Renewable Energy

Climate change, coupled with concerns about high oil and energy prices, is driving a global trend towards the increased use of renewable energy. Unlike fossil fuels which are rapidly being depleted, renewable energy sources such as sunlight and wind are naturally replenished and therefore sustainable. (1)_____________

Most sources of renewable energy originate either directly or indirectly from the sun. For example, both wind and wave power derive their energy indirectly from the sun. When solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth it is dissipated around the globe in the form of winds and ocean currents. The wind interacts with the oceans and transfers mechanical energy to water thus creating waves. In addition, solar energy promotes evaporation of water from the oceans. (2)_________________

Furthermore, solar energy drives the photosynthesis necessary for the plants that are used to create biofuels. Currently, only about 18% of the world’s energy demand is supplied from renewable energy sources . However, there is great potential to increase this contribution. Indeed, it has been estimated that the technical potential of renewable energy is more than 18 times that of current global primary energy demand. (3)_________________________ Owing to constraints, such as economic competitiveness, the potential that is likely to be realized in practice will be only a fraction of this value.

(4)_________________This is particularly the case with large infrastructure projects such as hydroelectric or tidal barrage schemes. To be economically viable, such projects must absorb large capital costs and still be able to compete on price with traditional sources of energy – something which in most cases it is difficult to do.

Peggy Daniels Becker, Alternative Energy

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