Difference between revisions of "Renewable sources of energy"

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==Description:==
==Description:==
The majority of energy is currently produced by the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable natural resources. There is a limited amount of fossil fuel reserves. Fossil fuels are being consumed faster than they are produced by the earth and they will eventually be exhausted. This has increased the need to find new renewable sources of energy.
The majority of energy is currently produced by the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable natural resources. There is a limited amount of fossil fuel reserves. Fossil fuels are being consumed faster than they are produced by the earth and they will eventually be exhausted. This has increased the need to find new renewable sources of energy. Renewable sources of energy can easily be replenished. Modern sources of renewable energy include wind energy, solar energy,water power, geothermal energy and biofuel.


==Enablers:==
==Enablers:==
* We are dependent on fossil fuels as they power almost all equipment and machinery. They are used for heating homes and businesses, running businesses, tranportation and communication networks.Almost every aspect of modern life is made from, powered with, or affected by fossil fuels.
* They will last forever as they use energy generated by the sun or wind.
* They are the cheapest and safest source of energy currently available to everyone.
* Wind power mitigates the emission of greenhouse gases and therefore reduces global warming
* Need for energy across the world is increasing.
* Increasing awareness of the need for the conservation of fossil fuels
* Increasing cost of traditional sources of energy i.e fossil fuels
* Dangers of alternatives including nuclear energy


==Inhibitors:==
==Inhibitors:==
* Burning of fossil fuels pollute the air and cause global warming.
* Not aesthetically pleasing e.g wind turbines
* People are increasingly aware of problems with fossil fuels and are trying to find ways to limit our dependence on them.
* Hazardous to ecosystems e.g. dams create barriers for migrating fish,
* Fossil fuels are increasing in price with time.
* Extensive land use is required which could otherwise be farmed
* Availability not consistent




==Paradigms:==


==Paradigms:==
With the conflict in the Middle East, there has been growing concern over the availability of oil in the Middle East. Experts have also said that there is only another 40 years of crude oil left. Geologists are suggesting that global oil production could peak and decline steeply much sooner, increasing oil prices. Non-OPEC oil producing countries are already nearing peak production leaving most of the reserves in the unstable Middle East. Increasing tensions between Islam and the West will likely threaten access to affordable oil.




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==Web Resources:==
==Web Resources:==
*[1] [http://www.calder.net/mwright/2003-10-06-renewable-energy.html Renewable energy]
*[1] [http://www.calder.net/mwright/2003-10-06-renewable-energy.html Renewable energy]
*[2] [http://www.emagazine.com/view/?171 The hydrogen economy]
*[2] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy Wikipedia renewable energy]

Revision as of 21:29, 2 May 2006

Description:

The majority of energy is currently produced by the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable natural resources. There is a limited amount of fossil fuel reserves. Fossil fuels are being consumed faster than they are produced by the earth and they will eventually be exhausted. This has increased the need to find new renewable sources of energy. Renewable sources of energy can easily be replenished. Modern sources of renewable energy include wind energy, solar energy,water power, geothermal energy and biofuel.

Enablers:

  • They will last forever as they use energy generated by the sun or wind.
  • Wind power mitigates the emission of greenhouse gases and therefore reduces global warming
  • Increasing awareness of the need for the conservation of fossil fuels
  • Increasing cost of traditional sources of energy i.e fossil fuels
  • Dangers of alternatives including nuclear energy

Inhibitors:

  • Not aesthetically pleasing e.g wind turbines
  • Hazardous to ecosystems e.g. dams create barriers for migrating fish,
  • Extensive land use is required which could otherwise be farmed
  • Availability not consistent


Paradigms:

Experts:

Petroleum geologists


Timing:

Web Resources: