spend less on heating and cooling homes.
Outline:
Wind Energy Problems with Windmills
Biomass
Solar Energy Passive Solar
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), among the most visible and powerful advocacy and conservation organizations in the U.S. (www.nrdc.org), explains that currently California has the most wind power generation in America. Texas ranks second on the list of states with wind power, with "about half" of the wind plants that California has. The good news for consumers is that the cost of wind energy now is competitive with new coal-fired or gas-fired power plants, NRDC reports. Indeed the cost of wind energy has come down "85 percent in the past 20 years," according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Wind of course is free, and it blows significantly, consistently, hard enough to turn rotors of windmills and produce reliable electricity in about one-fourth of the land area of the U.S., the UCS explains. The NRDC points out that windmills can be built "in a fraction of the time it takes to construct coal or natural gas power plants." Moreover, it takes just three to eight months for a windmill farm to "recoup its investment in building and installation" (NRDC). Why are windmill farms needed? About 68% of the energy produced in the U.S. today, the NRDC explains, comes from "burning polluting fossil fuels." Nuclear power plants and hydropower produce the rest, "with only a fraction coming from clean, renewable sources such as the wind, the sun, underground steam and biomass." But in 15 states laws have been passed that require power companies to produce "a percentage of electricity from renewable sources." In some states, like Texas for example, consumers can choose "Green Pricing" on their utility bills; that means the electricity that family uses will be exclusively from wind power, or other renewable sources. Meanwhile, in some countries, like Denmark, windmills have been put to use in massive numbers. According to the magazine www.Scandinavica.com, fully 20% of all the electricity in Denmark comes from wind energy."
Tags: natural, resources, conservation, organization, wind, power, generation, energy
Abstract This paper first describes the mass appeal of energy drinks to students and then examines the history of energy drinks since the introduction of the popular energy drink, Red Bull, in 1997. The major issues examined in this paper are whether or not the negative health risks associated with energy drinks make it worth the advantages that students use them for. The paper lastly discusses how the energy drink companies have grown in recent years and discusses the future of students and energy drinks.
From the Paper "Energy drinks should be taken into moderation to avoid the negative side effects of caffeine withdraw. Consuming abundant amounts of caffeine daily affects the body by creating an unhealthy dependency. The amount of caffeine that's needed daily to produce a dependency is labeled at 100 milligrams a day. Most energy drinks have equal or double that amount in just one 16 oz can. Energy drinks are just like any other addictive substance; once you are hooked the levels of tolerance for caffeine increases making it more difficult to maintain the "high" rush. Long extended periods of time without caffeine in a person's system, provided by energy drinks, cause them to exhibit caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Young adults will experience headaches, which are mild to extreme causes, which have been linked to deaths. Other symptoms that may arise include, but are not limited to fatigue, drowsiness, dysphonic mood, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, nausea, and muscle aches ([Griffiths et al., 1990] [Juliano and Griffiths, 2004]). Young adults need to be informed on this subject so they can make smarter choices about their health."
Tags: health risks, college students, energy stimulants caffeine
Abstract This essay addresses the issue of nuclear energy in relation to society's emerging need for a new source for electrical energy. First it discusses the generals of how nuclear energy works, and then follows with the possible advantages of nuclear energy over its main competitors. Finally, it is concludes that nuclear energy should be expanded in the future, and that the dangerous stigma attached to it is largely unjustified.
From the Paper "The notion of harnessing the atom's power to provide energy for civilization is reasonably new. However, it was recognized early in the twentieth century that the forces holding the atom together, if released, could produce an unbelievable amount of energy. From Einstein's interpretation of the universe, matter itself possessed a direct relationship to energy; the subsequent discovery of fission laid the foundation for the notion of nuclear power. "In 1934, physicist Enrico Fermi conducted experiments in Rome that showed neutrons could split many kinds of atoms. The results surprised even Fermi himself. When he bombarded uranium with neutrons, he did not get the elements he expected. The elements were much lighter than uranium," (University of Missouri-Rolla). Clearly, this suggested that the mass was going somewhere--it was being converted into energy."
A review of renewable energy and federal and state government tax credits being offered to businesses and consumers who purchase and install renewable energy systems.
Abstract This paper defines renewable energy, reviews the need for renewable energy and discusses the benefits of renewable energy use. The paper further discusses the tax credits that are currently being offered for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems. The paper then analyzes the effectiveness of this tax credit policy.
From the Paper "There are many origins of renewable energy. Renewable energy can be derived from wind energy, water power, solar energy, geothermal energy, biomass as in liquid biofuel, biogas and solid biomass. Because of the large number of sources for renewable energy, the United States could be self sufficient in harvesting this form of energy which is one of the bonuses it offers. This is one of the reasons the federal government is now offering tax incentives for renewable energy systems. "One of the major goals of this policy is to reduce our dependence on imported oil and OPEC's influence on free market prices by utilizing more of our own domestic energy resources, including renewables" (News, p. 1). "
Abstract This paper discusses the future of nuclear energy in Europe. It explores the need to expand nuclear energy use by capitalizing upon new developments in nuclear fusion technology. The author identifies future developments. The paper concludes it is unlikely that solar energy will be sufficient to replace nuclear energy and drive the much need economic growth.
From the Paper "The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) advised the European Union (EU) policymakers on the need to maintain the use of nuclear energy in Europe and to expand nuclear energy use by capitalizing upon new developments in ..."
Abstract This paper describes fusion and matter-anti-matter reactions as alternative energy sources. The author rates these energy sources. The paper explains that technical changes are required for their use as alternative energy sources.
From the Paper "Energy is one of the most important issues facing human civilization. There are many alternative energy sources that are not based on fossil fuels. Nuclear fusion and matter-anti-matter reactions have been suggested as an energy source. Many researchers believe that nuclear fusion is the answer to the worlds energy needs. According to Roger O. Bangerter et al in The Fire Next Time, "Fusion takes advantage of the most powerful Force in nature, the so-called strong force, Which binds protons and neutron into atomic nuclei"(Bangerter et al. 21)."
Abstract This paper examines the difficulties of converting solar energy to useful energy that people can use. The paper begins by discussing the costliness of the process of converting solar energy and then discusses how vast amounts of space are necessary to collect sunlight. The paper also examines the different materials and technology necessary to make the conversion, which are also costly. Lastly the paper addresses the issue of getting people to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the more energy efficient, solar powered appliances.
From the Paper "Scientists at General Motors in 1949 were working on ways to turn plant energy into force that could run cars. They wanted to turn solar power into horsepower. The bomb at Hiroshima had been dropped and compared to the research on atomic powered cars, solar energy was much safer and did not require shielding car passengers from the same types of radiation. The scientists estimated that a radiation shield would weigh twenty-five tons, so energy from plants seemed a worthwhile area to investigate. John Campbell, chief of the organic chemistry department at General Motors explained, 'In a single day the average amount of solar energy falling on one acre of ground in the temperate zone is equivalent to 700 gallons of gasoline, or enough to operate the average automobile for a year.' Plants do not absorb much of the solar energy that reaches the earth. Campbell mentions, 'in performing the miracle of photosynthesis, green plants generally absorb less than 1 per cent of the solar energy which strikes their leaves.' C.F. Kettering, also a scientist at General Motors, was working on ways to harness solar energy. Kettering concern was that 'in order to produce significant mechanical power from solar energy, we are going to have to devise greatly improved means of converting solar energy into useful power.'"
Tags: science disadvantages, plant energy, photovoltaic cells, sun, solar power
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses energy demand and supply in the United States. The writer examines the continuing need for energy imports. The writer looks at consumption issues in this paper, as the options of increased production, conservation and efficiency and alternative energy sources are discussed.
From the Paper "The recent sharp increase in U.S. gasoline prices has called new attention to the problem of U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources. Attention has again been called to issues of energy consumption, domestic production, waste conservation and a host of related issues. All of this is taking place against the backdrop of an increasingly frustrating war in a major Middle Eastern oil-producing country. As the ... "
Abstract This paper discusses the different types of alternate energy sources. There are three reasons for the U.S. to find alternate energy sources: cost, dependence on the Mid East, and the environment. This paper discusses the importance of both home and automobile alternate energy sources. The U.S. has offered incentives for different companies to work on finding these sources.
From the Paper ""At some plants, electric and fuel costs alone can be reduced by more than 30 percent -- $200 million in one case - by taking advantage of smarter procurement methods already available but underutilized" (Industrial Energy, 3005, 27). These statistics are something that many businesses must consider with the fear of higher and higher energy costs. America has been warned on the news that natural gas prices can go up as high as 70 percent this winter. "But now, with natural gas rising to more than $7 per million BTUs and eastern coal up to $60 per ton, average U.S. electricity prices, by state, now range from 5 cents to 16 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh)" (Carey, Aston, Hibbard, and Grover, 2005, 36). Recently, the news warned that gasoline prices could go up as high as $5.00 a gallon during the Katrina crisis."
Abstract This paper analyzes the potential financing strategies for the Global Energy Indonesian Market Entry Project. Discussed are venture capital and joint venture options. In either case, Global Energy will be encumbered with additional corporate governance activity which will have a profound impact on the organization. Because of the characteristics of the Indonesian market, Global Energy must also develop a cohesive exit strategy policy built on several options.
From the Paper "Global Energy is one of the recognized leaders in the petroleum and energy industry worldwide. With over 100,000 employees, operations in approximately 110 countries, and a 100 year history in the industry, Global Energy is intent on developing a growth strategy led primarily by entrance into new markets and the development of newer alternatives to petroleum based energy sources. Global Energy's objective is to enter into the Indonesian market on the premise that development of an alternative energy source is, overall, less expensive in that market. Indonesia's rapid economic expansion and shift towards becoming a net importer of petroleum based energy resources indicates that, at the least, Global Energy can expect implicit governmental support. Indonesian Project Financing Financing the Indonesian project is a major undertaking even for a company with the size and scope of Global Energy. "
Abstract This political study examines the political dimensions of the Californian Energy Crisis and the fall of Enron. By realizing the serious issues of energy monopolies and the problem of regulation in the state and national political arena, one can understand how little is being done to prevent a crisis in an unregulated free market economy. The writer looks at a lack of government prevention and regulation issues that caused the major energy crisis in California, the lack of political responsibility by the Bush Administration, Gray Davis, and Governor Schwarzenegger that all help to support criminal and unethical business practices in politics.
From the Paper "In this paper, the state, federal, and corporate conflict of interest during the Californian Energy Crisis is a major issue involving a serious breakdown of democratic principles. Through the external actions of Gray Davis to fight the deregulation principles of the Bush Administration; he invariably supported Enron's power to demand prices and keep the government from stopping price gouging. This form of cross party political approach defines a ruling elite that does not follow party politics, but will serve the corporation that lobbies them at the highest price. "
Abstract This paper provides a full explanation about the way in which solar energy is created. The paper looks at the process in details and then discusses what benefits solar energy may have in the future.
From the Paper "Solar Energy comes from Solar cells which today are mostly made of silicon, one of the most common elements on Earth. The crystalline silicon solar cell was one of the first types to be developed and it is still the most common type in use today. They do not pollute the atmosphere and they leave behind no harmful waste products. Photovoltaic cells work effectively even in cloudy weather and unlike solar heaters, are more efficient at low temperatures. They do their job silently and there are no moving parts to wear out. It is no wonder that one marvels on how such a device would function. To understand how a solar cell works, it is necessary to go back to some basic atomic concepts. In the simplest model of the atom, electrons orbit a central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons."
Tags: alternative, cells, electricity, energy, fuels, photovoltaic, power, solar
Abstract This paper explains the variables that must be considered in the decision to develop nuclear power capability such as (1) the actual location of a nuclear power plant, (2) the question of security and (3) the compatibility of entering into a nuclear program within the context of the country's long-range energy plans, international policies and aspirations and their level of scientific and technical education. The author points out that the critical gap in plans to expand British civil nuclear programs, which is widely recognized both by promoters and opposers of nuclear power, is the problem of managing radioactive wastes. The paper relates that the French policy differs from from the British policy in that it has gone beyond the concept of "nuclear substitution", designed to diversify and stabilize energy-producing capacity, into a policy of "nuclear electrification" under which the growth of electricity consumption has been deliberately encouraged.
From the Paper "The lack of progress in the British industry reflects a number of fundamental differences between the two nations. One is relatively energy-rich while the other is energy-poor, and the insecurity experienced by the French has been much less marked on the other side of the Channel. On the contrary, the British have enjoyed a flexibility in energy options that is enviable. But beyond commercial questions, and beyond questions of energy supply and demand, lie the differences in institutional power and control and differences in political planning processes that expose the actions of the British industry to far more democratic scrutiny. The anti-nuclear lobby, though less volatile than its French equivalent, is stronger and more consistent. Faced with the luxury of choice, the decision-making process slows to the point of meandering and energy planning wallows in incoherence. This has two, sometimes, conflicting, consequences. Precipitate action on a major scale is checked, but the price of these checks may be slackening technical impetus and loss of commercial advantage."
Abstract This paper discusses solar energy in terms of natural resource economics and relates it to the concept of free market environmentalism. The paper also explains the benefits of using solar power as an energy source as opposed to fossil fuels.
From the Paper "Since the oil embargo, oil price increases have been a concern for many nations, especially for the United States. Today's high fuel prices speak to the imperative to find alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. Solar power is one such potentially viable alternative. Why use solar power? In addition to its value as an environmentally clean source of energy, solar power has economic value in terms of being a renewable resource that can be controlled by the nation or region using..."
