Environmental Studies Project Report

INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat, which are renewable because they are naturally replenished at a constant rate. About 16% of global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 10% coming from traditional biomass, which is mainly used for heating, and 3.4% from hydroelectricity. New renewables (small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels) accounted for another 3% and are growing very rapidly. The share of renewables in electricity generation is around 19%, with 16% of global electricity coming from hydroelectricity and 3% from new renewables.
There are several advantages to using renewable energy. The biggest is an infinite power source that doesn't pollute the environment. Infinite Power Source: One of the biggest problems facing our current energy sources is that they are not renewable and will eventually run out. As more societies develop across the world, the need for power increases. Coal or oil aren't renewable and the use of these sources create air pollution with harmful emissions. However, alternative energy sources like solar and wind power will last as long as the sun shines and the wind blows. Minimally Destructive: Harvesting traditional power sources causes destruction to the earth. For example, coal mines can damage the ecological structure of the mountains. Harvesting oil from deep in the ocean floor can lead to accidental spills that harm ocean life and wetlands. Except for geothermal energy, renewable energy sources can be harvested without drilling deep into the earth. No Pollution: Possibly the biggest benefits of renewable energy resources is the little to no pollution these energy sources cause. Traditional energy sources are one of the biggest factors in our ever-rising pollution levels. By switching to renewable energy sources we can stop man-made pollution.

Climate change concerns, coupled with high oil prices, peak oil, and increasing government support, are driving increasing renewable energy legislation, incentives and commercialization. New government spending, regulation and policies helped the industry weather the global financial crisis better than many other sectors. According to a 2011 projection by the International Energy Agency, solar power generators may produce most of the worlds electricity within 50 years, dramatically reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases that harm the environment.

Environmental Studies Project Report

OVERVIEW
Renewable energy flows involve natural phenomena such as sunlight, wind, tides, plant growth, and geothermal heat, as the International Energy Agency explains: Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources. Renewable energy resources and significant opportunities for energy efficiency exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to other energy sources, which are concentrated in a limited number of countries. Rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and technological diversification of energy sources, would result in significant energy security and economic benefits. Renewable energy replaces conventional fuels in four distinct areas: electricity generation, hot water/space heating, motor fuels, and rural (off-grid) energy services:

Power generation. Renewable energy provides 19% of electricity generation worldwide. Renewable power generators are spread across many countries, and wind power alone already provides a significant share of electricity in some areas: for example, 14% in the U.S. state of Iowa, 40% in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, and 20% in Denmark. Some countries get most of their power from renewables, including Iceland (100%), Norway (98%), Brazil (86%), Austria (62%), New Zealand (65%), and Sweden (54%). Heating. Solar hot water makes an important contribution to renewable heat in many countries, most notably in China, which now has 70% of the global total (180 GWth). Most of these systems are installed on multi-family apartment buildings and meet a portion of the hot water needs of an estimated 5060 million households in China. Worldwide, total installed solar water heating systems meet a portion of the water heating needs of over 70 million households. The use of biomass for heating continues to grow as well. In Sweden, national use of biomass energy has surpassed that of oil. Direct geothermal for heating is also growing rapidly. Transport fuels. Renewable biofuels have contributed to a significant decline in oil consumption in the United States since 2006. The 93 billion liters of biofuels produced worldwide in 2009 displaced the equivalent of an estimated 68 billion liters of gasoline, equal to about 5% of world gasoline production.

In international public opinion surveys there is strong support for promoting renewable sources such as solar power and wind power, requiring utilities to use more renewable energy (even if this increases the cost), and providing tax incentives to encourage the development and use of such technologies. There is substantial optimism that renewable energy investments will pay off economically in the long term.

Environmental Studies Project Report

HISTORY
Prior to the development of coal in the mid 19th century, all energy used was renewable, with the primary sources being human labor, animal power in the form of oxen, mules, and horses, water power for mill power, wind for grinding grain, and firewood. A graph of energy use in the United States up until 1900 shows oil and natural gas with about the same importance in 1900 as wind and solar played in 2010. By 1873, concerns of running out of coal prompted experiments with using solar energy. Development of solar engines continued until the outbreak of World War I. The eventual importance of solar energy, though, was recognized in a 1911 Scientific American article: "in the far distant future, natural fuels having been exhausted [solar power] will remain as the only means of existence of the human race". In the 1970s environmentalists promoted the development of alternative energy both as a replacement for the eventual depletion of oil, as well as for an escape from dependence on oil, and the first wind turbines appeared. Solar had always been used for heating and cooling, but solar panels were too costly to build solar farms until 1980. The theory of peak oil was published in 1956. By 2008 renewable energy had ceased being an alternative, and more capacity of renewable energy was added than other sources in both the United States and in Europe.

Environmental Studies Project Report

WIND POWER
Airflows can be used to run wind turbines. Modern utility-scale wind turbines range from around 600 kW to 5 MW of rated power, although turbines with rated output of 1.53 MW have become the most common for commercial use; the power available from the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically up to the maximum output for the particular turbine. Areas where winds are stronger and more constant, such as offshore and high altitude sites are preferred locations for wind farms. Typical capacity factors are 20-40%, with values at the upper end of the range in particularly favourable sites. Globally, the long-term technical potential of wind energy is believed to be five times total current global energy production, or 40 times current electricity demand. This could require wind turbines to be installed over large areas, particularly in areas of higher wind resources. Offshore resources experience average wind speeds of ~90% greater than that of land, so offshore resources could contribute substantially more energy. Like solar energy, wind energy offers you a clean, alternative and renewable source of energy. You can have your own system or be part of a network that offers service to a community. One of the advantages of renewable energy is placing your home energy needs off of the electric power grid. This type of system is not cheap; however, if you find that your utility company suffers from frequent outages, it can be a viable option. Like solar energy, your geographical location is a vital consideration when choosing wind energy. Your wind energy potential is greater if you are in an area with a large, unobstructed landscape in order to best receive the force of the wind to power your wind turbine.

Environmental Studies Project Report

HYDROPOWER
Energy in water can be harnessed and used. Since water is about 800 times denser than air, even a slow flowing stream of water, or moderate sea swell, can yield considerable amounts of energy. There are many forms of water energy: Hydroelectric energy is a term usually reserved for large-scale hydroelectric dams. Examples are the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State and the Akosombo Dam in Ghana. Micro hydro systems are hydroelectric power installations that typically produce up to 100 kW of power. They are often used in water rich areas as a remote-area power supply (RAPS). Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity systems derive kinetic energy from rivers and oceans without the creation of a large reservoir. Hydroelectricity harnesses the power of downstream water flow to generate electricity. Like solar and wind energy, you are essentially using a free source of energy, which causes no emissions. Of course, geography plays a key role in whether or not this form of energy can be implemented in an area. While it is renewable, hydroelectricity can negatively impact the environment by disrupting the natural cycles of streams and the wildlife that depends upon the water for habitation. Yet, despite these concerns, hydroelectricity is a important energy source in the Pacific Northwest, providing over 60 percent of the area's energy supply.

Environmental Studies Project Report

SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy is the energy derived from the sun through the form of solar radiation. Solar powered electrical generation relies on photovoltaics and heat engines. A partial list of other solar applications includes space heating and cooling through solar architecture day lighting, solar hot water, solar cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes. Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute solar energy. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air. Solar energy is one form of renewable energy that you can install in your home. Solar energy converts radiant heat collected from the sun into electricity. You gain energy independence when you install a solar system in your home. This is just one of the many advantages when it come to using renewable solar energy. Solar energy requires what you may consider to be a large initial investment. Your cost includes installation and maintenance of the system. According to Solar Power Authority, you can expect to pay up to $10,000 to install a solar power system. However, GetSolar.com estimates that you can recoup your cost in seven to fourteen years. Solar energy is free and renewable and as long as the sun shines, you have a source of energy. One thing you need to consider before purchasing a system is your geographical location. Naturally, in order for the system to pay off, you have to live in an area that receives adequate sunlight. Your home should receive at least five and a half hours a day of direct sunlight.

Environmental Studies Project Report

BIOMASS
Biomass (plant material) is a renewable energy source because the energy it contains comes from the sun. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants capture the sun's energy. When the plants are burnt, they release the sun's energy they contain. In this way, biomass functions as a sort of natural battery for storing solar energy. As long as biomass is produced sustainably, with only as much used as is grown, the battery will last indefinitely. In general there are two main approaches to using plants for energy production: growing plants specifically for energy use (known as first and third-generation biomass), and using the residues (known as secondgeneration biomass) from plants that are used for other things. See biobased economy. The best approaches vary from region to region according to climate, soils and geography. As of early 2012, 85 of 107 biomass plants operating in the U.S. had been cited by federal or state regulators for violating clean air or water laws over the past five years. The Energy Information Administration projected that by 2017, biomass is expected to be about twice as expensive as natural gas, slightly more expensive than nuclear power, and much less expensive than solar panels. Biomass replaces fossil fuel with an alternative, renewable form of energy. Examples include corn, soybeans, and agricultural wastes. This form of energy is implemented at the utility level. The advantage of using this form of energy is that it's readily available. In some cases, the use of biomass accomplishes two goals: provides energy and deals with a waste product such as sewage sludge. However, combustion must occur in order to produce heat and this creates emissions. While this fuel source is renewable, the emissions are a drawback, unlike solar or wind energy that have no emissions.

Environmental Studies Project Report

BIOFUEL
Biofuels include a wide range of fuels which are derived from biomass. The term covers solid biomass, liquid fuels and various biogases. Liquid biofuels include bioalcohols, such as bioethanol, and oils, such as biodiesel. Gaseous biofuels include biogas, landfill gas and synthetic gas. Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermenting the sugar components of plant materials and it is made mostly from sugar and starch crops. With advanced technology being developed, cellulosic biomass, such as trees and grasses, are also used as feedstocks for ethanol production. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions. Bioethanol is widely used in the USA and in Brazil. However, according to the European Environment Agency, biofuels do not address global warming concerns. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled greases. Biodiesel can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel-powered vehicles. Biodiesel is produced from oils or fats using trans-esterification and is the most common biofuel in Europe. Biofuels provided 2.7% of the world's transport fuel in 2010.

Environmental Studies Project Report

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Geothermal energy is from thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. Earth's geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive decay of minerals (80%). The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in temperature between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy in the form of heat from the core to the surface. The adjective geothermal originates from the Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat. The heat that is used for geothermal energy can be from deep within the Earth, all the way down to Earths core 4,000 miles (6,400 km) down. At the core, temperatures may reach over 9,000 F (5,000 C). Heat conducts from the core to surrounding rock. Extremely high temperature and pressure cause some rock to melt, which is commonly known as magma. Magma convects upward since it is lighter than the solid rock. This magma then heats rock and water in the crust, sometimes up to 700 F (371 C). From hot springs, geothermal energy has been used for bathing since Paleolithic times and for space heating since ancient Roman times, but it is now better known for electricity generation. Geothermal is a method used to extract heat from the earth and transfer it for use in your home. Geothermal heat is a byproduct of the natural decaying of minerals in the ground and the absorption of solar energy deep within the earth. While ancient uses of geothermal were limited to heating, modern technology allows for it to be converted into electricity. The most common home application uses geothermal for direct heating. Geothermal is sustainable and renewable and offers a very cost-effective way to heat your home.

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CONCLUSION
If you have ever flown a kite or hung your clothes out to dry, you have used two renewable energy sources - the wind and the sun. Why are these energy sources renewable? Because our supply of sunshine and wind wont run out. Every morning, the sun rises. And every day the wind blows. Even if it is a calm, cloudy day where you live, the sun is shining and the wind is blowing other places in the world. The sun and wind provide huge amounts of energy, more than enough to meet all of our needs. On the other hand, fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, take millions of years and just the right conditions to create. This is why they are called nonrenewable energy sources. Once they are used, they are gone forever. There are many good reasons to depend upon renewable energy sources. If we are clever enough to capture the energy in sunshine and wind, we can use it to heat our homes or run our cars, computers and TVs. When each new day dawns, it brings with it a fresh supply of renewable energy that cant be used up! Renewable Energy Doesnt Pollute Coal emits smoke and chemicals when it is burned to make electricity. Nuclear power plants create radioactive waste that is dangerous for thousands of years. Gasoline burned in our cars causes smog. Even natural gas contributes to the pollution problems. Some renewable energy sources, such as wind and sunshine, dont emit smoke or create pollution when they are used. Others, such as biomass, almost always cause less pollution than fossil or nuclear alternatives. Renewable Energy is Free The sun shines for all of us, free of charge. And the wind blows for free. But nonrenewable energy sources can cost a great deal. We must remove fossil fuels from the earth and ship them long distances. Oil must be refined before it can be used. This is expensive. We also have to pay to clean up the pollution they cause. And as coal and oil resources become scarcer, their prices increase. The equipment to collect and use solar and wind energy, such as solar panels and wind turbines, cost money. But when you consider that the resource is free for the taking, the overall cost of using solar and wind energy can make them smart choices. Especially since solar and wind energy do not pollute our planet.