- Introduction to Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are basically hydrocarbons mainly coal, oil and natural gas, which were formed from the organic remains of prehistoric organisms (Science Daily, 2014). The energy released by burning these fuels can be used for producing electricity, powering vehicles, heating, cooking etc.
It takes millions of years to form fossil fuels. These were formed in the age known as Carboniferous era about 280 to 360 million years ago. During this period, the land was covered with swamps and the seas were filled with millions of small plants known as algae. There were big trees and plants on the land. As these plants and trees died, they sank to the depth of swamps forming layers of spongy material known as peat. Over a period of hundred years, it was covered with sand and clay, which turned into sedimentary rocks. As more and more rocks piled on it with time, the peat was squeezed and with passage of time, it turned into coal, oil and natural gas popularly known as fossil fuels (U.S. department of energy, 2013).
Fossil fuels are mainly hydrocarbons and produce huge amount of energy per unit weight on burning. These find their application in almost every sphere of life such as for producing electricity, powering vehicles, heating, cooking etc. However, the bitter truth about fossil fuels is that they are non-renewable energy sources. This means that they are depleting at a much faster rate and take millions of years to form. Another major concern about the use of fossil fuels is that they release a huge amount of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases which lead to global warming endangering our planet. According to a research by US department of Energy (2007), “the burning of fossil fuels produces around 21.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, but it is estimated that natural processes can only absorb about half of that amount, so there is a net increase of 10.65 billion tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year”.
- Nuclear and Renewable Energy Sources- An Alternative
Although the renewable energy sources are being looked upon as an alternative to depleting fossil fuels, but the question that arises is if these energy sources can be standalone solution to the conventional fossil fuels. Though a lot of debate is going on this topic, a recent research says that “the world can be powered by alternative energy in 20-40 years with the help of present technology being used” (Louis Bergeron, 2011).
- A Case Study
It may be worthwhile to undertake a case study of a developed country such as United States of America and study the kind of fuels being presently used as well as understand the future of renewable energy sources in this country. According to a report by US department of Energy (2012), “The United States has more coal than the rest of the world has oil. There is still enough coal underground in this country to provide energy for the next 200 to 300 years.” It is being used as a primary fuel for generation of electricity.
U.S government is working towards development of renewable energy sources for meeting ever increasing demand of energy. According to a monthly report by U.S. Energy Information Administration (2014), the share of renewable energy in production of domestic electricity in America is 13.2% and 11.2% of total energy generated. Currently, the largest producer or renewable energy in U.S.A is hydroelectric power, with a share of 60.2% of the total renewable energy being produced (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2011). Other nonrenewable sources being explored are Geothermal, solar, wind, biomass, to name a few.
Apart from renewable energy sources, Nuclear power has emerged as another viable alternative to fossil fuels. These emit much lesser pollutants and greenhouse gases; generate much high amount of energy for small fuel consumption as compared to fossil fuels.
However, nuclear power has some serious disadvantages which pose a hindrance in wide implementation of this energy source. The first and foremost is the dangerously high level of radioactive elements, which if accidentally leaked can create havoc with the lives of people. Another factor is the safe disposal of nuclear waste, which requires lot of money to ensure its safe isolation. Also these require a lot of time to design and implement nuclear plants. Although America has been a pioneer in development of nuclear energy among other nations, the time for nuclear power to emerge as a major energy provider in this country is still far away.
References
- http://www.eia.gov/oiaf/1605/ggccebro/chapter1.html
- Kelton T. Busby, (2012). Seeking Sustainability: Adopting Sustainable and Renewable Energy Sources to Create a Maintable World. International student journal on Student Pulse. 4(8). 1-3.
- Louis Bergeron, http://news.stanford.edu/news/2011/january/jacobson-world-energy-012611.html.
- Science Daily, (2014). webpage
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/f/fossil_fuel.htm
- U.S. department of energy, webpage, http://www.fe.doe.gov/education/energylessons/coal/index.html, September 2012.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Webpage, http://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.cfm?t=epmt_1_1, May 2014.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Webpage, http://www.eia.gov/analysis/requests/subsidy/, August 2011.
- U.S. department of energy (2013), webpage
http://www.fossil.energy.gov/education/energylessons/coal/gen_howformed.html
