Energy Sources
- Submitted by: rburkett412
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- Category: Science
- Date Submitted: 08/27/2011 07:46 PM
- Pages: 4
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Energy Sources
There are many options for energy sources and each of them has positive and negative effects. Whether is hydropower, wind, nuclear, or fossil fuel power there are negative consequences and positive aspects. When I begin to weigh the different options and take into account the negative and positives, it makes the choice even more difficult as to which one might be the “right” one. As far as nuclear versus hydropower and the possible consequences of developing nuclear power versus the seemingly perfectly safe hydropower it is not an easy decision. I honestly believe that the combination of many different energy sources is the best option.
“Water-generated energy called hydroelectric power or hydropower taps the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity.”(Turk & Bensel, 2011, Chapter 8.2) Hydropower is one of the oldest ways of harnessing energy. “Hydro-power systems convert potential energy stored in water held at height to kinetic energy to turn a turbine to produce electricity.”(Dictionary of Environmental Science and Technology, 2010) This seems like the best renewable resource option until you start research some of the drawbacks. Dams are built and then huge power generators are placed inside them. The water flowing through the dams spin turbine blades which are connected to generators and this is what produces the electricity. The electricity is then sent to your home and/or business. The problem is these dams change the environment around them and affect the land use, homes, and natural habitats in the dam area by disturbing the flora and fauna. The dams can change fish migration patterns and therefore affect their population. Another problem with operating a hydroelectric power plant is that it can also change the water temperature and the river’s flow; both of these greatly affect the animals and plants living nearby or in the rivers. Sometime the reservoirs may cover people’s homes causing them to have to...
There are many options for energy sources and each of them has positive and negative effects. Whether is hydropower, wind, nuclear, or fossil fuel power there are negative consequences and positive aspects. When I begin to weigh the different options and take into account the negative and positives, it makes the choice even more difficult as to which one might be the “right” one. As far as nuclear versus hydropower and the possible consequences of developing nuclear power versus the seemingly perfectly safe hydropower it is not an easy decision. I honestly believe that the combination of many different energy sources is the best option.
“Water-generated energy called hydroelectric power or hydropower taps the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity.”(Turk & Bensel, 2011, Chapter 8.2) Hydropower is one of the oldest ways of harnessing energy. “Hydro-power systems convert potential energy stored in water held at height to kinetic energy to turn a turbine to produce electricity.”(Dictionary of Environmental Science and Technology, 2010) This seems like the best renewable resource option until you start research some of the drawbacks. Dams are built and then huge power generators are placed inside them. The water flowing through the dams spin turbine blades which are connected to generators and this is what produces the electricity. The electricity is then sent to your home and/or business. The problem is these dams change the environment around them and affect the land use, homes, and natural habitats in the dam area by disturbing the flora and fauna. The dams can change fish migration patterns and therefore affect their population. Another problem with operating a hydroelectric power plant is that it can also change the water temperature and the river’s flow; both of these greatly affect the animals and plants living nearby or in the rivers. Sometime the reservoirs may cover people’s homes causing them to have to...