Energy is at the core of our daily lives. A single source of energy may have numerous uses. It is worth noting that electrical energy is the most common type of energy used in Hawaii. The sources of energy can be broadly divided into renewable and non-renewable. Renewable sources include but not limited to hydroelectric power (HEP), solar energy, wind, and tidal energy. On the other hand, non-renewable sources include coal and petroleum products. It is important that energy should be used sparingly to cut down on costs and to conserve the environment.
Personal Energy Use and Their Sources
Some of the common uses of energy in my home include running refrigerators, entertainment, air conditioning, ironing and laundry. Air conditioning includes heating and cooling of rooms depending on the prevailing weather conditions. During winter, electricity is used for warming the house to obtain a conducive environment for occupants. The electricity used is obtained from renewable sources such as hydroelectric and geothermal fuel sources. Entertainment devices such as television, home theaters, and video games are also powered by electrical energy.
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Hydroelectric Power-Most Appropriate and Tidal Energy-Least Appropriate Renewable Source of Energy in Hawaii
Hydroelectric power is the most appropriate form of energy for use in Hawaii due to its features such as several water channels between the Hawaii island and high rainfall totals in areas like Mount Waialeale, which is the wettest part in the region (Weebly, n.d.). The available water can be trapped and used to generate hydroelectric power. HEP generation is more convenient since it is very reliable, can generate high amounts of power for various uses in homes and industries, and may not be adversely affected by extreme weather conditions. In contrast, tidal energy is the least appropriate form of renewable energy in Hawaii since the area lacks a considerably larger source of waves and tides for power generation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Sources I Rely on
Geothermal Energy
Advantages of geothermal sources of energy. Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly. In contrast to other sources of energy, geothermal sources have insignificant impacts on the environment (Energy4me, 2018). Notably, the source relies on underground water under higher pressure, and, therefore, does not pollute the environment by emitting smoke, which may contribute to global warming and other types of pollutants. As opposed to other sources of energy, geothermal sources do not require further investments towards the same after they have been constructed (Energy4me, 2018). This condition makes the energy affordable not only to the users but also to the energy providers within the region.
Disadvantages of geothermal sources of energy. The energy relies on underground water at a higher temperature, which can be depleted. Arguably, the resource may be rendered useless if it is continuously used for a very long period. In such a situation, the generating plant would become useless, thus, necessitating the need to find other reliable sources of energy. Geothermal fields are scarcely available. Fewer regions in the world boost of these fields and as a result, this source may be very unpopular.
Hydroelectric Power Energy
Advantages of hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is very reliable as it does not produce emissions to the environment, and its output can be easily controlled to suit the demand. Hydropower is safe since it is rarely affected by seasonal changes in weather patterns, and also it depends on natural resources which are cheaply available. Pollutants such as carbon (IV) Oxide and Sulphur dioxides are not produced, and this contributes to environmental conservation. This is in contrast with other sources such as petroleum, which generated about 1500 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2017 alone (EIA, 2018). From these statistical figures, it is crystal clear that hydropower energy is friendly to the environment.
Disadvantages of hydroelectric power. A large sum of money is required in dam construction for the generation of HEP energy. Usually, the construction exercise may involve the resettling of people who may be occupying the site legally. The exercise, therefore, calls for a huge sum of money to be used. Dams are also at high risk of being affected by drought. Any reduction in the water levels may adversely affect the production of HEP.
Tidal Energy
Advantages of tidal energy. Tidal energy is valuable due to its renewability. It emanates from the gravitational fields of the sun and moon, which when joined with earth’s rotation, lead to high and low tides. Also, tidal power is environmentally friendly as it does not discharge any climate gases and does not take up much space. Moreover, tidal energy is very predictable, which is crucial in planning for the maintenance or repair of the plant.
Disadvantages of Tidal Energy. Nonetheless, tidal energy has environmental effects as tidal barrages depend on the manipulation on ocean levels, hence, this affects the natural ecosystem adversely . For instance, plants and animals may be forced to migrate due to the activities being carried out by the tidal energy generation. Moreover, this venture is expensive as new technologies have to be developed.
Reducing Energy Consumption and the Environmental Impact
Energy consumption can be reduced by using power sparingly. One can ensure that electrical appliances such as lights and televisions are only on when in use. Bulbs should be switched off at daytime to lower the cost and amount of energy used. Also, newer technologies that result in the production of energy saving appliances such as light emitting diodes bulbs (LED) can be embraced. Reports indicate that LED bulbs conserve about 75% of the energy that could otherwise have been wasted by other types of bulbs (Harvard, 2018). By doing so, lesser power will be consumed, hence, contributing to its conservation. Lastly, proper maintenance of energy-consuming devices should be encouraged. Facilities such as chimneys should be well protected with dampers, which prevent the loss of heat energy to the surrounding environment during winter (Kollmorgen, 2018). Subsequently, the conserved power will contribute significantly to the reduction of fuel consumption, hence, conserve the environment.
There is a need to use energy sources appropriately to save the future generations. For this matter, renewable energy sources should be used. Even though several renewable energy sources are in place, it is vital that the most appropriate one is selected. Energy consumption can be lowered by using appliances with good ratings, employing energy saving appliances, and switching off electrical appliances when not in use. Energy is used in heating and ventilation, refrigeration and in running entertainment devices like televisions. Using energy appropriately is economical and pocket-friendly.
References
EIA. (2018). Carbon dioxide emissions from the U.S. power sector have declined by 28% since 2005. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=37392
Energy4me. (2015). Energy source comparison. Retrieved from: http://energy4me.org/all-about-energy/what-is-energy/energy-sources/
Harvard. (2018). Top 5 Steps to Reduce Your Energy Consumption. Retrieved from https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/poster/top-5-steps-reduce-your-energy-consumption
Kollmorgen. A. (2018). Smarter ways with energy. Retrieved from https://www.choice.com.au/home-improvement/energy-saving/reducing-your-carbon-footprint/articles/five-ways-to-reduce-your-households-energy-use
Weebly. (n.d.). World Geography World war two history projects. Retrieved from https://lexsatk655.weebly.com/hawaiis-major-cities-and-physical-features.html
