The Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

The Advantages of Renewable Energy

One major advantage with the use of renewable energy is that as it is renewable
it is therefore sustainable and so will never run out.
Renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional
generators. Their fuel being derived from natural and available resources reduces
the costs of operation.
Even more importantly, renewable energy produces little or no waste products
such as carbon dioxide or other chemical pollutants, so has minimal impact on the
environment.
Renewable energy projects can also bring economic benefits to many regional
areas, as most projects are located away from large urban centres and suburbs of
the capital cities. These economic benefits may be from the increased use of local
services as well as tourism.

The Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

It is easy to recognise the environmental advantages of utilising the alternative

and renewable forms of energy but we must also be aware of the disadvantages.

One disadvantage with renewable energy is that it is difficult to generate the

quantities of electricity that are as large as those produced by traditional fossil
fuel generators. This may mean that we need to reduce the amount of energy we
use or simply build more energy facilities. It also indicates that the best solution
to our energy problems may be to have a balance of many different power
sources.
Another disadvantage of renewable energy sources is the reliability of supply.
Renewable energy often relies on the weather for its source of power. Hydro
generators need rain to fill dams to supply flowing water. Wind turbines need
wind to turn the blades, and solar collectors need clear skies and sunshine to
collect heat and make electricity. When these resources are unavailable so is the
capacity to make energy from them. This can be unpredictable and inconsistent.
The current cost of renewable energy technology is also far in excess of traditional
fossil fuel generation. This is because it is a new technology and as such has
extremely large capital cost.

Energy’s Future Today

The sun is the ultimate source of energy for our planet. Its energy is found in fossil fuels as well
as all living things. Harnessing its energy holds great promise for the world’s energy needs, and
it will be heavily called upon as fossil fuels are depleted.

There is a great deal of information and enthusiasm today about the development
and increased production of our global energy needs from alternative energy
sources. Solar energy, wind power and moving water are all traditional sources of
alternative energy that are making progress. The enthusiasm everyone shares for
these developments has in many ways created a sense of complacency that our
future energy demands will easily be met.
Alternative energy is an interesting concept when you think about it. In our global
society, it simply means energy that is produced from sources other than our
primary energy supply: fossil fuels. Coal, oil and natural gas are the three kinds of
fossil fuels that we have mostly depended on for our energy needs, from home
heating and electricity to fuel for our automobiles and mass transportation.
The problem is fossil fuels are non-renewable. They are limited in supply and will
one day be depleted. There is no escaping this conclusion. Fossil fuels formed
from plants and animals that lived hundreds of millions of years ago and became
buried way underneath the Earth’s surface where their remains collectively
transformed into the combustible materials we use for fuel.
In fact, the earliest known fossil fuel deposits are from the Cambrian Period about
500 million years ago, way before the dinosaurs emerged onto the scene. This is
when most of the major groups of animals first appeared on Earth. The later fossil
fuels — which provide more substandard fuels like peat or lignite coal (soft coal)
— began forming as late as five million years ago in the Pliocene Period. At our
rate of consumption, these fuels cannot occur fast enough to meet our current or
future energy demands.
Despite the promise of alternative energy sources — more appropriately called
renewable energy, collectively they provide only about 7 percent of the world’s
energy needs (Source: Energy Information Agency). This means that fossil fuels,
along with nuclear energy — a controversial, non-renewable energy source — are
supplying 93 percent of the world’s energy resources.

Dams are a major source of hydroelectric energy, such as the Hoover Dam on the Colorado
River (pictured). While they collect the vast raw energy provided by water currents, they
also create environmental hazards such as silt buildup. They are also significant barriers to
fish, such as the salmon of the Pacific Northwest, which must migrate in order for the
species to survive. The Hoover Dam is a major source of energy for the southwestern US.
(Photo: US Bureau of Reclamation)

Nuclear energy, which is primarily generated by splitting atoms, only provides 6

percent of the world’s energy supplies. Still, nuclear energy is not likely to be a
major source of world energy consumption because of public pressure and the
relative dangers associated with unleashing the power of the atom. Yet,
governments such as the United States see its vast potential and are placing
pressure on the further exploitation of nuclear energy.
The total world energy demand is for about 400 quadrillion British Thermal Units
— or BTUs — each year (Source: US Department of Energy). That’s
400,000,000,000,000,000 BTUs! A BTU is roughly equal to the energy and heat
generated by a match. Oil, coal and natural gas supply nearly 88 percent of the
world’s energy needs, or about 350 quadrillion BTUs. Of this amount, oil is king,
providing about 41 percent of the world’s total energy supplies, or about 164
quadrillion BTUs. Coal provides 24 percent of the world’s energy, or 96 quadrillion
BTUs, and natural gas provides the remaining 22 percent, or 88 quadrillion BTUs.
It’s not so much that we mine fossil fuels for our consumption any more than it is
to mine salt or tap water supplies way underground. The problems occur when
we destroy ecosystems while mining it and while using it. Certainly, if there were
a way that fossil fuels can be mined and used in ways that do not harm our
ecology, then everything will be okay… in a perfect world. What makes our world
perfect is that, it really isn’t perfect according to definition. It is natural, with all
things interdependent on each other to live, grow and produce. Fossil fuel mining
and oil production can and has caused irreparable damage to our environment.
The Fossil Fuel Dilemma
Fossil fuels exist, and they provide a valuable service. It’s not so much that we use
fossil fuels for energy that is problematic, but it’s the side effects of using them
that causes all of the problems. Burning fossil fuels creates carbon dioxide, the
number one greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Combustion of these
fossil fuels is considered to be the largest contributing factor to the release of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In the 20th century, the average
temperature of Earth rose 1 degree Fahrenheit (1°F). This period saw the most
prolific population growth and industrial development — which was and remains
totally dependent on the use of energy — in Earth’s history.
The impact of global warming on the environment is extensive and affects many
areas. In the Arctic and Antarctica, warmer temperatures are causing the ice to
melt which will increase sea level and change the composition of the surrounding
sea water. Rising sea levels alone can impede processes ranging from settlement,
agriculture and fishing both commercially and recreationally. Air pollution is also a
direct result of the use of fossil fuels, resulting in smog and the degradation of
human health and plant growth.
But there are also the great dangers posed to natural ecosystems that result from
collecting fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil. Oil spills have devastated
ecosystems and coal mining has stripped lands of their vitality. These among
others are the primary reasons to discontinue the pursuit to tap the vast oil
reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Oil fossil fuels come from marine plants and animals and are found only underneath the
ocean or under land that was covered by the oceans millions of years ago. This oil rig is
located offshore in the Arabian Gulf. (Photo: Saudi Arabian Embassy – London)

The oil, coal and natural gas companies know these are serious problems. But
until our renewable energy sources become more viable as major energy
providers, the only alternative for our global population is for these companies to
continue tapping into the fossil fuel reserves to meet our energy needs. And you
can pretty much count on these companies being there providing energy from
renewable sources when the fossil fuels are depleted. Many oil companies, for
example, are involved in the development of more reliable renewable energy
technologies. For example, British Petroleum Company, today known as BP, has
become one of the world’s leading providers of solar energy through its BP Solar
division, a business that they are planning on eclipsing their oil production
business in the near future.
Future Supplies for Future Energy
Just how limited are our fossil fuel reserves? Some estimates say our fossil fuel
reserves will be depleted within 50 years, while others say it will be 100-120
years. The fact is that neither one of these projections is very appealing for a
global community that is so heavily dependent on fossil fuels to meet basic
human needs. The bottom line: We are going to run out of fossil fuels for energy
and we have no choice but to prepare for the new age of energy production since,
most certainly, human demands for energy will not decrease.

Modern windmills have become very efficient at transferring the energy of wind to electricity.
Wind power is an important part of the overall renewable energy sources for the future.
(Photo: CORE)

Nobody really knows when the last drop of oil, lump of coal or cubic foot of
natural gas will be collected from the Earth. All of it will depend on how well we
manage our energy demands along with how well we can develop and use
renewable energy sources.
And here is one very important factor: population growth. As the population
grows upwards towards nine billion people over the next 50 years, the world’s
energy demands will increase proportionately. Not only will it be important for
renewable energy to keep up with the increasing population growth, but it must
outpace not only these demands but begin replacing fossil fuel energy production
if we are to meet future energy needs.
By the year 2020, world energy consumption is projected to increase by 50
percent, or an additional 207 quadrillion BTUs. If the global consumption of
renewable energy sources remains constant, the world’s available fossil fuel
reserves will be consumed in 104 years or early in the 22nd century.(Source: US
Department of Energy) Clearly, renewable energy resources will play an
increasingly vital role in the power generation mix over the next century.
The Ultimate Energy Sources as the Underdogs
Solar energy is having the most immediate impact on home energy needs, and is expected
to provide the energy needs for one billion people by the middle of this century. Homes can
be fitted with solar panels, such as the ones pictured above. (Photo: Maui Green Energy)

Sun, wind and water are perfect energy sources…depending on where you are.
They are non-polluting, renewable and efficient. They are simple: all you need is
sunlight, running water and/or wind. Not only do the use of renewable energy
sources help reduce global carbon dioxide emissions, but they also add some
much-needed flexibility to the energy resource mix by decreasing our
dependence on limited reserves of fossil fuels.
Essentially, these renewable energy sources create their own energy. The object
is to capture and harness their mechanical power and convert it to electricity in
the most effective and productive manner possible. There’s more than enough
renewable energy sources to supply all of the world’s energy needs forever;
however, the challenge is to develop the capability to effectively and
economically capture, store and use the energy when needed.
Take solar energy for example. The ultimate source of energy is the sun. Its
energy is found in all things, including fossil fuels. Plants depend on the sun to
make food, animals eat the plants, and both ended up becoming the key
ingredients for fossil fuels. Without the sun, nothing on this planet would exist.
The sun also provides enough energy that can be stored for use long after the sun
sets and even during extended cloudy periods. But making it available is much
easier said than done. It would be cost prohibitive to make solar energy
mainstream for major world consumption in the near future. The technology is
pretty much ready for many business and consumer applications, but it would be
way too expensive to replace the current energy infrastructure used for fossil fuel
energy. Still, according to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, solar
power could provide energy for more than one billion people by 2020 and 26
percent of global energy needs by 2040.
Wind and hydroelectric power, which have been used effectively for generations,
are also rapidly growing energy markets. The principle behind both is that the
force of the wind and water currents are passed through turbines which convert
their energy into electricity. Commercial wind energy is usually collected by wind
“farms” essentially consisting of hundreds of wind turbines (windmills) spread
over large plots of land.
But hydroelectric power is harnessed in several different methods. The most
popular is through dams, such as the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Another
form of hydroelectric energy is tidal power. In use since the early 1900s, tidal
power stations collect the energy created by the rise and fall of the tides to
convert to electricity.
Biomass energy, or energy from burning plants and other organic matter, is one
of man’s earliest sources of energy. Wood was once the main source of power for
heat, and it still is in many developing countries. Most people in developed
countries use wood only for aesthetic purposes or secondary heating, limited
mainly to fireplaces and decorative woodstoves. Roughly one to two billion
people in the developing nations still use wood as their primary source of heat. It
is this group that is seen being among the first to convert to solar heating and
energy because there is no other existing infrastructure to hinder its
development.
Conclusions
Perhaps the best solution to our growing energy challenges comes from The
Union of Concerned Scientists: “No single solution can meet our society’s future
energy needs. The solution instead will come from a family of diverse energy
technologies that share a common thread — they do not deplete our natural
resources or destroy our environment.”
Did You Know?
Wind energy is actually a form of solar energy. Wind is formed from the heating
and cooling of the atmosphere, which causes air and air layers to rise and fall and
move over each other. This movement results in wind currents.

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is classified as energy that comes from resources like sun light
(known as solar), wind, geothermal heat and rain that are constantly replenished.
Renewable energy can serve as a replacement to electricity, motor fuels, rural
energy and heating. Many people might discount renewable energy sources right
off the bat just by looking at the definition. They wouldn’t hesitate to question
why it is necessary to switch to sources like sunlight, wind, or rain. The way they
see it, these are not very reliable sources of energy.

This is why the question can only be begged: what are the real benefits of
renewable energy sources? While there are certainly advantages and
disadvantages to switching to renewable energy, it is quite arguable that the
benefits of using such sources outweigh the shortcomings of it, especially in the
future.

Of course, the shortcomings are all things that can, with time and money, be fixed
due to the rapid technological advancements our country makes on a nearly
annual scale. The benefits of renewable energy sources are breathtaking, and
while we may not quite be in a position to fully switch over to renewable energy
sources just quite yet (requiring a balance of renewable energy and other sources
for now), it is imperative that we look ahead to the future.

Well, what about the shortcomings? It’s simply not fair to truly evaluate the
benefits of renewable energy without first mentioning the shortcoming of it.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

1. Renewable energy is, well, renewable: This means it has infinity of
sustainability and we will never run out of it. Other sources of energy
like coal, oil and gas are limited and will run out some day. Renewable energy
can reduce our dependence on fuels and energy from foreign governments.
Strong winds, heat within earth, moving water, shining sun can provide a vast and
constant energy resource supply.

2. Environmental Benefits: It is clean and results in little to no greenhouse and

net carbon emissions. It will not deplete our natural resources and have minimal,
if any, negative impacts on the environment, with no waste products of Co2 and
other, more toxic take with different sources of energy. The environmental
benefits of renewable energy are innovative in that they will dramatically scale
back on the amount of toxic air pollution released into the atmosphere by other
methods. Enables us to protect the environment from toxic pollutions, which in
turn keep people healthier.

3. Reliable Energy Source: Our dependence on fossil fuels has increased

considerably in last few decades. The result is that our national security continues
to be threatened by our dependence on fossil fuels which are vulnerable to
political instabilities, trade disputes, wars, and high prices. This impacts more
than just our national energy policy. Also, solar and wind plants are distributed
over large geographical area and weather disruptions in one area won’t cut off
power to an entire region.

4. Economic Benefits: Renewable energy is also cheaper and more economically

sound than other sources of generated energy. It is estimated that as a result of
renewable energy manufacturing, hundreds of thousands of stable jobs will be
created. Thousands of jobs have already been created in numerous European
countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, who have adopted measures to
manufacture renewable energy. Renewable energy amenities require a less
amount of maintenance, which reduces the costs. Switching to renewable energy
sources also means that the future of our energy is returned back to the people:
to communities, families, farmers, and individuals.
5. Stabilize Energy Prices: Switching to renewable energy sources also means
steady pricing on energy. Since the cost of renewable energy is dependent on the
invested money and not the increasing or decreasing or inflated cost of
the natural resource, governments would only pay a small amount in comparison
to the needlessly heavy pricing of the energy prices we are witnessing currently.

The United States of America has the best wind resources in the entire world.
Now that wind energy is the most cost effective source of energy, and the
technology of wind turbines has improved as well as the cost has gone down. This
permits more manufacturing plants that are cost effective. Wind is a reliable
source of electricity, as is solar power for similar reasons.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

1. Reliability of Supply: One shortcoming is that renewable energy relies heavily
upon the weather for sources of supply: rain, wind, and sunshine. In the event of
weather that doesn’t produce these kinds of climate conditions renewable energy
sources lack the capacity to make energy. Since it may be difficult the generate
the necessary energy due to the unpredictable weather patterns, we may need to
reduce the amount of energy we use.

2. Difficult to Generate in Large Quantity: Another disadvantage of renewable

energy is that it is difficult to generate large amount of energy as those produced
by coal powered plants. This means that either we need to set up more such
facilities to match up with the growing demand or look out for ways to reduce our
energy consumption.
3. Large Capital Cost: Initial investments are quite high in case of building
renewable energy plants. These plants require upfront investments to build, have
high maintenance expenses and require careful planning and implementation.

4. Large Tracts of Land Required: To meet up with the large quantities of

electricity produced by fossil fuels, large amount of solar panels and wind farms
need to be set up. For this, large tracts of land is required to produce energy
quantities competitive with fossil fuel burning.

Non-Renewable Energy
Non-renewable fossil fuels (crude oil, natural gas, coal, oil shales and tar sands)
currently supply Australia with more than 95 percent of our electrical energy
needs. Non-renewable energy is energy produced by burning fossil fuels such as
coal. They are non-renewable because there are finite resources of fossil fuels on
the planet. If they are continually used, one day they will run out.
The Source of Fossil Fuels
Just as plants do today, those living millions of years ago converted the sun's light
energy into food (chemical) energy through the process of photosynthesis. That
'solar' energy was and is transferred down the food chain in animals. This energy
provides living things with the energy to grow and live. When living organisms die
the energy contained within them as chemical energy is trapped.
It is estimated that the total amount of energy gained from fossil fuels since the
start of civilization is equivalent to the same amount of energy we receive every
30 days from the sun.
Fossil fuels are formed by the burying, and subsequent pressure and heating, of
dead plant and animal matter or biomass (organic matter), over millions of years.
This is how coal, oil and natural gas are formed. The trapped energy can be
released and utilized when the fuels are burnt.
The Advantages of Fossil Fuels
There are a few major advantages with non-renewable energy. Fossil fuels, such
as coal, oil and gas are abundant in Australia so this means they are a relatively
cheap fuel and readily available. Australia has enough fossil fuel resources to last
for hundreds of years. Also very large amounts of electricity can be generated
from fossil fuels.
An Example of a Typical Coal-Fired PowerStation
A typical coal-fired power station generates electricity by burning coal in a boiler
that heats up water, which is converted into superheated steam. This steam
drives a steam turbine that in turn drives a generator that produces electricity.
A single coal-fired power station unit can power many thousands of houses as
well as large industry.
The Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are non-renewable and will eventually run out because we are using
them much faster than they can be restored within the earth. Burning fossil fuels
produces photochemical pollution from nitrous oxides, and acid rain from sulphur
dioxide. Burning fuels also produce greenhouse gases including vast amounts of
carbon dioxide that may be causing the phenomenon of global warming that the
planet is currently experiencing.

Arguments Surrounding Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energies seem abundant, so you may think that if channeled
correctly, supplies will be safe and ample for future generations. There are many
arguments for and against non-renewable energy. These include:

Advantages of Non-Renewable Energy

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, non-renewable energy
sources cannot be replenished in a short period. They include fossil fuels such as
oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium used for nuclear energy.

The main advantages of non-renewable energies is that they are abundant and
affordable. For example, oil and diesel are still good choices for powering
vehicles. Non-renewable energy is cost effective and easier to product and use.
According to National Geographic, there are reservoirs of non-renewable energy
sources throughout the world.
Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy
On the other side are the disadvantages to non-renewable
energy. Solarschools.net indicates that once sources of non-renewable energies
are gone they can't be replaced or revitalized.

The mining of non-renewable energy and the by-products they leave behind
causes damage to the environment. There is little doubt that fossil fuels
contribute to global warming. When fossil fuels are burned, nitrous oxides causes
photochemical pollution, sulphur dioxide creates acid rain, and greenhouse gases
are emitted.

A major disadvantage of non-renewable energy is the challenge of breaking

humans of their habit of leaning on it. The Union of Concerned Scientists reports
it's an uphill battle to sway consumers that the so-called "public goods" of
renewable energy, such as reducing pollution for everyone, may not be enough to
convince them to pay more for cleaner energy.

As countries disagree through wars and differences, the prices of non-renewable

energies such as oil has become a commodity where price fluctuation is always
eminent. The burning of fossil fuels continues to rise producing high levels of
carbon dioxide (CO2) which climatologists believe is a major cause of global
warming.

Advantages of Fossil Fuels

 A major advantage of fossil fuels is their capacity to generate huge amounts
of electricity in just a single location.
 Fossil fuels are very easy to find.
 When coal is used in power plants, they are very cost effective. Coal is also
in abundant supply.
 Transporting oil and gas to the power stations can be made through the use
of pipes making it an easy task.
 Power plants that utilize gas are very efficient.
 Power stations that make use of fossil fuel can be constructed in almost any
location. This is possible as long as large quantities of fuel can be easily
brought to the power plants.
Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels
  Pollution is a major disadvantage of fossil fuels. This is because they give off
carbon dioxide when burned thereby causing a greenhouse effect. This is
also the main contributory factor to the global warming experienced by the
earth today.
 Coal also produces carbon dioxide when burned compared to burning oil or
gas. Additionally, it gives off sulphur dioxide, a kind of gas that creates acid
rain.
 Environmentally, the mining of coal results in the destruction of wide areas
of land. Mining this fossil fuel is also difficult and may endanger the lives of
miners. Coal mining is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the
world.
 Power stations that utilize coal need large amounts of fuel. In other words,
they not only need truckloads but trainloads of coal on a regular basis to
continue operating and generating electricity. This only means that coal-
fired power plants should have reserves of coal in a large area near the
plant?s location.
 Use of natural gas can cause unpleasant odors and some problems
especially with transportation.
 Use of crude oil causes pollution and poses environmental hazards such as
oil spills when oil tankers, for instance, experience leaks or drown deep
under the sea. Crude oil contains toxic chemicals which cause air pollutants
when combusted.

THE 8 ADVANTAGES OF FOSSIL FUEL

1. Fossil fuel has the unlimited potential to generate huge amounts of electricity, within a
single location.

2. Fossil fuels are extremely easy to find. They can be found in almost everywhere
beneath the earth’s surface.

3. Fossil fuels are very cost effective, especially coal.

4. Transporting petroleum is made easy through pipes. It does not require oil companies
to extract the oil from beneath the ground and transport them through land to other
locations.
5. Power plants that use fossil fuels can be constructed in almost every location. As
long as large quantities of fossil fuels can be brought easily to power plants, power
stations can be constructed any anywhere.

6. Fossil fuels are regarded with their stability. Gas, oil, and coal are composed of
molecules of carbon and hydrogen. Due to their stability and consistency, fossil fuels
are easy to store. They do not even form into other compounds even if stored in cans
for an extended period of time.

7. Fossil fuels have high calorific value. All types of energy they produce have the same
calorific value. In energy, the more calorific, the more effective the energy is. This is
probably the reason why fossil fuels are still preferred by people instead of renewable
energy.

8. Gas, oil, and coal can produce a large amount of energy. Fossil fuels are fast
combustible, which means that power plants can generate large amounts of energy.

THE 2 DISADVANTAGES OF FOSSIL FUELS

1. Pollution is probably the primary disadvantage of fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels can
cause greenhouse effect, which is harmful to the environment. Continuously burning
fossil fuels largely contribute to global warming that earth experiences today.

2. Destruction of wide areas of land is another huge disadvantage of mining fossil fuels.
Mining fossil fuels mat also endanger the lives of the animals, the people living the site’s
surroundings, and the lives of the miners.

Despite the advantages of fossil fuels, there are still disadvantages that people should
look at. These disadvantages warn people not to abuse mankind’s source for power or
else, it will destroy them instead of building them. Power plants should take all of the
necessary things that must be done to secure the world’s primary source of power from
destroying the earth’s surface and the people living in it.