Electricity is one of the necessities people cannot live without. Due to risen energy consumption over the past decades, it has become necessary to look into new ways of generating electricity.
Traditionally, electricity has been produced by super heated steam-powered generators. The steam in these generators is formed with the heat from either fossil fuel combustion, by heat released from nuclear reactions or by other sources, such as geothermal.
This article explores the various energy generation methods and looks into their positive as well as negative aspects.
Fossil fuels
The traditional, and most widely used, form of energy generation method is burning fossil fuels. These fossil fuels comprise energy sources such as coal, gas and oil.
The popularity of using fossil fuels in electricity generation has largely been because of their relatively cheap price compared to other options, as well as their ease-of use.
However, fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources and hence the resources will not last forever. Burning fossil fuels is also more harmful for the environment compared to renewable energy sources.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is another form of generating energy. It is produced by harnessing the natural heat energy that is present underneath the earth.
Geothermal energy is generally environmentally friendly and safe. Geothermal power is also not variable; an issue experienced when using other sources of renewable energy.
The downside of geothermal energy is that there are high installation costs involved when wanting to tap into the energy source. Also, not all areas are suitable for this type of energy generation as there is a need for hot rocks to be present under the earth for optimal results.
Nuclear power
Nuclear energy is produced by splitting uranium atoms; a process, which generates heat for producing steam. The steam is then used to spin a turbine to generate electricity.
Nuclear power generates less greenhouse gases than burning coal and it has relatively low operating costs compared to some of the other methods of generating electricity. It is able to meet high power needs, such as those of cities or industrial complexes.
The major and most commonly known negative aspect of nuclear power is the waste produced by the nuclear plants. The waste can last up to 500 thousand years and many countries do not have long-term plan for storing this waste safely. The risk of radiation accidents is also one of the major drawbacks of nuclear power.
Solar energy
Solar energy is generated by converting sunlight into energy. This is usually accomplished by either using photovoltaics or concentrated solar light energy.
Solar power is a great source of renewable energy and has gained more interest and investment in recent years. Sunlight is free and is available in abundant quantities around the world.
Still, the initial cost of setting up small scale, home solar power systems can become high relatively high for individuals, which may deter some from considering it as an option.
In addition, in some parts of the world there is not enough sunlight throughout the whole year for generating solar power.
Hydroelectric power
Hydroelectric power is generated by moving water that passes through water turbines. Dams, waves and tides are ideal for generating this type of power.
Hydroelectric energy is renewable and is therefore more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel based energy. It is also a comparatively reliable source of power.
As with many other renewable energy sources, hydroelectric power can be expensive to set up. Although it is a renewable energy source, it can still have an effect on the environment. For example it can affect the fish breeding when large bodies of water are dammed and also effect the habitat or other plant and animal species when large areas of land are flooded to make a dam.
Wind energy
Wind power takes advantage of the winds energy by propelling the blades of wind turbines and subsequently generating electricity.
Wind energy is green and sustainable, with an abundant supply of wind resources available in many parts of the world. This has made it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
However, wind as an energy source can be somewhat unpredictable and setting up wind farms rather expensive. Some argue that wind farms look unappealing and ruin otherwise picturesque sceneries. There have also been some complaints regarding the noise from the turbines.
