Abstract This paper discusses the earth's geothermalenergy. The paper contends that geothermalenergy cannot be trusted to supply all of the world's energy needs as there are simply not enough geothermal reservoirs near the surface of the earth. The paper explores the optimism expressed by some geologists who believe that, as drilling technology improves, humans will be able to reach enough geothermal reservoirs to accommodate a large percentage of the world's energy demands.
From the Paper "The earth formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Our planet's geothermal heat originates from the energetic remnants of that coalescence. Over time, the interior of the earth ?became differentiated into several distinct compositional zones: a large, iron rich core; a thick surrounding mantle; and at the surface, a thin, low density crust.? (Montgomery 10). This fact contributed to a number of important attributes of the earth, including the formation of the atmosphere?which came into existence thanks to gases escaping from the hot interior."
Abstract The paper relates that geothermal power is safe, efficient, a proven technology and does not pollute, add to global warming or involve great expense. The paper explains that the main shortfall is only that geothermal resources are not available everywhere. The paper also points out that promoting geothermal plants in countries like North Korea or Iran could help control the arms race by offering alternatives to nuclear power.
Outline:
Brief History of GeothermalEnergy What is GeothermalEnergy?
Benefits and Shortcomings
From the Paper "Today geothermal energy is the primary source of power in Iceland, providing a majority of the needs for the capital Reykjavik, a modern city of 300,000 people located in a very cold climate. Geothermal energy is still used in Italy and its use has increased steadily in New Zealand, California and Japan. It has also grown steadily as a source of energy for Third World or developing economies as well, representing 27% of the total electricity generated in the Philippines, 12.4% in Kenya, and 11.4% in Costa Rica. (Dickson and Fanelli, 2007)."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the uses of geothermalenergy, how it is harnessed, which countries presently use this form of energy, the different types of geothermal reservoirs, and the different processes used for generating power through geothermalenergy.
From the Paper "According to Godfrey Boyle, geothermal energy "is the natural, internal heat of the earth that is trapped in rock formations deep within the crust, but only a fraction of this vast storehouse of energy can be extracted" (1996, 128), meaning that the sources for this type of renewable energy are not found widely on the earth. Historically, geothermal energy has been used by various cultures and countries for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years, especially in areas where hot springs, geysers and other volcanic activity is widespread. One such country that uses geothermal energy on a daily basis is Iceland, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and just south of the Arctic Circle. In Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, many modern buildings, such as schools, factories and private homes, are heated by geothermal energy which rises to the surface through hot springs which can be found scattered all over the island."
Abstract Geothermalenergy is described as the natural, internal heat of the earth that is trapped in rock formations deep within the crust, but only a fraction of this vast storehouse of energy can be extracted. The paper looks at the way this energy source is used and the limitations of its widespread use.
From the Paper "In recent years, the use of geothermal or natural steam power has greatly advanced. Deep wells have been driven at the Geysers region in northern California where the capacity has been estimated to be over 400,000 kilowatts. In addition, the use of geothermal steam power has been used to some extent in New Zealand, Japan, Mexico and Italy where recent efforts have been made to develop geothermal power as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, due to the fact that geothermal power is extremely clean and moderately cheap to harness."
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 geothermalenergy 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 paper examines how energy is the vital force powering business, manufacturing, and the transportation of goods and services to serve the American and world economies and how, if we don"t do something, there could be a problem. It looks at how we can"t continue to rely on fossil fuels as we do today because of their limited supplies and how we need to find new, renewable, and alternative energy sources. It analyzes the technologies, such as hydropower, hydrogen and fuel cells, geothermal, and biomass, and shows how we need to decide what we are going to do to change our ways and help preserve the world we love.
From the Paper "The last predominate renewable energy source is from water or what is called hydropower. We can harness one of the earth's most predominate resources to our advantage and create clean renewable energy. According to the Alternative Energy Institute, ?There are several favorable features of hydropower. Anywhere sufficient rain falls, there will be rivers. If a particular section of river has the right terrain to form a reservoir, it may be suitable for dam construction. Once the system has been installed, no fossil fuels are required to produce the electricity, and the earth's hydrologic cycle naturally replenishes the "fuel" supply (Alternative Energy Institute)."
Abstract This paper provides a description of the geothermal heating and cooling system installed in houses and provides a list of benefits that would emerge through its installation.
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 ... "
