Brenden's+Essay

Here is an essay that will provide several views of the different alternative energies. We will show you why our energy is better than the rest. Even though other energies have advantages, in the long run ours will be the best substitute for fossil fuels.

Brenden George 12/10/09   F Period There are numerous reasons why Bio Fuels should be the ultimate and main alternative energy. For the future, they will be the most efficient and easily produced alternative energy compared to the others like wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower. Our company will prove to you in different ways how our energy is better than the competitors. Our competitors fill you with very controversial promises that are weak. The truth is they have more risks than they are making anyone aware of. Nuclear power has been a topic of resent discussion, and has been put up with all the major alternative energies. One website states, “Nuclear power generation does emit relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2)” (Pros and cons of nuclear). This is a very important part of and alternative energies goals, and Bio Fuels do the exact same thing. They produce very low amounts of green house gases that contribute to global warming. Also, individual nuclear power plants can also create very massive amounts of energy. That sounds good, however the risks the nuclear power plants impose may not be worth it. Nuclear power plants can be large targets for terrorist attacks. The same website says, “During the operation of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste is produced, which in turn can be used for the production of nuclear weapons” (Pros and cons of nuclear). This is dangerous, because if a terrorist or dictatorial country gets a hold of nuclear plants and makes weapons, they can threaten the entire world’s safety. It is also very hard to build new power plants on short time limits. As you can see, a couple advantages come with some very serious disadvantages. Hydropower is another premier alternative energy. It emits zero green house gases because it’s all done through water. A hydropower website says dams “produce inexpensive and clean power” and they are a “renewable energy source because the water is not destroyed by passing through the dam” (PROS). Hydropower is clearly one of the cleanest energies, however there are a few disadvantages. Scientific American says the gates in the dam “produce turbulent areas that subject fish to high shear forces” (9 Goldman). These forces result in fish collisions and fish death. The dams also stop flow in rivers that usually cleans the silt out. So, there are massive silt build up throughout rivers as a result of a dam. There are several harmful factors to natural environments as a result of dams. Wind power is like hydropower in the fact that it has emits zero green house gases. A wind power website says that the wind power can be used on a “self-reliant basis” (Advantages). This is good because farmers and other individuals can put up wind turbines and get paid for doing so. Also, they can use these turbines to run electricity through their house when they need to. The power of wind is also renewable, so it will never deplete like fossil fuels. The downsides of wind power are pretty serious. They can harm several different species of birds if there is an accidental collision. The same wind power website also says wind turbines “can be damaged in thunderstorms, partially because of their tall, thin shape” (Advantages). This would be a serious hassle to have to keep repairing broken turbines, and could get very expensive. Wind is another very clean energy source, however the risk of expensive repairs may not be worth it. Solar power is becoming one of the most popular alternative energies in the present day. People are even making their houses solar power dependent by using solar panels. Scientific American says, “the energy in sunlight striking the earth for 40 minutes is equivalent to global energy consumption for a year” (64 Zweibel). That statistic is just astonishing. Solar energy is also exceptionally clean like hydropower and wind power because it emits zero green house gases. Solar energy may be very awesome, however the cost is another story. A solar energy website says, “the major con of solar energy is the initial cost of solar cells” (Pros and Cons of Solar). The cost for the solar cells will be pricey initially until they are produced and used by more people. The sun is also not out all day, so the panels are useless at night. Even though the potential for solar energy is high, it will need to overcome the serious issue of the price before any large-scale plans go into effect. Bio Fuels truly have the best chance of replacing fossil fuels at this point in time. Most of them produce very low emissions, and they can be used in many cases like car fuel. A Bio Fuel website says, “ they also support the agricultural community of the world and contribute in agricultural development”(Pros and Cons of BioFuel). This is because of the fact the Bio Fuels come from things like plants that can be grown. They will never actually run out. The same website says Bio Fuels are “not at all difficult for people to transition to without special apparatus or change”(Pros and Cons of BioFuel). This is true because you would still be able to pump your gas for your car at a gas station, but instead of using fossil fuel gas you would pump Bio Fuels. All in all, Bio Fuels would make the easiest transition for everyone and would be the better choice in the long run, that is why I believe our company will be successful. Works Cited "Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Power." //HubPages//. Web. 11 Dec. 2009. . Goldman, Peter. "Enhancing Generation and Environmental Performance." //Hydropower//. Print. "Pros and Cons of Biofuel." //Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web//. Web. 11 Dec. 2009. . "Pros and cons of nuclear power | Time for change." //Time for change | For whom enough is too little - nothing is ever enough//. Web. 10 Dec. 2009. . "Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy." //Natural & Renewable Energy Sources - Clean Energy Ideas//. Web. 11 Dec. 2009. . "PROS AND CONS." //Sir Francis Drake High School Website//. Web. 11 Dec. 2009. . Zweibel, Ken, James Mason, and Vasilis Fthenakis. "Big Ideas." //Scientific American// 2007. Print.