Abstract
In this paper the author examines the sources available to create power and electricity. He looks at how technology is used to take advantage of the forces of nature available. The paper highlights how up until recently only the power created by falling water has been explored and used successfully in a number of applications. Sun, wind, waves, rivers, tides and the heat from radioactive decay in the earth's core are all looked at as being renewables, in other words they give continuous sources. The paper concludes with a look at all of the environmental aspects of using these renewable sources, the arguments for and against each one including the aesthetic issues that arise. Introduction Solar Energy Wind Energy Rivers Geothermal Relating Renewable to Base-Load Electricity Demand Environmental Aspects

From the Paper
"The main role of solar energy in the future will be that of direct heating. Much of our energy need is for heat below 60oC - e.g. in hot water systems. A lot more, particularly in industry, is for heat in the range 60 - 110oC. [2] Together these may account for a significant proportion of primary energy use in industrialized nations. The first need is readily supplied by solar power much of the time in some places and the second application commercially is probably not far off."

Tags:gas, batteries, source, turbines, fuel, hydro, conservation

Abstract
This paper discusses how the use of solar power could free us from hazardous gases emitted by fossil fuel combustion. It looks at how photovoltaic technology takes the energy of the sun and directly converts it into electricity and how PV's are found in navigational buoys, calculators, yard lights, watches, electric fencing, streetlights, and irrigation pumps. The paper contends that because energy from the sun is free and readily available unlike fossil fuels, we can set up an affordable system that will provide free electricity for our basic needs at an initial cost comparable to alternative forms of energy.

From the Paper
"A solar-thermal system collects the sun's energy and uses it to heat liquids. The heated liquid can be used to generate steam, which can then be used to turn turbines for electrical power. The steam can also be used for heat. In California, approximately 350 megawatts of power are produced by solar-thermal plants in the Mojave Desert. A well designed solar-thermal system in a home can reduce the cost of energy by as much as 85 percent and pay for itself in approximtely five years. Solar-thermal power releases no pollution and creates no waste, however in order for this system to operate, a lot of sunlight is required. "

Tags:photovoltaic, PVs, sun, rays

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of what energy means to humanity. The paper explores the problems associated with non-renewable energy sources. This is followed by an examination of some of the more promising alternative energy sources being investigated and used today. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.

Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Problems Associated with Non-renewable Energy Sources
Alternative Renewable Energy Sources
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"People have always been looking for alternative forms of energy to improve their chances for survival and simply to make their lives easier. From the first hitching of an ox to a plow, a horse to a wheeled cart, or a primitive water wheel for milling grain, people have always tried to minimize their labor and maximize their efforts. Up until about 1800, though, the primary source of fuel was wood and people still relied heavily on animals for transportation and power. However, since the Industrial Revolution, there has been in increasing reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum as a main source of energy. The costs associated with the use of such fossil fuels has been enormous, both in terms of environmental impact and the high economic costs involved with how these fuels must be obtained, refined and delivered to consumers. All of these steps require energy in and of themselves, and many observers are questioning the logic of continuing to pursue antiquated technologies in view of the alternative energy sources that have emerged over the last few decades."

Tags:fusion, oil, petroleum, power, wind, electricity

Abstract
The paper contends that the use of wave energy is an excellent, as yet largely untapped, alternative to the continued use of fossil fuels. The paper examines the science and technology behind the exploitation and use of wave energy for the production of electricity. The paper then examines the Pico Power Plant at the Azores Islands which uses oscillating water column technology for the production of electricity and the scientific, technological and financial implications resulting from the project. The paper includes tables and illustrations.

From the Paper
"As a society that continues to majorly use non-renewable and unsustainable energy, we must strive to find alternative energy sources that do not deplete resources for generations to come. Oceans cover the majority of the earth's surface, but are largely untapped resources for energy. Three main types of energy that can be harnessed from the ocean include wave energy, tidal energy, and deep-sea thermal energy. In focusing on wave energy, one will see that utilizing this type of energy collection is principally achieved through oscillating water columns, or OWCs. The channeling of wave energy through OWCs at the Pico Power Plant is a prime example of green engineering - the process provides renewable energy to the electricity grid in an efficient and cost-effective manner. "

Tags:renewable, unsustainable, energy, power, output, turbine, harnessing

Abstract
This paper examines how, although the development of wind energy is increasing at about 40% annually with supporting legislation in several major countries, there are two main questions to be answered---cost and the amount of land needed. The author points out that almost every region of the U.S. has some areas of good wind energy and states, lying on the Great Plains from Texas to North Dakota, have a huge wind electricity-generating potential, which far exceeds its current electricity consumption. The paper points out that environmentalists have found that wind energy can create problems of noise, land erosion, visual clutter and the killing of birds who fly into the rotating blades.

From the Paper
"One needs to look into the future for the real impact that wind energy can make in the U.S. There are models already in place which give some indication, up to the year 2006, what might develop in these next years. It would add some 10,000 MW of new wind energy generating capacity. There would be a regular schedule for installation, which was begun in 1997 with 100KW of additional availability, and culminating by the year 2006 in the addition of 2000 MW annually. There is a reason for accelerating installation year by year. First, while it will take time to organize installation activity, they cannot be negotiated and erected overnight. It will also require a stepped-up production, whether in the U.S. or overseas (Denmark, as was mentioned earlier, is not the major manufacturer and distributor of wind-energy turbines.)."

Tags:wind-farm, problems, growth, cost-effective, renewable

Abstract
The paper examines the benefit of reviving nuclear power plants. The writer discusses the many alternative options for generating electricity while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The paper further discusses the potential threat of terrorist attacks and the current problem of nuclear waste storage and the lack of safety in nuclear power plants. The writer concludes that the focus should be put into pursuing other energy options that have fewer safety issues and fewer potential consequences.

From the Paper
"In contrast, storage of nuclear waste and the safety of nuclear power plants is a current problem that already exists for the power plants in operation. Grossman (p. 206) notes that current nuclear power plants were not designed for more than 40 years of use and are considered hazardous. Grossman (p. 207) also notes that the government is currently planning to store nuclear waste in the Yucca Mountains, an area that is near 32 earthquake fault lines and has a high likelihood of both earthquakes and volcanoes."

Tags:weapons, renewable, risk

Abstract
A concise expository paper on wind-powered sources of electricity, and their use as a renewable resource. Includes history and a detailed section on current wind turbine technology.

Abstract
A concise expository paper on wind-powered sources of electricity, and their use as a renewable resource. Includes history and a detailed section on current wind turbine technology.

Abstract
This research discusses the world?s current energy crisis. Fossil energy comprises the majority of the world?s energy source; however, these fuels pose threats to the environment and do not provide a renewable source of energy. Analysts predict that the world will run out of fossil fuels in forty to fifty years. Due to this impending crisis, experts research and attempt to determine renewable energy sources that meet the world?s growing energy needs while considering the technical, environmental, financial, and social impact of these alternatives. This report summarizes four of the most developed renewable energy options that could feasibly replace fossil fuels as a source of energy, including fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power. Fuel cells use substances such as methanol and oxygen to react and provide energy; however, obtaining a clean, reliable hydrogen source and lowering the cost must precede implementation. Solar power harnesses the sun?s thermal with photovoltaic cells to produce electricity; the paper focuses on concentrating solar technologies and the addition research required to employ this alternative fuel source. Wind power uses turbines situated in a field to capture the kinetic energy of the wind; as one of the most frequently used renewable energy resources, this solution may become feasible as prices decrease. Hydropower uses flowing water through a system of turbines and generators to produce vast amounts of clean energy, but its environmental impacts are serious and widespread. All of these renewable energy sources have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to producing energy on a large scale. Some of these factors include cost, efficiency, environmental factors, and political and social factors. The report recommends an increase in research for each of these fields, and concludes that these renewable energy sources will only develop if society as a whole accepts the financial burden that accompanies them. Overall, the financial burden of renewable resources does not compare to the devastating effects that continued fossil energy usage will leave on the environment.

From the Paper
"As the global energy crisis worsens, scientists and researchers internationally race to refine and implement renewable energy resources to provide societies basic power needs that do not depend upon the consumption of natural resources. Within the next century, if energy consumers continue to rely on resources such as coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels at the current rate, society will deplete its fuel reserves, specifically petroleum, to the extent that alternate power sources become necessary to maintain current standards of living based on power sources. Environmentalists, scientists, and the general public target fossil fuel usage as the primary cause for the environment's poor condition; renewable resources will offer an opportunity to prevent and possibly improve damage caused by pollution from power procurement. Globally, consumers are ill-prepared for our inevitable reliance upon renewable energy resources; moreover, developing countries in the process of electrifying their citizens will not have the means to progress in the same energy-technology development cycle and cannot base their tenuous energy dependence on a rapidly waning fuel source. In the absence of fossil fuels, people must rely on new forms of transportation and energy to power our increasingly
technology-based society. Renewable resources, such as fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydro power offers an environmentally-savvy alternative to fossil fuels, yet many of these technologies require further research, refinement, and optimization before we can rely upon them as a substitute for fossil fuels in basic power needs (SolarPACES 1). The problem involves ensuring global preparedness when low energy reserves mandate the use of renewable energy resources through proper allocation of renewable energy technology, ethical support from the public and the government, financial flexibility, and environmental sustainability."

Tags:alternative, cells, crisis, energy, fuel, global, hydroelectric, power, solar, wind

Abstract
This paper analyzes hydropower which is a form of energy obtained from flowing water. Hydropower has been in existence for over 2000 years when the Greek first powered a clock using water around 250 BC. The writer of this paper focuses on Hydro-Quebec, the largest source of hydropower in Quebec and argues that this renewable energy source is an environmentally-hazardous option.

From the Paper
"Furthermore, Hydro-Quebec has also been active in diverse areas of the world, forming partnerships with US power plants and investing in hydropower efforts in Senegal and Vietnam. Although the company's promotional literature claims that Hydro-Quebec is committed to environment-friendly processes, the fact that the potential damage of hydropower is not yet known threatens the credibility of Hydro-Quebec's claim. Indeed, although such organizations as Greenpeace Canada prefer the use of hydropower, as provided by Hydro-Quebec and similar firms across Canada."

Tags:environment, water, fuel, electricity, hydro-quebec, greenpeace, maritime