Energy Assignment Part 1

Coal Energy

Pros - Coal is cheap and plentiful in many areas of the world, including Europe and North America. Coal deposits are typically located close to the surface and cover large areas, allowing many coal mines to operate for decades using relatively safe and inexpensive mining techniques. It is also easy to store and very easy to convert into energy.

Cons - Coal is a major source of several pollutants including carbon dioxide, a green house gas, and sulfur dioxide which is damaging to health. It speeds up the rate of global warming and it is non-renewable. It is just devastating to the environment.

Uses - Coal has many important uses worldwide. The most significant uses of coal is in electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing and as a liquid fuel. About 6.6 billion tonnes of hard coal were used worldwide last year and 1 billion tonnes of brown coal. There are different types of coal with different uses. Stream coal is used in power generation and Coking coal is used in steel production.

Solar Energy

Pros - Solar energy is a clean energy source as solar panels virtually give off no contamination. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy which means we can not run out of it. We will continue to get solar energy as long as sun is there. Another pro of solar energy is that it is sustainable. The power can be gained from remote areas too. It is very silent, low maintenance and it will lead to a reduction in your electricity bill.

Cons - The most significant con of solar energy is how much it costs to install the solar panels on your home. Some families may require more than one which makes the starting cost of solar panels expensive. Also, solar energy is only capable of producing power during the daytime. You will need a large area to install them and they are expensive store.

Uses - One use of solar panels is for ventilation. It can also be used to heat homes and water. It can provide indoor and outdoor lighting as well as provide the power for your house.

Wind Energy

Pros - Wind energy is clean and renewable. It can be set up on existing farmland to make it an easier transition. There is a lot of potential with wind energy and land owners can reap the benefits of significant savings.

Cons - Having to rely on the wind is not exactly ideal as most wind turbines function only about 30% of the time. These turbines could also harm natural wildlife such as birds who could get hit. Also, setting up wind turbines is quite expensive. And because it requires a lot of space, there is an impact of the environment with regards to cutting down trees to clear space.

Uses - Wind energy can be used to power many things like vehicles, water pumps, sports and your house.