The Future of Energy: Guiding Decisions with Evidence

by | Jul 27, 2024 | science

The Future of Energy: Guiding Decisions with Evidence
To reduce the negative environmental impacts of an ever-growing human population, and increasing demands for energy as technological advances continue, individual countries, states, cities and even households could shift their energy sources to those that are renewable. However, not all locations are equally amenable to any form of renewable energy. For this Assignment you will assess your own location, existing energy use, and the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources.
Your Assignment should be a compare-contrast essay written using APA formatting. Be sure to explore the following resources to begin your research in order to support your ideas with accurate facts.
You may start your review with these resources, but feel free to conduct additional research as needed:
• Article: Society of Petroleum Engineers. (n.d.) Energy sources. https://www.energy4me.org/learn-about-energy/energy-sources
• Article: S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (n.d.). Total energy production and consumption by state, 2021. https://www.eia.gov/beta/states/overview
• Article: S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (n.d.). Use of energy in homes. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/homes.php
• Article: S. Energy Information Administration. (n.d.). Renewable energy explained. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/renewable-sources
• For additional information on different energy sources review the Science Center Resource.
Your paper should address the following:
1. Assess your own energy use. Think about how you rely on different types of energy throughout your day. Identify the energy source you use to do the following tasks and indicate if the energy source is renewable or nonrenewable.
• The main energy source you use for transportation
• The main energy source you use to heat your home, if applicable
• The main energy source used to cool your home, if applicable
• The main energy source you use to run your household appliances
NOTE: If you use electricity for any of these tasks, you will need to do some research to determine what energy source is used to generate your electricity such as connecting with your local utility company
2. Discuss at least one economic advantage & one economic disadvantage for the current primary energy source used in your location to generate electricity.
3. Discuss at least one ecological advantage & one ecological disadvantage for the current primary energy source used in your location to generate electricity.
4. Identify the renewable source of energy that would be the most appropriate for use in your location to generate electricity. Note: If you found that your current primary energy source was a renewable energy source, select a second appropriate renewable source of energy for discussion.
5. Discuss at least one economic advantage & one economic disadvantage for the most appropriate renewable energy source you identified.
6. Discuss at least one ecological advantage & one ecological disadvantage for the most appropriate renewable energy source you identified.
7. In your opinion:
• Should the U.S. pursue the use of more renewable energy sources going forward? Should any policies be put in place to encourage people to use more renewable energy sources? Support your position.
• Would you be willing to switch to renewable energy? Why or why not?

 

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

 

 

The Future of Energy: Guiding Decisions with Evidence

Introduction

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources has never been clearer. This essay will assess my personal energy use, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various energy sources, and propose a suitable renewable energy alternative for my location. By analyzing both economic and ecological factors tied to energy sources, I hope to illustrate the necessity for a shift toward renewables and advocate for policies supporting this transition.

Personal Energy Use Assessment

In considering my daily energy use, I rely on different energy sources for various tasks:

1. Transportation: My primary mode of transportation is a gasoline-powered car. Gasoline is a nonrenewable energy source derived from crude oil.

2. Heating: I use natural gas to heat my home during the colder months. Natural gas, while cleaner than coal or oil, is still a nonrenewable fossil fuel.

3. Cooling: Air conditioning in my home is powered by electricity sourced from a local utility company that predominantly relies on natural gas and coal for energy production, making it a nonrenewable source overall.

4. Household Appliances: Most household appliances, from refrigerators to microwaves, are powered by electricity. Again, this electricity is primarily generated from nonrenewable sources.

Economic Advantages and Disadvantages of Current Energy Source

The primary energy source for electricity generation in my location is natural gas.

– Economic Advantage: One economic advantage of using natural gas is its relatively low cost compared to other fossil fuels. The abundance of natural gas in the U.S. has led to stable prices, making it an economically favorable option for both consumers and utility companies.

– Economic Disadvantage: However, reliance on natural gas can lead to price volatility due to market fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, or supply disruptions. Such volatility can create uncertainty in energy costs for households and businesses.

Ecological Advantages and Disadvantages of Current Energy Source

– Ecological Advantage: Natural gas burns cleaner than coal or oil, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants per unit of energy produced. This aspect makes it a somewhat better option for air quality and climate change mitigation.

– Ecological Disadvantage: On the downside, natural gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) poses significant environmental risks such as water contamination, habitat destruction, and increased seismic activity. Additionally, methane—a potent greenhouse gas—can leak during extraction and transportation processes.

Appropriate Renewable Energy Source

Considering my location’s climate and resources, solar energy emerges as the most appropriate renewable energy source. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops or in community solar farms, harnessing sunlight effectively.

If solar energy were already implemented as the primary source, wind energy would be another viable alternative due to its increasing efficiency and decreasing costs.

Economic Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

– Economic Advantage: Solar energy has a declining cost trend; the price of solar panels has dropped by over 80% in the last decade, making it more accessible for homeowners and businesses alike. Additionally, solar energy systems can provide long-term savings on electricity bills.

– Economic Disadvantage: The initial investment for solar panel installation can be substantial, which may deter some households from making the switch despite the long-term savings. Furthermore, solar energy production can be intermittent, requiring backup storage solutions or supplemental energy sources during cloudy days or at night.

Ecological Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

– Ecological Advantage: Solar energy generates no air pollutants or greenhouse gases during operation, contributing significantly to reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change.

– Ecological Disadvantage: However, the production of solar panels involves mining for rare minerals and metals, which can have adverse environmental impacts. Additionally, improper disposal of solar panels at the end of their lifecycle can contribute to electronic waste if not recycled properly.

The Future of Renewable Energy in the U.S.

In my opinion, the U.S. should aggressively pursue more renewable energy sources moving forward. Policies that could encourage this transition include tax incentives for renewable installations, grants for research into new technologies, and regulations that phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Such actions would not only support environmental sustainability but also create jobs in emerging green industries.

I would be willing to switch to renewable energy sources like solar power because of their long-term economic benefits and positive ecological impact. The growing availability of financing options makes this transition increasingly feasible for many households, including my own.

Conclusion

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is imperative for mitigating climate change and ensuring sustainable economic growth. Through a comprehensive assessment of personal energy use and an exploration of economic and ecological factors associated with both nonrenewable and renewable energy sources, it becomes clear that investing in renewables like solar power is not only feasible but necessary for a sustainable future.

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