Townsend Harris High School @ Queens College
Flushing, New York
Teacher: Charlene Levi
Pros and Cons of Alternative Energy
By: Peter Li
10th grade
In today’s society in major parts of this world many people have become overly dependent on external energy sources. As this world continues to grow and technology continues to advance, it is almost impossible to live without an external energy source which can only mean this dependence will go from bad to worse. Probably the most common energy source we use today is fossil fuels, which include coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas. Although we have grown quite accustomed to using fossil fuels, several problems have developed. Fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource, this means that fossil fuels are finite and will eventually run out, as well as a major air pollutant, which contributes to potential environmental problems such as global warming. This is why it is important for energy development to take place so that alternative energy sources can be found to satisfy our energy needs. However with alternative energy it is a package deal, each alternative source of energy comes with its very own pros and cons.
Nuclear energy is one of the most commonly suggested alternative sources of energy. By splitting a series of uranium-235 nuclei within a nuclear reactor, huge amounts of concentrated energy are produced [and] then used to heat water [that turns] into steam that in turn spins a turbine generating electricity. The reason why nuclear energy is probably the next “best thing” is because one kilogram of uranium is equivalent to the amount of energy 3.5 million kilograms of coal produces. It also doesn’t contribute to problems such as global warming or acid rain. However, the process of producing nuclear energy is very dangerous. The splitting of a uranium-235 nucleus not only emits large quantities of heat but radiation as well. The energy is so concentrated that if not managed properly it would be enough to melt the nuclear reactor, thus causing a nuclear meltdown. Without maintenance, the radiation can kill people within a radius of hundreds of miles. The Chernobyl accident in 1986 in the Ukraine was a perfect example of this danger. The nuclear fallout caused the deaths of many.... Because of the radiation, [nuclear waste] must be properly disposed of.... It cannot be thrown out like any other piece of garbage. The construction of a nuclear power plant is also an economic problem. Many procedures must be taken in order to prevent...and [nuclear power plants] must always [be] routinely checked.
Hydroelectric energy is another plausible alternative source of energy. ...Using the pressures and flow of water sources such as rivers...generators turn [turbines] to generate electricity. The benefits of using hydroelectric energy are that water is a renewable resource and can be used over and over again. It also produces no undesirable waste products that can cause pollution. However the down side of hydroelectric energy is that sufficient supplies of water are not present in all areas. Also the construction of dams to make these electric generators interfere and disrupt wild life.
Similar alternatives are tidal energy and wave energy. Tidal energy is the process of using tides for energy. Tides are predictable and free. However tides are only available certain hours of the day. It may also interfere with water transportation and aquatic ecosystems. Wave energy is energy from waves produced by large bodies of water such as oceans or lakes. Wave energy is renewable resource. Cities along coastlines such as New York or Florida for example can benefit from this source. However it is not available in areas [that] are not [near] large bodies of water.
Solar power is another alternative that involves converting sunlight into electricity using what is called solar cells or solar panels. Sunlight is considered to be a renewable resource as long as the sun keeps shining and it doesn't have any bad environmental side effects. On the other hand, sunlight is not always present 24 hours 7 days a week. ...When the sun sets and on cloudy or rainy days, solar power is not readily available. Wind power is also another one of nature’s renewable energy resources. Wind is used in this scenario to turn wind turbines, more commonly known as wind mills, to generate electricity. Wind does not create any environmental problems and [turbines] can be built anywhere that has wind. However wind is not...consistent so wind power is not a reliable alternative.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is a worthwhile policy because money is being spent to put...some of these alternatives into action. Nuclear power plants are being constructed with precautions. Money and research are going into renewable resources which may last us a lifetime like solar, wind or hydroelectric power. It offers a solution to America’s addiction to oil which often brings us into conflict with the Middle East. It also may resolve the potential problem of global warming. However the problem is, time [sensitive.] ...This Act should be [promptly] enforced if [it is] to be successful.
It is safe to say that no one alternative energy source is completely reliable.... However perhaps, a combination of various [sources] can lead to [a] solution.... Eventually we must come to a decision because fossil fuels are being depleted. And with our growing world and economy, it will be very soon.
Bibliography:
Bilgen, S. and K. Kaygusuz, Renewable Energy for a Clean and Sustainable Future, Energy Sources 26, 1119 (2004).
Parsons, Gray L., Alternative energy: Resources from coal to wind, January 2005, ACRL. 2 April 2007. http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/crlnews/backissues2005/january05/alternateenergy.htm
www.doi.gov/iepa/EnergyPolicyActof2005.pdf