Activity 3.2.3 - Alternative Energy - Wind Energy

a. define alternative energy

    Alternative energy sources are energy sources that are not the conventional ones most industrialized countries use. Most industrialized countries use non-renewable energy like fossil fuels or nuclear power. Alternative energy is typically a form of renewable energy such as water, solar, or wind.

b. describe arguments for alternative energy in general

    There are a few reasons one may opt to use alternative energy sources. One major reason is that alternative energy is more sustainable that conventional energy sources if used at a reasonable rate. Another major reason, and possibly the main reason, is that some alternative energy sources emit less, if any, greenhouse gases. Using alternative energy can help combat global climate change by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption all over the world. Another reason for alternative energy use is the potential for decentralized power sources. These decentralized systems can benefit poor and rural communities that may be too far away from power grids or too poor to build the necessary infrastructure to connect to the main power grid. Alternative energy sources also reduce the possibility of oil spills or pipeline leaks due to reduced use of oil and gas energy.

c. assess wind energy and explain its advantages and disadvantages. include its limitations.

    Wind energy is a form of renewable energy that uses wind to spin turbines and generate electricity. These turbines not produce renewable clean energy and help generate money for farmers and ranchers that may have wind turbines on their land. One of the disadvantages of wind energy is the lack of continuity. Energy can only be produced when there is wind which cannot be controlled. This makes wind energy ideal as a supplementary power source rather than a primary one. Negative impacts of wind turbines include noise pollution and killing off animal populations. Bats and birds may be harmed during migration. Another caveat to wind energy is the use of resources to produce, install, and operate wind turbines. However, wind turbines have been shown to produce more energy than they consume in this process.

References

Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia.