Notes for Presentation
Why are certain energy resources termed “alternative?”
- Energies are considered “alternative” when they stray from the regular energy sources we utilize – coal, oil, natural gas.
- Often, people use this term to refer to renewable energy sources – solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal, bioenergy, etc.
- Alternative and renewable aren’t always synonymous though. Alternative refers to all non-fossil-fuel-based energy sources.
Why, how, and where are they used in our world?
- Why: To have more energy security, protect the Earth from fossil fuel emissions, accessibility.
- How: Alternative energy is utilized just as fossil fuels are. They’re obtained from various naturally occurring phenomenon – sun, wind, plants, water, etc.
- Where: Everywhere. No different from fossil fuels. Just need the resource.
Is it important to conserve the energy we have or to develop new energy sources? Why?
- Both, energy conservation and developing new energy sources, are important. The transition from fossil fuels to renewables can be costly, so we cannot deplete out reserves of fossil fuels too rapidly. Though, we want to gradually transition away from fossil fuels.
- Fossil fuels emit large amounts of CO2 & other pollutants. This results in health issues, warmer climates, stronger storms, raising sea levels, changing climates, and more.
- Alternative energy is renewable, so it would not be depleted.
Should renewable energy sources be used, even if they are more expensive than fossil fuels? Why or why not?
- Absolutely! Any new technology is always far more expensive at the start. Whether it’s a computer game, a new virtual reality head set, or anything, it takes a while for prices to drop down. Although, if they are not implemented, then prices never decrease. As such, we must utilize these energies to improve their economies of scale, which means they become cheaper with more implementation.
- More implementation More research cheaper products More implementation
What other types of energy sources can you think of for the future? Or what ideas do you think scientists should explore?
- Not all energy sources are being exploited currently. Wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear are some that are common now. Some lesser utilized or ones for the future include wave energy, tidal energy, hydrogen, and nuclear fusion.
- Explain them in some detail!
What would happen if there were no energy resources? How would your day change?
- Energy is what makes our world go round. Without energy, we wouldn’t be anything. We need food, food grows thanks to the sun, which provides it with energy. Our body runs thanks to the energy we provide. Without energy we wouldn’t be alive. Electricity for our electronics, cars, heaters, and nearly everything we use today would prove useless without energy.
What alternative energy resource would be most reasonable for the San Antonio area or specifically different parts of Texas? (This is an important aspect for understanding the pros and cons of each of the renewable energy resources.)
- Energy that’d prove the most useful in Texas would be wind and solar energy.
- Wind turbines are best with large amounts of clear land, which allows stronger wind to blow. If there are obstructions, then the wind will be weaker, lowering the amount of energy produced.
- Solar energy also needs cleared land, but not as much, and it doesn’t have to extend to far up into the air. Additionally, solar is prominent in all regions of Texas, while wind may not be. Although, issues of excess dust may cover the solar panels, preventing maximal energy production. Furthermore, solar cannot be shaded, as then it will produce less energy. Additionally, while solar energy works poorer in high temperatures, it works better in stronger sunlight, as that is its energy source. Consequently, Texas still remains a good region for solar energy.