Alternative Energy Sources
Alternative Energy Sources Fossil fuels will not last forever. If the human race wishes to continue to live the way we do, then we have to look at alternative energy sources such as: geothermal, nuclear, solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy. Alternative energy sources are not without faults, but along with faults, there are benefits and solutions to the issues. Geothermal energy is a well-proven energy resource that can be used to provide both heat and electricity. Geothermal energy is very predictable and producers power 24 hours a day, 7 days as week. Ground based geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling can be used almost anywhere. Geothermal energy resources exist in many areas of the world for both high and low temperature applications. Geothermal energy does not require any fuel like most other sources of energy. Once the geothermal power stations are built they cost very little to operate making geothermal generated electricity cheap. Using geothermal energy directly for heating applications can be up to 70% more efficient. The steam used for electricity production is turned into water and recycled back into the Earth. Geothermal energy is a total package, so there are disadvantages. Geothermal energy may not be considered as a renewable resource only a sustainable one. A significant investment is often required prior to building a geothermal power station. The availability of geothermal energy that is capable of feeding geothermal power stations is limited since they run on the heat generated by the earth. Geothermal power stations have the potential to cool the rocks beneath them buried deep under the ground. Geothermal power stations, as with many other power station designs can be unsightly and provide visual pollution. Building a geothermal station requires large areas of excavation for horizontal trenches and drilling bore holes deep into the ground for vertical wells. After a few years it may require the drilling of new wells.
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