Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Energy sources are divided into two groups—
renewable
(an energy source that can
be easily replenished) and
nonrenewable
(an energy source that we are using up and
cannot recreate; petroleum, for example, was formed millions of years ago from the
remains of ancient sea plants and animals). In the United States, most of our energy
comes from nonrenewable energy sources. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, propane, and
uranium are nonrenewable energy sources. They are used to make electricity, to heat
our homes, to move our cars, and to manufacture all kinds of products. Renewable
and nonrenewable energy sources can be used to produce secondary energy sources,
including electricity and hydrogen. Renewable energy sources include the following:
•
Solar
•
Hydro
•
Wind
•
Geothermal
•
Ocean thermal energy conversion
•
Tidal energy
•
Hydrogen burning
•
Biomass burning
Renewable energy (energy sources that can be easily replenished) is the focus
of this text. Unfortunately (depending on your point of view), nonrenewable energy
sources on Earth are available in limited quantity and may vanish within the next
100 years. Moreover, keep in mind that nonrenewable sources are
not
environmental
friendly and can have serious effects on our health. Notwithstanding the environ-
mental and health impacts of using nonrenewable energy sources, it is important to
point out both sides of the argument—that is, the benefits derived and non-benefits
obtained by using these sources.
NONRENEWABLE ENERGY
B
enefits
•
Nonrenewable sources are easy to use.
•
A small amount of nuclear energy will produce a large amount of power.
•
Nonrenewable energy sources have little competition.
•
Nonrenewable energy sources are relatively inexpensive when converting
from one type of energy to another.
n
on
-B
enefits
•
Nonrenewable sources will expire some day.
•
The speed at which such resources are being used can bring about serious
environmental changes.
•
Nonrenewable sources release toxic gases in the air when burned and can
further exacerbate ongoing, cyclical climate change.
•
Because nonrenewable sources are becoming scarcer, prices of these
sources will begin to soar.