Green Energy: A Sustainable Future
by Cheryl L. Jenkins PhD
The majority of the energy that is supplied to our homes comes from fossil fuel and nuclear power stations. Burning of fossil fuels release carbon and sulphur dioxides into the environment contributing to climate change and acid rain.
There are also some serious doubts surrounding the safety of nuclear technology and our ability to dispose of the radioactive waste products. Yet Tony Blair still claims nuclear plants are “back on the agenda”. While Chris Huhne, Environment Spokesman for the Liberal Democrats feels that nuclear power simply isn’t economic:
“Costs are too high, even taking out waste and decommissioning. No nuclear power plant has been built without lashings of public subsidy since Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. It is a tried, tested and failed technology.”
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Our supply of fossil and nuclear fuels damage the environment for future generations and will eventually run out. If money invested in nuclear power plants was redirected to develop renewable energy sources, the UK could become a world leader in renewable energy technologies with potentials benefits to the economy.
So what are the alternatives to nuclear and fossil fuels?
Mother Nature provides limitless renewable energy - in the form of solar energy, wind power, wave or hydropower, biomass (digestion or animal/plant material) and geothermal (heat from the earth) energy – to satisfy the world’s demands. These renewable sources of energy do not contribute to climate change and will not run out. Renewable energy sources provide a safer, cleaner, greener, sustainable alternative to nuclear and fossil fuels. Technologies to harness these sources or renewable energy already exist. The challenge is to turn renewable technologies into a mainstream market so that the costs come down and this requires investment and support from the public.
Green Energy at Home
''Bioethanol
is being
heralded as
the first realistic
alternative
fuel of the future''
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It is possible to switch to green energy; all it takes is a phone call. Most energy suppliers offer a green tariff; however, ecotricity invest the money you spend on energy into building renewable energy sources. This is needed because at present only two per cent of the electricity produced in the UK is from renewable energy sources.
You can also install house mounted wind turbines and solar panels that generate electricity. If you produce more electricity than you use it is possible to sell the excess back to the national Grid. The Government provides grants to encourage this and has committed a further ?50 million to support the microgeneration strategy.
Green Energy on the Road
Car pooling or sharing is a great way of reducing the number of cars on the road and therefore, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and pollution. Advances are also being made in technologies such as electric cars and alternative fuels.
Bioethanol is being heralded as the first realistic alternative fuel of the future. Bioethanol is produced by fermenting, separating and distilling sugar cane. Engines that run on bioethanol reduce carbon emissions by 15 per cent and growing of the sugar cane also reduces the quantity of this gas in the atmosphere creating environmental benefits.
Countries such as the US and India are paying close attention to Brazil, who are currently leading the way in the manufacture of bioethanol from sugar juice. Government support has enabled this alternative fuel revolution. The Somerset police force is trialing the E85 Saab, which is a biopower model. Unfortunately, there is little support from the UK and other European.
Go Green!
We are all responsible for climate change, which means we can all be part of the solution.
Let your local politicians know that you want more money to be invested in renewable and alternative energy sources. Why not contact car manufacturers to ask them to speed up the development of cars that run on alternative fuels?
There are numerous things you can do to switch to greener energy - just think how good it will make you feel - all you need is the will to make it happen!
Additional Resources:
Ecotricity
www.ecotricity.co.uk
Good Energy
www.good-energy.co.uk
British Wind Energy Association
www.bwea.com
Solar Trade Association
www.greenenergy.org.uk/sta
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