Choosing dependable energy source
More renewable and sustainable energy sources need to be explored
Much time has lapsed in debating on the issue ‘alternative or renewable or sustainable energy.' Meanwhile our planet is undergoing a grim process of warming that is already affecting the earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and anthrosphere. The energy sector is the foremost negative role player here. Extensive burning of fossil fuels is cause of massive emission of greenhouse gases worldwide. To cope with the soaring energy demand and protect the environment we must depend on the renewable sources of energy. Understanding the nature of renewable energy is very crucial for the stakeholders' energy sector. As a comparatively new field it is urgent to groom more professionals and experts. Sun is the source of all energy: Sun is the source of all forms of energy available on the earth surface. All forms of energy including renewable and non-renewable. The oceanic currents and the winds that flow over the continents are caused by heating effect by the sun. Energy locked in the fossil fuels is also derived from the sun. Diffused renewable energy: In comparison with conventional energy sources such as coal, oil and gas, renewable energy sources provide us energy in diffused form. the energy incoming from the sun as radiation is in diluted and diffused form -- not sufficient enough to generate huge amount of high voltage electricity. Energy inside the fossils are accumulated over thousands of years and concentrated. Energy in wind and biomass is also comparatively diluted in nature. Highly site specific: Availability of potential renewable energy sources is highly site specific and predominantly determined by the factors that are almost unchanged over the centuries. It is assumed that factors determining availability of renewable energy are same as the factors determining the climatic condition of a geographical area. Wind speed is high in the hills, desert and coastal area. Sun light is more intense in the tropical regions on either side of the equator. Geothermal energy is suitable to be harnessed in the cold countries. Limits of potential: There are limits to renewable energy harnessing subject to capturing and conversion efficiency of devices we use. Generating huge amount of concentrated energy from renewable sources requires huge land area. Engagement of land for setting up wind generators and solar panel may induce pressure on agricultural land and terrestrial ecosystems. It is not possible or viable to use directly and indirectly the entire solar energy incident on the earth for human benefit. It needs energy to operate the natural processes that provide the human kind ecosystem services. We must not harness beyond sustainable limit. Non-renewable vs. renewable: Conventional energy sources mean fossil fuels. Solid coal, liquid petroleum and natural gas are major fossil fuels. Their quality is good because energy stored in these minerals are concentrated enough to run the human civilization. But burning of fossil fuels is no more a welcome activity since its environmental cost is high. Moreover, the reserve of fossil fuels is finite. On the other hand, renewable energy sources get energy from the sun and are infinite in consideration of the geologic time span. Though renewable energy sources are more environment-friendly, yet it is a great question that is it possible to meet the growing need of energy for whole world from the renewable sources? Considerations: The renewable energy technologies are not completely harmless to environment unless they are installed and maintained with environmentally sound mechanism. Even if they are installed and maintained properly the equipment are produced artificially and their existence in nature is intervention in the natural environment. But all renewable energy technologies are not equally injurious to the environment .The best option among renewable energy sources perhaps is the solar energy because it is the manmade imitation of natural process of photosynthesis. Biomass is produced by photosynthesis capturing the solar energy. If burnt, biomass is the completion of carbon cycle; it virtually does no harm to the environment. Hydropower harnessing sometimes harm aquatic life in the dam area or river. Wind energy harnessing can be a threat for birds but it is less harmful from environmental perspective. Capturing tidal power in the coastal region can harm the coastal ecosystems to a certain extent if environmental impact of RET projects are not assessed and mitigated.
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