Alternative energy is no longer a secret. Most of the worlds energy needs are fulfilled by fossil fuels including gas, oil and coal. It cannot be denied, however, that their supply is no longer in a stable state, their prices have gone up and they have been found to cause damage to the environment.
The negative effects of the use of fossil fuels are taking its toll on the Earth and mankind. Pollution mainly from the burning of fossil fuels has long been pointed as a major cause of the Earths deterioration and mans health problems. Additionally, world prices of fuels dont show signs of going down to its original level forcing man to search for alternative sources of energy.
Alternative energy basically pertains to sources of energy other than those that involve the burning of fossil fuels or splitting of atoms. The Earth has actually a huge supply of it which can be used free of charge and what is great about this is that alternative energy is environment-friendly and renewable.
Today, there are a number of alternative energy forms that are clean to use and cause very little or no harm on nature at all. These are solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy, tidal energy, nuclear energy and biofuels.
Solar energy
The Earth enjoys a lot of benefits from the sun. Apart from providing sunlight to help people as well as plants and animals grow properly, the sun also provides radiant energy for both simple and more important industrial applications. This makes it an ideal alternative source of energy with less environmental impact.
Did you know that every day the sun radiates, or sends out, an enormous amount of energy? It radiates more energy in one second than people have ever used. Today people use solar energy from solar panels to heat buildings and water, to generate electricity, to power watches, calculators, cars and road signs. The disadvantage is that solar power stations work only well in places where its sunny all the year round.
Wind energy
The wind is one of the best sources of energy available to man for free. The power of the wind is never harmful to people and the environment. It is one of the oldest and cleanest forms of energy. While it is dependent on the weather and location, wind energy is very helpful in a lot of ways specifically in generating electricity through the use of windmills.
Wind power plants are mostly located in Europe and in the U.S. where government programs have been implemented to support the development of wind power. Germany ranks first in terms of wind power capacity followed by the U.S., Spain and India. Denmark, while sixth in place, produces 20 percent of its electricity from wind. Wind energy is beneficial to man and the Earth because its not only clean but it does not cause air or water pollution either. The only adverse effect of wind machines is on the population of wild birds.
Geothermal energy
This type of energy comes from the Earths core where temperatures are high and constant all year round. This is ideally used in home heating systems because of its benefits. It can also be used to generate steam to operate a steam turbine. In Iceland, for example, there is lots of underground water. Geothermal power stations make about 25 % of Iceland electricity.
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Compared to the fossil fuels, geothermal energy has greater benefits. Firstly, it is a natural resource and is, therefore, in constant supply and environment friendly. It also has lesser emissions of harmful chemicals making it less hazardous to human health. Additionally, power plants operating through geothermal energy have the ability to go on working during the whole day and night regardless of weather conditions. From an economic standpoint, this form of energy is cost effective and its price is not dependent on the fluctuating levels of fossil fuels.
Hydroelectric energy
This form of energy is very old and also a well developed one. It utilizes the potential energy existing in the water. Basically, this comes from the damming of rivers which helps in generating cheaper electricity. However, it still has a limited capacity for expansion.
Tidal energy
This form of energy is also useful in electricity generation and works in the same manner as that of the conventional hydroelectric dams. The natural motion of tides is used to fill water reservoirs which are then slowly released via turbines that produce electricity.
Nuclear energy
This used to be known as the jewel in the crown among the alternative sources of energy. However, due to the Chernobyl accident, it has received negative feedback. While nuclear fission can be a good source of energy, many people are objecting to its use due to safety reasons. The only hope is nuclear fusion which poses no safety and waste issues. Unfortunately, no solution has been created to develop its potential.
Biofuel
This form of energy can be made from organic matters such as plants, wood and animals. Its main ingredients are ethanol from plant materials and methane from animal wastes. Today, its main use is in the transportation industry as an alternative to gasoline to run land vehicles. While it is commonly used in developed nations, many developing countries are also now using biofuels.
Comprehension
17. Discuss the questions in pairs.
1. What resources can be replaced naturally?
2. What is the problem with fossil fuels?
3. What are the benefits of alternative energy?
4. What do you use electricity for?
5. Name 5 objects that use electricity and 5 objects that dont use electricity.
6. Where can we make the use of solar/wind/hydroelectric energy efficiently?
7. What green answers are appropriate for your country and why?
Vocabulary
18. There is a logical connection among three of the four words in each of the following groups. Which is the odd one, and why?
| 1) gas, coal, oil, water | 6) wind, air, animals, coal |
| 2) wind power, geothermal power, solar power, nuclear power | 7) underground steam, ocean tides, ocean waves, rivers |
| 3) rivers, lakes, oceans, ponds | 8) turbines, mills, tides, panels |
| 4) refrigerators, bikes, televisions, computers | 9) solar panels, wind mills, wave turbines, fossil fuels |
| 5) sun, wind, gas, water | 10) hot water, underground steam, heat, waves |
Reading
19. Look through the text and find the facts that describe the consequences of the disaster.
