Transitioning To Renewable Energies

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The Importance of Transitioning to Renewable Energies If estimates are correct, available fossil fuel reserves will be expended in the early 22nd century; these fossil fuels are accountable for around 90% of the world's power supply. Without power the modern world would effectively shut down and tear itself apart overnight. There is only one truly long-term solution to avoid this inevitable situation - infinitely renewable energy. Renewable energies include such power sources as wind, hydroelectric, and the most promising option of solar energy. The topic of implementing solar energy as the country's primary energy contributor has been one of much controversy; however, making this transition could promise a world of incredibly cheap power …show more content…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has offered a partial solution. There are an estimated 80 to 250 thousand abandoned mine lands (AMLs) across the United States. Due to safety or environmental concerns, the majority of these sites have remained idle. The EPA has proposed marking many of these sites as potential solar panel fields or stations. Many large AMLs are in areas of the country that have abundant available sunlight and could house large solar arrays. Additionally, many of these AMLs are already near existing infrastructure. These ideal locations would significantly reduce the cost of installation. One of the EPA's projects was on Nellis Air Force Base when they had a solar power plant constructed over an old landfill. The 140 acre facility generates 25,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year, about 25% of the base's demand. This reduced CO2 emissions by an estimated 24,000 tons per year (OSRTI, …show more content…

(2014, April 9). Wildlife still suffering four years after BP oil spill. ABC. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2014/04/09/3981859.htm Brusaw, J., & Brusaw, S. (2014, June). Solar roadways. Indiegogo. Retrieved from https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/solar-roadways Frishberg, M. (2013, June). Incentives spark solar energy boom for Japan. Research Technology Management, 56(3), 5-6. doi: 10.5437/08956308X5603001 Grunwald, M. (2014, June 16). The green revolution. Time, 183(23), 40-45. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libproxy.dtcc.edu/ehost/detail?sid=ed6a28cf-5171-4627-bbf1-c139ded81b79%40sessionmgr4001&vid=1&hid=4214&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc 3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=96356164 McLamb, E. (2011, September 6). Fossil fuels vs. renewable energy resources. Ecology Global Network. Retrieved from http://www.ecology.com/2011/09/06/fossil-fuels-renewable-energy-resources National Resources Defense Council. (2013). Solar Power. Renewable energy for America: Harvesting the benefits of homegrown, renewable energy. Retrieved from

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