5/19/19 Michael Agro

English 10 Block 2

Methods of Electricity Production

Have you ever wondered that, with the flick of a switch, you can have light whenever you

want and have as much of it as you need, or with the push of a button, you can watch television

and play video games whenever you want? In the summer when it is hot, you can turn on the air

conditioning, and when it is cold in the winter, you can turn on the heat. You can access a stove,

oven, or microwaves to cook a meal. You have easy access to clean running water when you

need something to drink, wash my hands, or take a shower. All of these, and much more, are

made available through reliable power from many different sources, but not everyone throughout

the world has access to this same reliable power. This leads me to think about how electricity is

really produced.

The production of electricity can be done in many ways, who which there are three main

areas of energy production Renewable, Fossil Fuels, and Nuclear. Renewable energy production

uses renewable sources, such as wind, sunlight, and water to produce electricity. Fossil Fuel

energy production uses combustible geologic deposits of organic material buried deep in the

earth, like oil, natural gas, and coal. Nuclear energy production uses radioactive materials, such

as uranium in the production of electricity. More and more, many people want electricity to be

produced only through “green energy” (S.A.Rogers, Mother Nature Network), which is

electricity produced through the use of renewable sources, in order to reduce green gas emissions

and pollution to slow down global warming.

 In 1870, oil began to be used a source of energy (ProCon, Historical Timeline). Oil

energy production is similar to coal energy production, which is another form of fossil fuel

energy production. Oil energy production takes advantage of the abundant source of oil to

produce electricity.

Oil is pumped and collected from the ground and is then transported to the site of the

power plant. When is arrives at the site, it is stored in containers, where it will be burned. The

heat generated from burning the oil is used to boil water in a boiler to produce steam. The steam

is then compressed and goes to a turbine. The force of the steam turns the turbine, and after the

steam passes through the turbine, the steam condenses and returns to the boiler where it will go

through the cycle again. The turning turbine shaft turns a generator. In the generator, a large

magnet spins creating a powerful magnetic field. Around the magnet are copper coils, which

contain electrons. The magnetic field causes the electrons to move in the copper wire, thus

creating electricity. The electricity then travels through a cable to a transformer, where voltage

levels are changed to fit the power grid. (General Electric, how fuel is transferred to energy)

Oil energy production has a few advantages with it being a cheaper source of power. Oil

power plants are also very reliable because it can produce electricity 24 hours 7 day a week. Also

oil is the has the highest energy density among fossil fuel making it very good at producing

electricity. (Magda Savin, Alternative Energies)

Although oil has a few advantages, it affects the environment in many negative way. One

being that it is a major source of pollution by releasing greenhouse gases and carbon emissions,

which can cause acid rain and global warmer that affects life and the environment. Unlike a
renewable energy source oil is a limited resource, so it will eventually run out. (Magda Savin,

Alternative Energies)

In 1876, the first selenium solar cell generated electricity directly from the sunlight

(ProCon, Historical Timeline)​, and then in 1954, the first silicon photovoltaic cell produced

electricity from the sun (Stephanie Pain, Nature). With use of another natural renewable source,

heat from the sun can be captured in the form solar energy. Solar energy production comes in

various forms. Two of the most common are concentrated solar power and photovoltaic.

A concentrated solar power plant uses mirrors to direct the sun’s heat to generate steam,

which runs a steam turbine to produce usable electricity. Due to its overall size, a concentrated

solar power plant is typically used by utilities, electric cooperatives and independent power

producers. The main components of a concentrated solar power plant are the Heliostats which

are computer controlled mirrors, a tower, a boiler, a turbine and generator, and a steam generator,

The heliostats are located in circular rows around the tower. During the day, as the sun

shines down, the heliostats reflect the sun's light to a boiler located on top of the tower. Through

the reflection of sunlight, the temperatures of the water inside the boiler get high enough to

convert the water into steam. This steam then flows down the tower, and the pressure of the

steam drives a turbine that is connected to a generator to create electricity.

Since electricity demand is highest when the sun sets, the plant would typically not be

able to create electricity when it is most needed. For this reason, during the day, cold molten salts

is pumped from a tank, which is located at the base of the tower, into the boiler, where they can

be heated to high temperatures. Then the hot molten salt is pumped down the tower into a second

container, where energy can be stored to maintain electricity production for several hours after
sunset. When the hot molten salt is needed, it is pumped to a steam generator, which then

activates the turbine and creates electricity. After the hot molten salt has been used in the

process, it is cool enough to be returned to the cold molten salt container, where it will be reused

in a new cycle. (Helioscsp, concentrated solar power)

A photovoltaic solar energy system consists of photovoltaic panels, which convert

sunlight into energy. Each panel consists of hundreds of photovoltaic cells. These cells contain a

semi-conductor metal, typically silicon, which release electrons when hit by the sunlight to

create an electric field. These electrons, along with the photons released by the sun, generate

direct current of electricity, which travels through wires by way of the metal conductor plates

inside the panel. The wires from all of the panels in the system are connected and brought to an

inverter, where the direct current electricity is converted to alternating current electricity, which

is typically required to operate most electrical devices. Photovoltaic solar energy systems can

consist of just a few panels, such as on the roof of a home for residential use, to hundreds of

panels in an open field for use a utility or other large scale use​. ​(Green Energy Solar, how does

solar photovoltaic energy work)

The use of solar power has many advantages. Solar energy is the most abundant

renewable source on earth and the fuel is free. It produces zero emissions and has the lowest

impact on making electricity.It also produces energy when it is most expensive. Solar energy

production is modular and can be installed in almost any environment and climate. It is fast and

relatively easy to install. (conserve energy future, pros of solar energy)

There are also many disadvantages to solar energy production. Even with sunlight being

the most abundant renewable source it is very inconsistent. Energy can only be produced when
the sun is shining, which is almost half the day and when the sum is supposed to be shining,

there may be clouds block the sun. Also while it can be installed in almost any climate and

environment it is less effective in areas where there is snow because the snow covers up the

panels causing it to not produce electricity. This form of energy production is also the most

expensive compared to all other forms of energy productions, causing it to not produce enough

electricity for the cost. (conserve energy future, cons of solar energy)

In 1882, the first coal power plant was made to produce electricity and was made by

Thomas Edison in London, England (Stephanie Pain, Nature). ​Coal is first mined out of the

ground and collected, and then it is transported to the power plant site. It is burned in a furnace,

which creates carbon dioxide and heat. The heat is used to boil water in a boiler, which produces

steam at high temperatures and pressures. This steam goes through a pipe to the turbine, where

the force of the steam is converted to mechanical power by turning a turbine. The steam then

condenses and returns to the boiler to repeat the cycle. The mechanical power that is produced

turns the turbine shaft that is connected to a generator, which has a rotor with a magnet

surrounded by copper coil. As the magnet spins, it creates a powerful magnetic field. It is lined

with electrons around the copper coils, there electrons then move in the wire creating electricity.

(johnzactruba, Bright Hub Engineering)

Coal energy production has pros, such as coal is an abundant source. Coal power plants

can produce electricity 24 hours, 7 days a week without interruption. They are also very efficient

and cheap, which allows for cheap energy. (Crystal Ayres, Green Garaje)

There are also many cons to coal energy production. Coal, when burned, releases a lot of

greenhouse gas emissions, which can harm people and the environment. With the use of
additional equipment and treatment processes, the release of these greenhouse gas emissions can

be reduced; however, this significantly increases the installation and operating costs of the plant,

which then significantly increases the cost of energy production. In addition, the proper method

of containing and disposing of the waste produced as a result of the treatment process is very

expensive as well, and it needs continuous monitoring. When coal is being mined for use in the

power plants, there are thousands of deaths year after year, which are from poor working

conditions and not following safety regulations. Mining for coal can also lead to water pollution.

(Crystal Ayres, Green Garaje)

In 1882, the first commercial scale hydroelectric plant began operating in Appleton,

Wisconsin. Then in 1935, the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant of the time began

operating, the Hoover Dam ​(ProCon, Historical Timeline)​. Water is the source used for what is

the oldest and most commonly used renewable energy generation, hydropower. Hydropower is

produced in several different methods, which include the most common forms of hydroelectric

dams and pump storage, and some of the more modern and developing forms of ocean tidal

barrages, tidal turbines, and wave energy. Water is the largest renewable source available, and it

is extremely reliable, which is why so much energy around the world is produced by

hydropower. Hydropower is more typically used by utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities

and independent power producers.

Hydroelectric dams consist primarily of the dam itself, a lake or reservoir, a penstock, a

turbine and generator set, or multiple turbine-generators sets.

Water is held in a man-made lake or a reservoir by a large barrier, called a dam. The

water in the lake or reservoir is pulled by gravity down a pipe, called the penstock. When the
water reaches the end of the penstock, the waters energy is converted from water power to

mechanical power. As the force of the water spins the turbine it spins the generator, converting

mechanical power to electrical power. The electricity from the generator then travels through a

power cable to a transformer, where the voltage levels are adjusted to match the power grid. The

water that flows through the turbine is released on the discharge side of the dam and flows down

the river. (TVA, how hydroelectric power works)

Pump storage uses two reservoirs at different elevations to produce electricity. It is used

almost like a battery that provides power when other power generating resources are not

available. Pump storage can be used to backup other renewable energy sources, such as wind

power. When a wind farm shuts down because wind speeds are too low to produce power, pump

storage is often used to provide the needed power. In a pump storage plant, the water is normally

stored in the reservoir at the higher elevation. When the plant is needed to generate electricity, a

gate at the bottom of the higher reservoir opens, and water from the higher reservoir flows

through an intake pipe. Much similar to the concept of a hydroelectric dam, as the water reaches

the bottom of the intake pipe, it spins a turbine that is coupled to a generator, which then

generates electrical power. After the water spins the turbine, it goes to the lower reservoir, where

it is held other power generating resources come on-line. When those other power generating

resources produce power again, the surplus of energy is used to stop and reverse the direction of

the turbine so that it pumps the water from the lower reservoir back up to the high reservoir.

This is done so the plant can be ready to produce energy again when needed. The idea of

restoring the higher reservoir is like recharging a battery so it can be used again when needed.

(General Electric, pump turbine)

 The use of hydropower energy production has many advantages, such as it being a

renewable source, so we are not able to run out of it. This method creates clean energy by not

releasing greenhouse gases. Once the power plant is up and running, it has low operating and

maintenance costs. Most rivers that are ideal for the use of hydropower energy production are

located in more remotes areas, so the installation of hydropower plants allow for further

development in those areas. (Conserve Energy Future, pros of hydroelectric power)

With there being many advantages for the use of hydropower plants, there are some

disadvantages. One big disadvantage is that the power plant interrupts the natural flow of water,

which can lead to a drought in other areas or disturb natural habits for animals. Also, these power

plants have very high installation costs. (Conserve Energy Future, cons of hydroelectric power)

The first wind turbine made for electricity production was actually made in 1888 in

Cleveland, Ohio. Then 1927, the first commercial wind turbine was sold for the generation of

electricity on remote farms, but it was not until 1980 before the first wind farm was built in New

Hampshire ​(ProCon, Historical Timeline)​. Through the use of the natural renewable source wind,

a wind turbine can produce energy. These turbines harness the wind’s energy to produce

electricity. Wind turbines are in two basic types: horizontal-axis turbines and vertical-axis

turbines. Their sizes range from under 100 kW to more than 12 MW. The smaller turbines,

which are below 100 kW are typically used for residential, agricultural, and small commercial

and industrial applications. The larger turbines, which are above 100 kW are typically used by

utilities, electric cooperatives and independent power producers, where they are grouped together

into what is called wind farms. Wind turbines are installed on land or offshore in large bodies of

water, like oceans and large lakes. On land, large wind turbines are typically installed in wide
open plains, on a ridge, or on top of a mountain. They operate best in wide open areas, where the

wind can flow unimpeded by natural obstacles or any structures.

The main parts of the horizontal-axis wind turbine are the blades, the rotor, nacelle, pitch

system, the generator, the controller, the yaw drive, and the tower. The number of blades can

vary; however, the typical wind turbine has three blades, which are connected at the hub on the

rotor. The rotor goes into the nacelle, which houses the gearbox, generators and controller. All

of this sits on top of the tower, which can be more than 250 meters tall. (General Electric, wind

turbine)

As the wind blows, its energy is captured by the blades, which can be as much as 100

meters long. When hit by the wind, the blade will lift and rotate. The yaw drive pivots the entire

nacelle to the direction of the wind in order to optimize the capturing of the wind’s energy by the

blades. As the blades rotate, the energy forces the rotor to spin. The rotational speed of the rotor

is controlled by the pitch system, which adjusts the angle of blades in contact with the wind. The

rotor is coupled to a gearbox, which increases the rotational speed in order to operate the

generator. The rotation of the generator is what produces the electricity. The electricity from the

generator then travels through a power cable down the tower to a transformer on the ground,

where the voltage levels are adjusted to match the power grid. (Energy Information, how wind

generates electricity)

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing form of energy. There are many advantages to

wind energy. This form of energy production produces no emissions, which is great for the

environment. Wind itself is abundant and it will not run out with as it is a renewable source.

Wind turbines are very modular and can be set up individually or in groups, both small and large,
depending on how much power is needed. Wind turbines can be installed relatively quickly.

Even a wind farm can be installed within one year. (Energy Information, wind energy pros and

cons)

Wind energy does have some disadvantages. It must be located at places where there is a

constant steady wind. More areas with the best wind to harness for energy are not located where

the electricity is needed. Transmission lines to bring the electricity to where it is needed can be

distance resulting in line losses and be very expensive. Some location are on top ridges or

mountains or even offshore where it is difficult and expensive to build on. The wind is

intermittent and is most often strongest at night, which is when energy demand is typically the

lowest; therefore, the use of energy storage, such as batteries, is often needed. Often people do

not like to have to see large scale wind turbines from the homes; therefore, they need to be

installed in remote locations. Wind turbines can affect bird and bat migration patterns, which

can impact their environment. (Energy Information, wind energy pros and cons)

In 1904, in Larderello, Italy, Piera Ginori Conti generated electricity the geothermal

energy for the first time, and then in 1911, he made the first geothermal power plant (Stephanie

Pain, Nature). A more unique form of energy production is geothermal. Though the use of the

natural heat of the earth, geothermal energy can be used to create electricity. Geothermal energy

production is another form of energy production that is renewable. The types of power plants

that produce electricity this way are dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle power plants.

Geothermal energy production is used in a smaller scale for residential, agricultural, and small

commercial and industrial applications, but is more commonly used on a larger scale by utilities,

electric cooperatives and independent power producers

 In a dry steam power plant, water in an underground reservoir is heated by the heat of the

earth to produced steam. This steam rises through a production well, which brings the steam to a

turbine. The force of the steam turns a turbine, which converts the power of the steam to

mechanical power. The turbine then turns a generator converting mechanical power to electricity.

Then the electricity from travels through a power cable to a transformer and the voltage levels

are adjusted to match the power grid. After the steam passes through the turbine and cools down

to a low enough temperature, it condenses back to water and goes down the injection well, where

it will be heated by the earth to produce steam and goes through the cycle again. (John W. Lund,

Britannica)

In a flash steam power plant, underground reservoirs are contain water under very high

pressure at temperatures in excess of 360°F due to the natural heat of the earth. Due to the high

pressures, the water is forced up the production well, where the water is put into flash tanks. As

the water goes into the flash tank, it is converted to steam due to the sudden decrease in pressure.

The steam then turns the turbine, where the steam energy is converted to mechanical power. The

turbine turns the generator converting mechanical power to electricity. The electricity then

travels through a power cable to a transformer and the voltage levels are then adjusted to match

the power grid. After the steam goes through the turbine, it is condensed and passed down an

injection well. Since not all of water in the flash tanks is converted to steam, the leftover water

goes through a pipe and down the injection well, as well. All the water that goes down the

injection well is then heated by the earth and goes through the cycle again. (John W. Lund,

Britannica)
 Like a flash steam power plant, a binary cycle power plant uses underground reservoirs

with high pressure water at very high temperatures from the earth’s heats. However, after the hot

water rises up the production well in a flash steam power plant, it goes through the heat

exchanger, which heats up the working fluid (binary fluid), and converts it from a liquid to a gas.

The gas then travels through a pipe to the turbine, where the force of the gas turns the turbine

converting the gases force to mechanical power. The turbine then turns the generator converting

mechanical power to electricity. The electricity produced then goes in a power cable where it

will travel to a transformer and the voltage levels are adjusted to match the power grid. After the

gas turns the turbine, it goes through an additional pipe back into the heat exchanger, where it

will continue in this cycle. Also after the hot water goes through the heat exchanger, it travels

down the injection pipe so that it is reheat by the earth and eventually goes through the cycle

again. (Energy Information, how a geothermal power plant works)

Geothermal energy production has many advantages. This form of energy production is

renewable and environmentally safe, causing no harm to the environment. There is not additional

fuel needed. Unlike solar and wind energy, which are limited by the availability of sunlight and

wind, geothermal energy almost an endless supply. Geothermal energy productions takes up the

smallest land footprint of the major energy production sources in the world. (Converse Energy

Future, pros of geothermal)

Unfortunately, the primary areas for geothermal energy are not typically in locations

where the power is mostly needed. It has high installation costs. The process of installing

utility-size geothermal plants involves hydraulic fracturing, which has been linked to causing

earthquakes and water supply contamination. Boring into the warm rock beds can be difficult.
Geothermal energy does have other environmental concerns regarding the use of water for the

process and potential for contaminating the water and ground with compounds, such as sulfur

dioxide and silica, as a result of the process. It does required some minimal power to run its heat

pumps. (Converse Energy Future, cons of geothermal)

There were many efforts in creating a natural gas turbine in the early 1900’s, but it was

Profesor Aurel Boleslav who commissioned the first practical natural gas turbine under the

Brown Boveri Company in Neuchâul, Switzerland in 1940 (Ronald J. Hunt, idgtE). One of the

many uses of natural gas is to produce electricity. The process of producing this type of

electricity uses a gas turbine and generator set. The gas turbine and generator set can range in

output from a few megawatts to over 400MW. It can be install along of with multiple other units

depending on how much energy is required. All of these types of electricity production are

primarily used by utilities, cooperatives, municipalities, independent power producers, and

industry users.

On one end of the gas turbine, there is a compressor, which takes atmospheric air and

compresses it to a certain pressure that is needed for the combustion system. In the combustion

system the compressed air is mixed with compressed natural gases, which is typically a pipeline

gas. The air and gas mixture is then ignited in the combustion chamber and burned at very high

temperatures, which creates a very hot exhaust gas. This exhaust gas flows into the turbine

section where its pressure quickly turns the turbine. The turbine shaft is is coupled to a

generator. In the generator, the shaft rotates, which spins large magnets that are surrounded by

coils made of copper wire. These magnets revolve so fast that they create a powerful magnetic

field, which is lined with electrons around the copper coils and causes the electrons to move in a
wire, thus creating electricity​. As the electricity is created, it is transferred through a cable to a

transformer, where the voltage levels are altered to fit the power grid. (General Electric, gas

turbine)

When the gas turbine and generator set is operated alone, the hot exhaust gas from the

turbine discharge is sent through a tall exhaust stack and released into the atmosphere at a high

elevation. This type of application is called a simple cycle application. The gas turbine and

generator set can be used in other types of applications that capture the energy from the hot

exhaust gas at the discharge to provide additional benefits. It​ can be used to operate with a large

heat exchanger on the exhaust end of the turbine, called a Heat Recovery Steam Generator

(HRSG), to produce steam for heating or a process needs, such as oil well recovery. The HRSG

captures the exhaust energy for the hot discharge gas to heat water inside the tubes of the HRSG

and convert that water into steam for use. This type of application is called a cogeneration

application. The process can be taken a set further, in which the gas turbine and generator set

and the HRSG can be combined with a steam turbine and generator set. In this case the steam

that is generated by the HRSG is piped to a steam turbine, which produces more energy to ​make

the total energy production more efficient. The force of the steam turns the turbine, and its shaft

turns a generator. This is called a combined cycle application. (General Electric, combined cycle

power plant)

Natural gas has many pros such as there is an abundant supply. The US has over one

trillion barrels of natural gas reserves that have not been harvested. It is currently the cheapest

source of electrical production. When natural gas is burned in the energy production process, it
releases around half of the carbon dioxide that coal releases when burning. It also emits fewer

toxins and chemical into the atmosphere. (Converse Energy Future, pros of natural gas)

Natural gas energy production also has some cons, such as its release of greenhouse gas

emissions. The greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, monoxide, and other carbon compounds,

which are released into the atmosphere. In addition, when extracting the natural gases from deep

under the earth’s surface, the process has the potential of contaminating groundwater.(Converse

Energy Future, cons of natural gas)

In 1951, the first nuclear reactor for energy production was made in Idaho (ProCon,

Historical Timeline) and the first one to supply power to the electric grid happened in 1954

(Stephanie Pain, Nature)​. Nuclear energy production uses the radioactive element of uranium. If

it installed and used correctly, it can be very efficient and produce lots of electricity; however, if

mishandled or done wrong, it can be devastating to the population and area around it.

Through this method of energy production, uranium, which is highly radioactive, collides

with a neutron. This splits the uranium into two separate atoms and starts a chain reaction. This

reaction is controlled by control rods, which are often made of cadmium or boron. The control

rods absorb neutrons to slow down the chain reaction. When the uranium atoms split, they

release a high amount of energy. This energy is then harnessed and used to heat water and create

steam at high temperatures. The steam then turns a turbine, which rotates a generator. In the

generator, a large magnet spins creating a powerful magnetic field. The magnet is surrounded by

a copper coil wire lined with electrons, which then creates electricity. This electricity goes to a

transformer through a cable, which is where the levels of voltage are changed to fit the power

grid. (uscusa, how nuclear power works)

 When installed and operated properly, nuclear power plants are very reliable in the

production of electricity and can produce electricity uninterrupted for a year straight. Even with

the production of a lot of electricity, there is very little pollution. Once the power plant is up and

running, operation costs are very low. (Converse Energy Future, Pros of nuclear energy)

Even though there is a very low operating cost, the initial cost of building the plant is

extremely expensive. Also, even with very little waste and pollution produced, the waste

produced is still very radioactive and very dangerous. With the source of heat being very

radioactive, if there was a nuclear accident, the whole community and environment around it

would be destroyed or contaminated and would have to be evacuated. (Converse Energy Future,

Pros of nuclear energy)

In 1982, electricity was first produced through sources of biomass (Alternate Energy

Source Info, unfolding the improvements of biomass history). The use of biomass is another way

to create energy using a renewable source. Biomass energy production primarily uses plants or a

byproduct of plants or animals. Biomass is used in a variety of energy producing plants, like

wood combustion, cogeneration, wood gasification, agricultural products, solid waste, biogas,

landfills, alcohol fuel, and biodiesel, which produce energy through similar processes. Biomass

energy production is used for residential, agricultural, small commercial and industrial

applications, utilities, electric cooperatives and independent power producers

In the wood combustion process, wood is burned to heat a boiler. The boiler is heated to

very high temperature to convert water into steam. The steam goes through a pipe that travels to

a turbine. The stream’s force then turns a turbine creating mechanical power. This mechanical

power then turns a generator creating electricity. The electricity goes in through a power cable
where it travels to a transformer, where the voltage levels are modified to match the power grid.

This wood combustion process can be combined in a cogeneration application to provide steam

heating as well. Another process that also uses wood is wood gasification, in which the wood is

heated to very high temperature with very little oxygen so that the wood does not burn. At these

high temperatures, the wood releases carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are then mixed with

oxygen. The combined gas is then ignited to heat the boiler and continue the same process as

wood combustion. (The Earth Project)

Agricultural energy production is very similar to wood combustion, but instead of

burning wood, energy crops, such as corn, sugarcane, or switchgrass, are burned to produce

energy. When the energy crops are burned they create heat. This heat is used to heat the water

inside a boiler to create steam. The steam turns the turbine, which converting the steam’s force to

mechanical power. This mechanical power is used to turn the generator creating electricity. The

electricity then travels through a power cable to a transformer, and the voltage levels are

modified to match the power grid. (The Earth Project)

Like wood combustion and agricultural products energy production, solid wastes energy

production is very similar. In this process, garbage is burned to create heat to heat a boiler to

convert water to steam. This steam’s force turns a turbine, which creates mechanical power. The

turbines turns a generator to create electricity. This electricity then travels through a power cable

to a transformer, where the voltage levels are altered to match the power grid. The big difference

between solid waste and both wood combustion and agricultural products energy production is

that solid waste energy production does not create green energy. (The Earth Project)
 Biogas is produced when microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungi feed on dead

plants and animals, and waste products. The biogas produced is made of difference gases, of

which the most important one is methane due to it being highly flammable. As the methane is

produced, it is burned generate heat. This heat then heats the boiler to convert water into steam.

The steam turns a turbine in order to create mechanical power. This mechanical power is used to

then turn a generator creating electricity. The electricity then travels through a power cable to a

transformer, where the voltage levels are altered to match the power grid. (The Earth Project)

As waste decomposes in landfills, its produces biogases. One of the biogases produced is

methane, which has a high flammability. Through landfill energy production, this methane is

burned to heat the boiler, where water is converted to steam. The steam produced is then used to

turn a turbine, which turns a generator. When the generator turns, it create electricity, which will

then goes into a power cable and to a transformer, where the voltage levels are modified to match

the power grid. (The Earth Project)

When plant material is fermented, it creates ethanol. The ethanol produced is highly

flammable, which allows it to be a heat source for a boiler. When the boiler is heated by the

ignited ethanol, it converts water into steam. The steam produced turns a turbine to convert the

steam’s force into mechanical power. This mechanical power then turns a generator to create

electricity, which travels in a power cable to a transformer and the voltage levels are adjusted to

meet the power grid. (The Earth Project)

Biodiesel energy production is yet another renewable energy. Biodiesel fuel is produced

from alcohol and vegetable oil or animal oil. It is sometimes used in that form of mixture or it is
mixed with petroleum diesel. This fuel is then used to operate diesel engine to produce

electricity. (The Earth Project)

Some advantages to using biomass energy production is that it can be from a renewable

source because you cannot run out of it. Biomass power plants also produce clean energy with no

carbon emissions, and they can produce energy from waste materials. (Conserve Energy Future,

pros of biomass energy)

Even with these advantages, the use of biomass power plants can get too big and

extensive that it can lead to deforestation. Also, the installation cost of the power plant is

expensive and the transportation of the fuel can be expensive, as well. Many biofuels, such as

ethanol, burn less efficiently compared to fossil fuels, and some biofuels are produced from food

sources, which could affect food prices. (Conserve Energy Future, pros of biomass energy

Through the use of renewable energy production, fossil fuel energy production, and

nuclear energy production, there are many different ways to produce electricity for us humans to

be able to power most of the technology that we use today. The method of production of

electricity has been a very controversial topic for many years, and this controversy continues to

grow. Many people think that energy production should be produced by green energy producers

only; however, although I feel that we may eventually get there, I feel that this cannot happen in

the near future. Based on the information and data that I have collected, I most confidently feel

that, today, we will not be able to produce electricity through just one method or with green

energy producers only. Producing electricity through one method cannot be done because it is

either harmful to the environment or the method cannot produce enough reliable electricity at all

times of day, all year long, and in all areas of the world. In order to have all electricity to be
produced green energy producers, there are too many factors and all of the production methods

that produce green energy only produce electricity, or produce it most efficiently, at certain times

of day or only in certain areas. Therefore, reliable electricity production cannot be produced

solely on one form of energy production nor only on green energy producers. For now, we will

have to rely on a mixture of all of this electricity generating sources that are available to us,

while we continue to develop and advance renewable energy technology.

Sources

Ayres, Crystal. “10 Serious Pros and Cons of Coal Energy.” ​Green Garage​, 14 Jan. 2017,

greengarageblog.org/10-serious-pros-and-cons-of-coal-energy.

Carlson, Jordan. “Geothermal.” Geothermal | Student Energy,​ ​25 Apr. 2019,

www.studentenergy.org/topics/geothermal​.

“Combined-Cycle Power Plant – How It Works | GE Power Generation.” ​Combined-Cycle

Power Plant – How It Works | GE Power Generation​, 27 Apr. 2019,

www.ge.com/power/resources/knowledge-base/combined-cycle-power-plant-how-it-works​.

“Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) - How It Works.” ​HELIOSCSP​, 14 Apr. 2019,

helioscsp.com/concentrated-solar-power-csp-how-it-works/.

Daniels, Lisa. “Pros & Cons of Wind Energy.” Windustry, 16 Jan. 2015,

www.windustry.org/pros_cons_wind_energy​.

“Electricity 101 | GE Power Generation.” ​Electricity 101 | GE Power Generation​, 28 Apr. 2019,

www.ge.com/power/resources/knowledge-base/electricity-101​.
“Historical Timeline - Alternative Energy - ProCon.org.” ​Can Alternative Energy Effectively

Replace Fossil Fuels?​, 13 June 2013,

alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015.

“How a Geothermal Power Plant Generates Electricity.” Energy Informative, 25 Apr. 2019,

energyinformative.org/how-a-geothermal-power-plant-generates-electricity/.

“How Does Solar Energy Work? Step by Step Guide.” Green and Growing, 4 Oct. 2018,

www.greenandgrowing.org/how-does-solar-energy-work/​.

“How Does Solar Photovoltaic Energy Work?” Evergreen Solar, 7 Apr. 2019,

evergreensolar.com/how/how-does-solar-photovoltaic-energy-work/.

“How Does Solar Power Work?” How Do Solar Panels Work?,​ ​14 Apr. 2019,

www.sullivansolarpower.com/solar-academy/how-solar-works​.

“How Hydroelectric Power Works.” TVA,​ ​15 Apr. 2019,

www.tva.gov/Energy/Our-Power-System/Hydroelectric/How-Hydroelectric-Power-Works​.

“How Nuclear Power Works.” ​Union of Concerned Scientists​, 29 Apr. 2019,

www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-power/nuclear-power-technology/how-nuclear-power-works​.

“How Wind Turbines Generate Electricity.” Energy Informative, 7 Apr,

2019energyinformative.org/how-wind-turbines-generate-electricity/.

Hunt, Ronald J. “The History of the Industrial Gas Turbine.” ​IdgtE,​ 18 May 2018,

www.idgte.org/IDGTE%20Paper%20582%20History%20of%20The%20Industrial%20Gas%20T

urbine%20Part%201%20v2%20(revised%2014-Jan-11).pdf​.

“Hydroelectric.” TVA, 15 Apr. 2019, ​www.tva.gov/Energy/Our-Power-System/Hydroelectric​.

“Hydro Pump Turbine | GE Renewable Energy.” Hydro Pump Turbine | GE Renewable Energy,

15 Apr. 2019,
www.ge.com/renewableenergy/hydro-power/large-hydropower-solutions/hydro-turbines/pump-tu

rbine​.

Johnzactruba. “How Does a Coal Power Plant Work?” ​Bright Hub Engineering​, 12 Nov. 2018,

www.brighthubengineering.com/power-plants/18082-coal-fired-thermal-power-plant-the-basic-st

eps-and-facts/​.

Lund, John W. “Geothermal Energy.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,

30 Apr. 2018,​ ​www.britannica.com/science/geothermal-energy​.

“Natural Gas 101: Pros & Cons.” ​EnvironmentalScience.org​, 25 Apr. 2019,

www.environmentalscience.org/natural-gas​.

Pain, Stephanie. “Power through the Ages.” ​Nature News,​ Nature Publishing Group, 29 Nov.

2017, ​www.nature.com/articles/d41586-017-07506-z​.

“Pros and Cons of Biomass Energy.” Conserve Energy Future, 15 Apr. 2017,

www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-biomass-energy.php​.

“Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy.” Conserve Energy Future, 23 Dec. 2017,

www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-geothermal-energy.php​.

“Pros and Cons of Natural Gas.” ​Conserve Energy Future​, 25 Dec. 2016,

www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-natural-gas.php​.

“Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy.” ​Conserve Energy Future​, 25 Dec. 2016,

www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-nuclear-energy.php​.

“Pros and Cons of Solar Energy.” ​Conserve Energy Future,​ 25 Dec. 2016,

www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-solar-energy.php.

Rogers, S.A. “What Is Green Energy?” MNN, Mother Nature Network, 17 Sept. 2018,

www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/stories/what-is-green-energy​.
Savin, Magda. “Pros and Cons of Oil Energy – AEN News.” ​Alternative Energy and Electric

Car News​, 7 Feb. 2018, ​www.alternative-energies.net/oil-energy-pros-and-cons/​.

“The Evolution of Biomass History.” ​The Evolution of Biomass History​, 18 May 2019,

www.alternativeenergysourcesinfo.com/biomass-history.html.

“The Main Types of Biomass Energy.” The Earth Project, 6 Jan. 2017,

theearthproject.com/biomass-energy-types/.

“Various Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Power.” Conserve Energy Future, 18 Feb. 2017,

www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-hydroelectric-power.php​.

“What Is a Gas Turbine | Knowledge Base | GE Power Generation.” What Is a Gas Turbine |

Knowledge Base | GE Power Generation, 25 Apr. 2019,

www.ge.com/power/resources/knowledge-base/what-is-a-gas-turbine​.

“Wind Energy Pros and Cons.” Energy Informative, 7 Apr, 2019

energyinformative.org/wind-energy-pros-and-cons/