GS 104 5 Discussion Energy Sources

Energy Sources

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Energy Sources

Human dependence on energy in different forms including light and heat, and for various functions including powering of various home appliances and to drive machines in industries, cannot be understated. In terms of sustainability, energy sources are described as either renewable, or nonrenewable. Renewable energy sources are those that are obtained from nature including solar, wind and water and can be replenished by nature. Apart from their ability to be replenished naturally hence making them an abundant and cheap source of energy, renewable energy sources are associated with minimal production of toxic waste products hence cause very minimal environmental pollution. This makes their use advantageous. However, renewable energy sources are quite expensive to set up and maintain. (Johansson, 1993).

Non-renewable energy sources are those obtained from the earth including coal, crude oil and natural gas and are bound to get depleted at some point. These sources of energy are cheaper to generate and are required in small amounts to produce a lot of energy. However, the use of non-renewable energy sources leads to environmental pollution. Also, humans will always worry about these energy sources getting depleted at some point. (Johansson, 1993)

The environmental impacts of the use of non-renewable energy cannot go unmentioned. These include: the open mines left after the extraction of coal and fossils through open- cast mining, oil spillage affecting marine life and environmental pollution from waste gases and exhaust fumes and other products from the generation and use of non-renewable energy sources. It is clearly evident that sources of non-renewable energy cannot be utilized without endangering the environment. (Spellman, 2014)

Hydroelectric power would be the best renewable energy source to free us from our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. First, hydroelectric power is generated from water which is easily available. There is a good geographical distribution of rivers in the country. In places where rivers are scarce, dams can be constructed to enable the generation of this energy source. Despite being an expensive venture, this source of energy is quite dependable, efficient and is a good investment. Also, hydroelectric power has very minimal if any negative environmental impacts hence is a good choice since it alleviates the environmental pollution caused by non-renewable sources of energy.(Follet, 2011)

It is clearly evident that non renewable energy sources are no longer dependable and that sustainable energy sources are the way to go. If renewable sources are embraced, the disadvantages of non-renewable energy sources can be avoided and the environment becomes better. In my opinion, hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source which appears to be most sufficient to replace non renewable energy sources.

References

Follett .K (2011) Energy sources for the 21st century: Benchmark Education Co

Johansson T.B (1993) Renewable Energy: Sources for Fuels and Electricity: Island Press

Spellman. F.R (2014) Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy: CRC Press