Abstract
The paper examines the importance of solar energy as a sustainable energy source and a brief discussion of the origins of the current energy crisis and is followed by a discussion concerning how solar energy is collected and used. An assessment of the potential impact of widespread solar energy use in the United States is followed by an analysis of what types of changes will need to take place for this type of alternative energy initiative to succeed. Finally, a discussion of the short- and long-term goals for solar energy is followed by a summary of the research and important findings. The paper includes photographs and a number of diagrams and tables.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Why Do We Need Solar Energy?
What Does Solar Energy Do?
How Does Solar Energy Help People, Businesses, Environment, Etc?
What/Who/How Caused The Need For This?
How Do We Go About Getting This Resource?
How Are We Going To Harness This Power?
What Is Going To Happen Once Solar Power Is Widespread?
Are There Other Types Of Energy That Can Be Used?
How Are We Going To Have To Change To Embrace This New Type Of Energy?
What Are The Short Term Goals For This?
What Are the Long Term Goals For This?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Anyone who has purchased a tank of gasoline, a sack of groceries or paid an electric bill in the past few months can readily testify to the need for cheaper and more reliable sources of energy for the United States today. The nation's continuing reliance on fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal have created a dilemma for consumers and businesses alike as energy prices continue to skyrocket and the country's security is threatened by uncertain foreign suppliers that can play havoc with the national economy by reducing production, raising prices, or imposing an embargo. History has shown time and again that the OPEC and like-minded energy producers are not reluctant to use these tactics when they believe the situation calls for them, and the need for alternative energy sources has never been greater than today.
"What does solar energy do?
"Solar energy is responsible for virtually all forms of the life on earth, providing both the power source and warmth needed to sustain life in an otherwise sterile and harsh universe. Solar energy also drives or contributes to global weather systems."

Tags:solar energy, alternative energy, environment

Abstract
The paper explains that geothermal energy refers to energy that comes from the earth's hot core up to the surface, and the origin of this energy is the magma and other super-hot material several miles below the surface of the earth. the paper relates that it is a renewable and sustainable source of energy, geothermal energy will be present for the entire life of the earth, and extracting it does not pose any threat to the environment. Also, the paper relates that the energy itself is only heat; it is not highly radioactive or in any other way dangerous to living things. This paper explains the heating and air conditioning functions of geothermal energy, firstly by discussing plants, then by discussing heating and cooling more specifically. The paper concludes by analyzing the future of geothermal energy given the state of the world economy and our engineering knowledge.

From the Paper
"Geothermal energy refers to energy that comes from the earth's hot core up to the surface. The origin of this energy is the magma and other super-hot material several miles below the surface of the earth. It is a renewable and sustainable source of energy. Geothermal energy will be present for the entire life of the earth, and extracting it does not pose any threat to the environment. Also, the energy itself is only heat; it is not highly radioactive or in any other way dangerous to living things. This essay will explain the heating and air conditioning functions of geothermal..."

Tags:geothermal, renewable, energy

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
This essay discusses several problematic issues concerning the use of non-renewable energy resources as well as the potential alternatives to its use. It discusses the investments being made in new technology and how the population needs to be made more aware of ways to reduce their demand for energy.

Outline:
Abstract
Situation Analysis
Investing in the Development and Implementation of Renewable Energy Technology
Reducing the Demand and Consumption of Non-Renewable Energy
Increasing Conservative Transportation and Housing
Increasing Public Awareness of the Looming Energy Crisis
Final Analysis

From the Paper
''In the United States of America, there are looming concerns regarding the use of non-renewable energy resources such as natural gas, coal, and oil that were once considered to be the life blood of this nation. These concerns include the present and prospective effects that the over reliance on such energy resources can or may have on the environment, economy, and thus the security of this great nation. The current looming energy crisis is not a completely new phenomenon, for in 1973 the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) enacted an embargo on oil exports to the United States as a result of its support for the state of Israel during the "Six Days War" (Bezek and Wendling 132). This embargo caused a shortage of the energy supply and thus a rise in the cost of energy. Consequently, the American consumer was compelled to cut expenditures while seeking new ways of conserving energy leading to an economic recession.''

Tags:consumer, energy, synergy

Abstract
The paper discusses how while the use of ocean waters to produce energy is not a new concept, recent developments have given rise to a number of possibilities in the renewable technology sector with regards to harnessing the power of the ocean for energy production. The paper explains that these advances come from the ability to capture energy released from two distinct occurrences from ocean waters. The paper relates that the first comes from the action of ocean waves both close to shore and offshore while the second captures energy associated with tidal currents, and both systems capitalize on using either potential (stored) energy or utilizing kinetic (created through motion) energy to harness this power.

From the Paper
"While the use of ocean waters to produce energy is not a new concept, recent developments have given rise to a number of possibilities in the renewable technology sector with regards to harnessing the power of the ocean for energy production. These advances come from the ability to capture energy released from two distinct occurrences from ocean waters. The first comes from the action of ocean waves both close to shore and offshore while the second captures energy associated with tidal currents. Both systems capitalize on using either potential (stored) energy or utilizing kinetic (created through motion) energy to harness this power."

Tags:tidal, wave, 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 paper makes a strong call for the US to develop alternative energy resources to fossil fuels, focusing on renewable energy. First, the paper gives a background to the many issues involved in foreign oil dependence, especially political issues. Next, various alternatives to oil are outlined, including options such as natural gas. The downside of oil is further discussed in light of it not being a renewable resource. The remainder of paper is devoted to a discussion of clean energy. This includes the many advantages to developing clean energy, such as the jobs it would create, lowering energy costs, economic benefits, decreased security issues, and having a clean environment. The paper concludes with the assertion that clean energy is an investment in our future.

From the Paper
"Compounding the problem of foreign oil dependence is the fact that oil is not a renewable resource. Some observers believe we reached peak oil in 2005 (Pickens, 2008). This means that oil production is declining; consumption continues to rise. Moreover, most of the world's proven reserves - and all of its good ones - have been discovered. New oil that is exploited now is more difficult and more expensive to reach than the reserves we are currently tapping. The world's current oil reserves may only last another hundred years before they are completely spent. In order to maintain our current standard of living, we will need to develop alternate fuel sources."

Tags:foreign oil dependence, fossil fuels, emissions, clean energy

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 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). "

Tags:fossil, fuels, damage, consumption, energy

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."

Tags:nuclear, energy, power