Alternative Energy: Is the Answer Blowing in the Wind?

Since the dawn of time, mankind has been at the mercy of nature. Scorching or
frigid temperatures, deadly storms or desperate drought– it has all
shaped our evolution as a species. Now, one of the most pressing
problems for mankind is the current energy crisis. How can we move from
non-renewable, dangerous, expensive fuels like refined oil? What if the
answer was something as simple as harnessing the energy present in
nature?

Many alternative energy possibilities have been explored by scientists over
the years. Solar power, electric power, natural gas, clean coal… but
even simpler than all of these is a clean energy technology which has
already been in use for decades– wind power! We’re all familiar with
windmills, but the modern version, the wind farm, has brought this
technology into the 21st century.

Wind farms are groups of turbines which have some form of a blade which is
spun by the wind. This spinning creates an electrical charge, thereby
generating power from nothing more than the wind. It is a clean,
renewable energy source.

But what are they downsides to this source of power? First of all, wind
farms can be noisy. Residents sometimes complain about the noise of the
spinning blades, as well as the massive amounts of space needed to
construct the turbines. Additionally, wind power can only be used in
certain regions. Wind farms are also expensive to build. Finally, some
consider them to be visually unappealing, blocking their construction in
many areas in which they could potentially be used.

Like any form of energy, it is important to understand and accurately weight
the pros and cons– but wind energy will certainly be a part of our
future!

Filed Under: Energy Tagged With:

Alternative Energy: The Good, the Bad, and the Strange

Could it be that gasoline is finally on its way out as a primary energy
source in the western world? Alternative energies are taking off in a
major way, with companies rushing to produce technologies like wind mills, solar
panels and fuel cells for electric cars. The stars may well be aligned for
alternative energy sources: the public, corporations, and politicians all
appear to be on the same page with regard to energy policy.

But are these alternative energy sources truly viable? And how can we get from here to there? Solar and wind power, for example, have been in place for years but have yet to make a
significant dent in gasoline’s stranglehold on the industry. Clean coal
and natural gas are often touted as potential gasoline replacements, but
are they really any cleaner than refined oil? Some experts have voiced
concerns.

Still, there may be new, slight weird alternative energy technologies on the
horizon. The public at large may not be familiar with them, but
underwater turbines have massive potential for producing clean,
sustainable energy. They function in a similar way to wind turbines or
windmills. However, these underwater turbines harness the power of
currents and take advantage of the fact that most of the planet’s
surface is covered in water.

Believe it or not, the ocean also offers up another promising
alternative energy source: algae! Scientists are currently working on a
method to convert algae into a fuel which could potentially be used to
power cars. It might sound far fetched, but the petroleum that becomes
refined oil (or gasoline) is very similar in makeup to the algae that
these scientists are studying– but could it really replace gasoline?
Only time will tell.

Filed Under: Energy Tagged With: ,

Abandoned Mines–A New Energy Source?

With so much negativity surrounding mining and the negative effect it has on our environment, it is good to finally hear of something more positive. In Northeast Pennsylvania, Marywood University has begun using mine water from an abandoned mine to heat and cool the school. The water is 400 feet below the ground and enters the heating/cooling system at 55-60 degrees. The University uses geothermal energy to heat and cool the school. It is felt that the system the school is now using, which incorporates the constant temperature of the mine water, will keep the school comfortable year-round.

The concept of using mine water for geothermal energy is not a new one, but has only recently begun to be implemented. In fact, even before Marywood University implemented their system there was another successful trial of geothermal heating using water from an abandoned mine. In October 2008, the Dutch city of Heerlen opened the world’s first geothermal power station using water from old coalmine shafts. The station pumps water up from approximately 800 feet. At this depth the water is generally about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. After it heats about 350 homes, the water is then pumped back into the mine where it is re-circulated about two to three times a year. Unfortunately, only the homes closest to the mines are able to access the heat from the geothermal power station.

The use of water from abandoned or flooded mines for geothermal energy is a concept that has come about to utilize the water in these mines for a useful purpose. It is believed that geothermal power stations that are utilizing water from mines, such as the ones noted above, will produce 55% fewer CO2 emissions than coal-fire power stations. Being this is still a fairly new process, there will need to be further studies done pertaining to the cost effectiveness and benefits of this energy source.

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Taking Advantage of Geothermal Energy in Indonesia

Geothermal energy
Image by Peter Nijenhuis via Flickr

Natural resources continue to be the world’s primary source of supplying energy and Indonesia is on the cusp of exploiting theirs. Natural gas, coal and geothermal are its major resources with the government looking at geothermal for producing a large amount of power. However, going this route for industrial purposes requires a hefty investment.

Geothermal is quickly becoming the next darling of the renewable resources crowd. It provides power without having to tap into some form of fossil fuel or natural gas. While it does come with its own issues, it’s inevitable that a new energy resource is going to have hiccups until it’s as commonplace as burning coal.

It works by drilling wells in order to reach thermal springs that are deep underground. The hot water or steam that rises can be used to power generator turbines in the power plant. And when a well is not available, other options exist. Again, wells are drilled, only instead of water, it’s reaching rock. Water can be poured onto the hot rock which will turn into steam. The steam will then, once again, turn the turbines and generate electricity.

Indonesia estimates their geothermal reserves to be a minimum of 27,000 megawatts spread across 265 separate locations in the country. This is a substantial amount of energy that’s waiting to be tapped, and one that can greatly reduce reliance on other forms of energy such as fossil fuels.

So far the Energy agency estimates that 5000 megawatts of power fueled by geothermal energy will be online by 2014. Further construction of plants is currently restricted by lack of funds. The country is looking for international investment to assist with its goals. Taking into consideration that Indonesia is poised to see solid growth in the years to come, energy investment should be something to consider.

Filed Under: Business, Energy, Environmental Issues, Mining Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Wind Energy

Vestas wind turbine, Dithmarschen.
Image via Wikipedia

Those of us living in temperate climates look forward to the warmth the sun produces during the summer months. The sun is indeed powerful and can produce not just solar power but also wind energy. When looking at alternatives to fossils fuels such as coal, it would be a good idea to consider the benefits of wind energy. This is considered one of the healthy forms of energy and it is renewable. One of the first steps in protecting our energy resources is to look at ways of using renewable resources that are cleaner on the environment.

The Wind

Some people might think it strange to use the wind as a form of energy. The sun is usual the most common natural energy source. However, the speeds of the wind can be used to generate another energy source. We have all seen the damage the wind can do during a hurricane or a tornado. So just imagine being able to harness the energy contained within these wind systems to provide another energy source.

When most people think of harnessing the power of the wind, usually windmills are the first piece of equipment people would think about. However, the energy contained within the wind can be effective at a speed of at least 7 mph. The wind energy can be used for anything such as the grand scale windmill production seen in some countries, to a smaller scale of energy production just for a home.

Wind Energy at Home

It is possible to use wind energy at home. How effective this will be would depend on the speed of the wind in your area, especially around your home. By contacting a service provider with the correct equipment, homeowners can save on utility bills by using wind energy. The service provider will need you to measure the wind speed, along with any wind patterns to decide what is the best location for a wind turbine.

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