so that we can better conserve our planet's resources and preserve our future.
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
Wind Energy is another critical component in our energy future which may be necessary to supplement Solar energy.
Although often overlooked as less glamorous and exciting than solar power, Wind Turbine technology is proving to be more efficient than previously thought. In fact, increasing our use of wind energy makes too much economic sense for developers to ignore. A recently released study by PJM Interconnection, one of the largest independent grid operators, concluded that increasing its use of wind power by 30% would drastically reduce pollution while maintaining electric reliability and resulting in significant economic savings (up to $15 billion a year).
Bio Fuels are produced from the photosynthesis of living organisms and organic waste products...
Biofuels are a form of alternative energy which is in some ways similar to fossil fuel. In a sense, biofuel is also a form of solar energy, since the energy released is originally derived from photosynthesis. Unlike fossil fuel, biofuel is produced from living organisms or from metabolic by-products, such as from food or other organic waste products. There are many varieties of biofuel, but to be considered a true biofuel, at least 80% of the fuel must be composed of renewable material. Biochemists are producing exciting breakthroughs every day to create practical new fuel sources that can meet this standard and reduce our future dependence on fossil fuel.
Solar Power is our most promising alternative energy source.
Almost all energy on Earth is ultimately derived from the Sun, and our ability to rely on that energy to power our homes has been steadily increasing. The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Solar Energy Program has developed a plan to encourage Solar development on public lands. In addition to creating new green jobs, this plan should help to reduce climate change by reducing our dependence on Fossil Fuels. To minimize the impact this large-scale development project could have on the land, the BLM is focusing on low-conflict zones identified as “Solar Energy Zones.” This plan promotes responsible development, preserves wildlife habitats, utilizes existing roads and power lines, and connects solar projects to cities where the power is needed most.
conserve resources. preserve our future.
Energy
in the News
Germany Just Smashed an Energy Record, Generating 85% Electricity From Renewables
In this age of rampant global warming, the term “record-breaking” has started to sound a bit like, well, a broken record. 2016 delivered month after month of record-breaking temperatures, and the year as a whole was the latest in a series of record-breaking years. Thankfully, we also have some positive climate-related achievements to celebrate, the latest of which is courtesy of Germany, which just set a new national record for renewable energy.
Tesla's Solar Roof Tiles “Could Become Dominant”
Even though Tesla is using familiar old materials for its new solar roofing tiles, experts say the stars may be aligned for a possible strong entry into the marketplace. The glass tiles, announced last week to something of a fanfare, are based around Panasonic’s ‘HIT’ panels. They’ll use a high-strength glass that Tesla says can withstand a heavy hail storm.
Two Finnish Firms for Partnership on Geothermal in Finland and Scandinavia
Rototec Oy and Robit Oyj have signed a comprehensive co-operation and delivery agreement. The target of the collaboration is to advance the utilization of geothermal energy both in Finland and Scandinavia. The agreement contains also product development in co-operation to meet the industry’s development trends, such as increasingly deeper geothermal bore holes.
Aspen is third U.S. city to reach 100% renewable energy
The shift to energy that is generated from natural resources — including wind power, solar power and geothermal heat — follows a “decade-plus” city goal, said city Utilities and Environmental Initiatives Director David Hornbacher.
“It was a very forward-thinking goal and truly remarkable achievement,” Hornbacher said. “This means we are powered by the forces of nature, predominately water and wind with a touch of solar and landfill gas.”
fossil fuel conservation
is increasingly vital.
The world currently hosts half of the power plants that will be needed to supply projected global energy demands for 2030, and much of the projected demand is in currently undeveloped countries. This means that the opportunity exists to change the way this power is collected and generated to keep our air and water clean. If backed by proper policies, 80% of global energy needs could be met with renewable resources. The need for these policies will become more apparent as climate change increases and our reserves of coal, gas, and oil continue to dwindle.
water conservation
is an equally crucial area.
The U.S. population has doubled over the past 50 years and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) our water usage has tripled, leaving at least 36 states facing current or imminent water shortages. An Executive Order has strengthened the Federal Water Efficiency Requirements, calling for Federal agencies to reduce potable water consumption by 26% and other forms for water use by 20% by the year 2020. If this government plan to lead by example is to have the necessary effect, it's up to private interests to make similar strides to reduce industrial, landscaping, and agricultural water consumption.