- Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy produced from sources like the sun and wind that are naturally replenished and do not run out. Renewable energy can be used for electricity generation, space and water heating and cooling, and transportation.
Non-renewable energy, in contrast, comes from finite sources that could get used up, such as fossil fuels like coal and oil.
Types of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources, such as biomass, geothermal resources, sunlight, water, and wind, are natural resources that can be converted into these types of clean, usable energy:
- Geothermal Energy
- Marine Energy
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
Benefits of Renewable Energy
The advantages of renewable energy are numerous and affect the economy, environment, national security, and human health. Here are some of the benefits of using renewable energy in the United States:
- Enhanced reliability, security, and resilience of the nation’s power grid
- Job creation throughout renewable energy industries
- Reduced carbon emissions and air pollution from energy production
- Increased U.S. energy independence
- Increased affordability, as many types of renewable energy are cost-competitive with traditional energy sources
- Expanded clean energy access for non-grid-connected or remote, coastal, or islanded communities.
Learn more about the advantages of wind energy , solar energy , bioenergy , geothermal energy , hydropower , and marine energy , and how DOE is working to modernize the grid .
Renewable Energy in the United States
Renewable energy generates about 20% of all U.S. electricity , and that percentage continues to grow. The following graphic breaks down the shares of total electricity production in 2021 among the types of renewable power:
In 2022, solar and wind are expected to add more than 60% of the utility-scale generating capacity to the U.S. power grid (46% from solar, 17% from wind).
The United States is a resource-rich country with abundant renewable energy resources. The amount available is 100 times that of the nation’s annual electricity need. Read more about renewable energy potential in the United States.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
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The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is the hub of renewable energy applied research, development, and demonstration activities in the United States.
EERE has three pillars: Renewable Energy, Sustainable Transportation, and Energy Efficiency. The Renewable Energy pillar comprises four technology offices:
EERE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office conduct renewable energy research and development activities under the Sustainable Transportation pillar, and the technology offices in the Energy Efficiency pillar integrate renewable energy into their work.
Every American can advocate for renewable energy by becoming a Clean Energy Champion. Both small and large actions make a difference. Join the movement .
Advancing Renewable Energy in the United States
EERE offers funding for research and development to advance clean energy technologies. Find open funding opportunities and learn how to apply for funding .
DOE's 17 national laboratories conduct research and help bring renewable energy technologies to market. Learn more about the national laboratories and tech-to-market programs at EERE.
Renewable Energy at Home
Homeowners and renters can use clean energy at home by buying green power, installing renewable energy systems to generate electricity, or by using renewable resources for water and space heating and cooling.
Before installing a renewable energy system, it's important to reduce your energy consumption and improve your home’s energy efficiency .
Visit Energy Saver to learn more about the different ways to use renewable energy at home:
You may be eligible for federal and state tax credits if you install a renewable energy system in your home. Visit ENERGY STAR to learn about federal renewable energy tax credits for homeowners . For information on state incentives, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency website .
Other Ways EERE Champions Clean Energy
Find clean energy jobs.
EERE is dedicated to building a clean energy economy, which means millions of new jobs in construction, manufacturing, and more across industries. Learn more about job opportunities in renewable energy:
Alternative fuels essay
Alternative fuels can either be renewable or nonrenewable too. This is often confused since alternative fuels replace the conventional fuels which are nonrenewable in nature. Some examples of alternative fuels are wind power, hydropower, solar power, nuclear power, fuel cells, and biofuels. Hydropower, solar, wind and nuclear power are considered renewable sources of energy. However, biofuels can either be renewable or nonrenewable depending on the sources from which they are manufactured. Biofuels are fuels produced from organic matter which can either be solid, liquid or gaseous (Microsoft Encarta).
There are several methods as well as sources in the production of biofuels. Biofuels can either be produced from plants or from organic wastes generated from industrial, commercial, domestic and agricultural processes. Manufacture of biofuels can either be done by burning of dry organic wastes such as household refuse and wood, fermentation of wet wastes such as animal manure in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, fermentation of high-carbohydrate plants such as sugarcane and corn to produce alcohols and esters and lastly by planting of fast-growing wood plants for fuel which is known as energy forestry (Microsoft Encarta).
Biofuels can take a number of forms such as biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, biomass, vegetable oil and algal oil (http://www. habmigern2003. info). Such forms are classified due to the different methods of producing biofuels. To better improve the discussion of the paper, only biodiesel and bioethanol will be discussed in detail. Biodiesel is one of the first alternative fuels that were introduced to the public (http://www. habmigern2003. info). It can be synthesized by the mixing of an alcohol such as methanol and vegetable oil, animal fat or recycled cooking oil (NREL).
Biodiesel isn’t usually used in pure form. It is traditionally mixed with conventional diesel which is available in the market. Since biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils that can be easily replaced by growing plants needed for biodiesel, this biofuel is considered a renewable source. Undoubtedly, biodiesel comes from vegetable oils and organic wastes, however, such raw materials still need to be processed to be suitable for automobile diesel engines.
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For biodiesel to be usable, these oils undergo a chemical process known as esterification which involves the conversion of the oil into fatty acid methyl esters through the aid of an industrial alcohol and a catalyst (EPA). These methyl esters that are produced during esterification are the utilizable substances that consists biodiesel. As has been discussed, biodiesel is conventionally used with a mixture of traditional diesel. There are different blends that are available for biodiesel consumers. The most common of which is B20 or 20% biodiesel and 80% common diesel (EPA).
Such blend of biodiesel is interestingly common since at this level, old diesel engines can be used thus not requiring a change in the automobile engine (AE). Moreover, such a blend is claimed to clean the engines of automobiles. The use of biodiesel has become widespread since the dawn of the oil crisis and threat of oil depletion in the world. Another very popular type of biofuels is bioethanol. Bioethanol is produced by the fermentation of carbohydrate-containing crops such as corn and potatoes (Buzzle).
It is the same as the ethanol that is produced in the manufacture of beer. Like biodiesel, it is also popularly used as an additive. Nevertheless, bioethanol is an additive to gasoline which can actually increase the octane rating of the gasoline to which it is added (NREL). Although bioethanol burning also produces carbon dioxide which is emitted into the atmosphere, it is considered as carbon neutral. This means that the carbon dioxide it emits does not add to the greenhouse gases which are trapped in the earth’s atmosphere.
Burning bioethanol recycles carbon dioxide since the carbon dioxide it emits into the air is compensated for by the carbon dioxide that was consumed by the plants from which bioethanol was produced (http://www. habmigern2003. info). Thus, the over-all effect is that no carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. Bioethanol can also be manufactured by the use of cellulose which is abundant in most plants (Buzzle). Nevertheless, researches are still under way regarding the production of ethanol from cellulose.
Essay on Alternative Fuels
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Essay on Energy in the United States
Wind energy is clean and renewable. The wind is never going to stop blowing; therefore, there will always be enough to keep the turbines going. While some areas may have more wind than others, there is always wind. Wind turbines do not produce any pollution or waste, making them one of the cleanest energy sources on the planet. However, environmentalists are concerned that with the increase of wind turbines, bird populations with decrease because they are getting hit by the wind turbines and dying. Because of the huge poles in the ground, turbines can cause erosion and disrupt wildlife habitats. Wind turbines are also huge; at 30 meters (100 feet) above the ground, with large spinning blades, they can be a bit of an eyesore. They are also loud and have a deep buffeting sound. But the idea is that the large wind farms will be located in the middle of nowhere so they don’t cause an issue in suburban areas. Small wind turbines may be located in backyards to feed houses directly, but these would be so small that they wouldn’t bother any
Ethanol Fuel Essay
Well we all know that the energy system is very unstable because the total energy available on the earth is limited, and man has exploited all the conventional technologies to fulfill his needs. By the use of these conventional technologies, the world also has a disability, with problems such as global warming. Consumption of energy by man increased gradually as his wants also increase. The conventional energy resources mainly include fossil fuels, but research shows that this fuel source will be depleted completely in approximately 20-25 years. This could cause major setbacks around the world. As a result, we need an alternative source of fuel that could keep the world running on its wheel. One possibility is ethanol. Chemically extract
The Keystone Xl Is A Controversial Oil Pipeline Extension
Oil, gas, and fossil fuels have been recent controversial issues. There are cleaner forms of energy that could be used, but it is unclear what sources should be used and how to
What Are We Need For Alternative Fuels?
Today, more than ever there is a pronounced need for alternative fuels. With the rise in sea levels, warming ocean temperatures in addition to a hole in the ozone layer, Earth is suffering in so many ways, it is crying out for help; nonetheless the damage is done and as a consequence is irreversible. Energy comes in a variety of ways. From fossil fuels, to nuclear energy, to wind generated power. A majority of the population relies heavily on various types of energy for daily use. Detrimental impacts of both humans and the planet are being witnessed. Daily commutes to and from work, running errands, in addition, the occasional meetings with the best friend over coffee remain some of the ways society depends on fossil fuels. That is what is
Alternative Energy : Alternative Fuels
If America makes the change to renewable fuels, it could take hundreds of years to undo the indirect damage that will be triggered. The amount of pollution that would be emitted by harvesting new fuels is as devastating as not switching at all (Grunwald). The processes for acquiring these alternatives create pollution that will destroy our environment. It is counterproductive to use renewable energy, if it does not enhance the current situation. Many people are supportive of the change, but are unaware of the long term effects on the economy and environment. The issue of alternative fuels is a controversial topic around the world with numerous countries wanting to use a cleaner fuel source than petroleum and
The Pros And Cons Of The Gore Solution
These sources of energy have a great upside, but right now are incredibly inefficient compared with fossil fuels because of the lack of funding and worldly push (2009). If there isn’t a bigger investment in these alternative energies, fossil fuels are going to maintain their stranglehold on all the economies of the world (Lomborg, 2009).
America's Dependence On Fossil Fuels
Being such a necessary and overused resource makes it a hotly contested subject and global issue. The United States is one of the biggest importers and users of oil in the world, which makes our need of it a major influence on several global markets. Our heavy reliance on dirty fuels, as well as every other industrialized country in the world, will lead to massive effects on the climate of our Earth. This in addition, has led to violence and war, particularly in the Middle East, over the ownership and distribution of oil and other energy resources, which in the end only serves to profit big oil industries. This problem will not stop or slow down, as the demand for energy will only increase as the world’s population and global economy continues to expand. For mainly these reasons, which will be handled more in-depth throughout this paper, the need for clean alternative energy is paramount and must be addressed within the foreseeable future should we otherwise suffer the consequences.
Fossil Fuels And Global Warming
The world right now is facing a major disaster if our habits don’t change. Fossil fuels dominate our energy demand and at our current rate this will remain true for quite some time. The World Energy outlook claims that by 2030 84% of our energy demands will be fulfilled by fossil fuels (Shafiee et al, 181). It is believed that we possess the reserves to meet our demands until 2030 (Shafiee et al, 181) but the cost will increase as time goes on. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, meaning that once we run out of what’s currently available, we cannot replenish it. Our future energy needs are heavily dependent on a non-renewable and quickly depleting energy source.
The Pros and Cons of Ethanol as a Renewable Source of Energy
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One of the most hotly contested debates in today’s realm of environmental concern is how to secure energy for the maintenance and improvement of quality of life in the future. To date, humanity has been blessed with plentiful reserves of cheap crude oil, which can be refined into a multitude of items that make the lives of many so convenient—gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, plastics, and fertilizers. In some parts of the world, these technologies merely facilitate survival. But concern over what happens when these supplies dwindle is universal. Science has revealed that oil will not last forever at the rate it is being consumed. Therefore, alternatives must be developed that can provide sustainable
Borschberg Argumentative Essay
Our modern world is one of busy streets, loud machines, and steaming factories. All three of these things, while necessary and important part of society, have some unintended effects on the world. We sometimes fail to realize the effect that we have on the world with every action that we take. The people of the world, in collaboration, are massive users of fossil fuels. The gas emissions that cars, busses, and even planes produce have a very profound effect on our atmosphere, and not many people take the initiative to reduce these harmful substances. However, there are some that are actively trying to find a solution to the problem to cleaner and renewable energy.
The Risk Our Society Takes by Depending on the Use of Fossil Fuels
What most people in our society lack to notice is how our country 's continuous use of fossil fuels is endangering to nature and the wildlife it inhabits as well as the environment that we live in. Our society seems to think that fossil fuels we use in excess today will last forever but actuality will one day be depleted to unrepairable measures, which is why we need a cleaner more environmentally friendly substitute. With that said my paper is going to underline how our society would be able to transfer from fossil fuels to cleaner energies which are beneficial to our earth and existence.
Alternative Energy Vs. Fossil Fuels Essay
Alternative energy versus fossil fuels is a very controversial issue surrounding America today. The issue is so controversial for many reasons, such as our economic dependence on fossil fuels and the possibility of global warming due to the burning of these fossil fuels we are so dependent on. Where one argument seems to succeed in persuading the reader one way, another rebuttal can be made that will neutralize the arguments before it. If the United States become more alternative energy dependent, it could destroy thousands of jobs, or it could save the US’s economy.
Plutonium Research Paper
Eight-four percent, 84% of energy used globally comes from fossil fuels. These include oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy. All of which are very pollutive and are nonrenewable resources. You can see how this would be a problem for us as a species and our survival. For something that we rely on so heavily for food, medicine, government and so many other important things. I had to know what scientists were doing to further their research on separating themselves from something we've relied on since we discover how to harness power itself. i as well as many others understand It's time for us as humans to further our evolution and develop cleaner, more powerful energy so I set out to find the best energy alternatives and highlight what
Why Fossil Fuels Are Not Only Bad
Coal, petroleum, natural gas. Together, they are the producers of approximately eighty percent of the world’s energy, and, according to the US Energy Information Administration, are predicted to remain as such throughout the early to-mid twenty-first century (EIA 6). Yet there are far more efficient fuels options than these, as the profound xkcd cartoon to the right suggests, and these options do not involve polluting the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change, or contaminating marine life with black goo. Additionally, fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources, and by definition cannot be expected to last forever. They are simply not a feasible long-term option. Therefore, rather than merely limit the use of fossil fuels, world policymakers should put as much effort as possible into developing cleaner, more efficient energy options like nuclear fusion. When fully commercialized, these more potent fuel sources should make fossil fuels obsolete by their very presence in the economy.
Essay on Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy Sources
Fossil fuels are an important part of life. When you turn on the lights, watch TV, or take a shower, the electricity that you are using is being generated by fossil fuels. The three types of fossil fuels are coal, crude oil, and natural gas. They all take millions of years to form, so they are considered to be “non-renewable”- eventually, the fossil fuels will all be used up. One dangerous biological effect of using fossil fuels is ocean acidification. Extracting and transporting fossil fuels can also be very dangerous. Environmentally damaging accidents such as groundwater contamination, land subsidence, and oil spills occur frequently. Global warming is another possible environmental effect. Fossil fuels have a crucial role in modern
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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Energy — The use of renewable sources of energy over fossil fuels
The Use of Renewable Sources of Energy Over Fossil Fuels
- Subject: Science , Environment
- Category: Physics , Environmental Sustainability
- Essay Topic: Energy , Fossil Fuels
- Words: 1830
- Published: 17 December 2018
- Downloads: 109
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Can Alternative Energy Replace Fossil Fuels Essay
Show More Can Alternative Energy Effectively replace fossil fuels? Have you ever wondered if the world would be a cleaner place with humans harnessing the earth 's natural energy? The issue of whether or not alternative energies are able to efficiently replace fossil fuels, with low cost and low harm to the environment, remains controversial today. An alternative resource is one that is intended to replace another without the unwanted side effects ("Alternative”). Scientists and environmentalists are striving to figure out if alternative energies are effective in categories such as economics, ethics, politics, and the environment. Scientific The most common fossil fuels include natural gas, fuel oil, and coal . The main reason why we use fossil …show more content… Harnessed by Solar Panels, also known as Photovoltaic Systems (PV), can prevent the burning of large amount of coal, which harms the atmosphere (“Alternative Energy”). They also prevent acid rain, urban smog, and pollution. 110,00 pounds of carbon dioxide , the greenhouse gas which harms the environment, can be kept out of the the atmosphere for the next twenty five years with one 1.5 PV system (“Alternative Energy”). While visiting India on January 26th, 2015, Obama also discussed the push for solar energy in India, with ambitions of spreading solar panels all over area three times larger than Mumbai, India’s most populous city. The solar market is expected to accelerate, as solar gets cheaper and with the gaining experience of local and international governments. Behind the United States and China, India 's global emissions are the third highest and these three countries are making efforts to stop fossil fuel pollution …show more content… Examining this issue, scientifically and ethically can provide further insight to which alternatives give the best outcome locally and globally, for the humans and the environment. As we push toward a more cleaner world, many politicians and scientists have searched for alternatives which will not harm the environment yet are still efficient and effective. Many evidence and benefits of these alternative energies point toward it being useful to integrate into our society
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But investments in renewable energy will pay off. The reduction of pollution and climate impacts alone could save the world up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030. Moreover, efficient, reliable ...
The advantages of renewable energy are numerous and affect the economy, environment, national security, and human health. Here are some of the benefits of using renewable energy in the United States:
Alternative energy sources are forms of energy that use natural resources to produce energy. There are three main alternative energy sources that can be used in the place of fossil fuels, which are Nuclear, Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are decreasing and eventually will run out.
Fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) are our most traditional source for power generation. Therefore, the energy that’s produced from any source other than fossil fuels is alternative energy. In other words, alternative energy is any amount of energy derived from non-fossil fuel sources.
Alternative fuels can either be renewable or nonrenewable too. This is often confused since alternative fuels replace the conventional fuels which are nonrenewable in nature. Some examples of alternative fuels are wind power, hydropower, solar power, nuclear power, fuel cells, and biofuels.
Petroleum is not only limited, but it is also dirtying up the world’s air, and depleting the ozone layer as it is burned. Alternative fuels are one of the worlds most talked about issues, and many solutions have been brought forth, yet none of them have been sophisticatedly acted upon.
Geothermal energy is generated from the Earth's internal heat and can also be a clean and reliable energy source. While alternative energy sources have traditionally been more expensive to generate and distribute than fossil fuels, the costs of renewable energy technologies have been decreasing in recent years.
Oil, coal, and natural gas are non-renewable energy sources known as fossil fuels which are currently the world’s primary source of energy. These are formed by prehistoric plants and animals that died over a million years ago and were gradually buried by layers of rock.
The issue of whether or not alternative energies are able to efficiently replace fossil fuels, with low cost and low harm to the environment, remains controversial today. An alternative resource is one that is intended to replace another without the unwanted side effects ("Alternative”).