The Future of Energy: Guiding Decisions and Evidence
According to the US Department of energy (2012), less than 2% of the energy needs of the world are met through renewable energy sources. One of the states that spark remarkable interest when it comes to the generation and consumption of energy is the state of California. Undoubtedly the most populous state in the entire nation, California has the lowest per capita energy consumption. This is attributable to the fact that it has a mild climate, which does not come with the extreme characteristics of any of the four seasons. According to the US Department of energy (2012) indicate that the state of California is the third largest producer of crude oil. 2011 statistics show that natural gas is the most widely used form of energy in California, a state that is ranked 10th in the generation of electricity from nuclear power. This paper seeks to explain the merits and demerits of various forms of energy by considering own energy consumption.
The forms of energy that I currently rely on are electricity and natural gas. Electricity, undoubtedly the most common form of energy originates from different sources. It could be generated from solar, wind, water gushing in turbines, burning coal, oil and even natural gas. This raises the question of whether electricity is a renewable or non-renewable source of energy. Natural gas, clearly a non-renewable form is extracted from the bowels of the earth, and is one of the most recognized and used forms of energy (Amman et al, 2007). While at home, I rely on electricity for lighting, heating and operating home appliances. Additionally, I rely on natural gas for cooking. While travelling, I use electricity which is capable of being stored in the form of mobile phone batteries. In such places as school, electricity is undoubtedly the most common form of energy used because it can serve both small scale and large scale needs.
Energy sources are widely divided into two, renewable and non-renewable energy. Considering ecological impacts and the economics of both categories, renewable energy is generally preferable. In the three situations – home, travelling and school – different renewable sources could emerge as being the most appropriate. For the home setting, biomass is no doubt the most effectual and preferable because it is both economical and eco-friendly (Amman et al, 2007). Additionally, it is among the best sources for a small scale need. Statistics indicate that natural gas is the most prominent source of domestic energy. Even so, biomass is better because it is renewable. While travelling, solar energy, in the form of electricity as a secondary source is the most preferable because of mobility. In school a other institutions, hydropower is the most preferable because it is both renewable and eco-friendly. Additionally, it is capable of serving a large scale need (Consumer Reports, 2012).
The energy sources that I currently rely on have both merits and demerits, which vary widely. Foremost, electricity, depending on its original source, is renewable. The second merit of electricity is that it is eco-friendly as it does not pollute the environment. Thirdly, electricity is capable of mobility as it can be stored in batteries (Amman et al, 2007). Finally, the fourth advantage of electricity is that it can serve a large scale need. The first demerit of electricity is the fact that it can be non-renewable if generated from non-renewable sources such as the burning of coal (Consumer Reports, 2012). Secondly, it is costly, especially when used industrially. About natural gas, the first merit is that it is remarkably cheap. Secondly, it can be used to generate other versatile sources of energy such as electricity. The most notable demerit of natural gas is the fact that it is non-renewable. Secondly, it can be explosive if not carefully handled. About biomass, it is eco-friendly, extremely cheap and independent of the weather. Perhaps the only disadvantage is that replenishing it is somewhat tedious.
There are several areas where I already practice energy conservation within the home. According to Consumer Reports (2012), 47% of energy needs in California cater for heating. While this is the case, I resort to minimizing the amount of energy needed in the house. As such, I set the thermostat at the recommended 68F when the house is occupied. This maximizes efficiency and saves energy. Secondly I ensure the air conditioner is only installed when there is dire need. Cooling, much like heating consumes a large amount of energy. Thirdly, I ensure that all old appliances are replaced because, according to Amman et al (2007), such appliances consume a large amount of energy and offer little efficiency.
There are many ways through which the energy use can be reduced within the home, office and other areas of regular use. Perhaps the most notable strategies include: one, having professionally qualified and certified energy practitioners service the furnace on a regular basis. Two, the occupants of the house should ensure that the doors to the unused rooms are locked so that energy is not wasted in the form of unnecessary heat. Finally, home owners should use the easily available door sweeps to reduce air leak under the door, as this could waste heat energy.
References
Amman, J.T., Wilson, A., & Ackerly, K. (2007). Consumer guide to home energy savings. Gabriola Island, Canada: New Society Publishers.
Consumer Reports. (2012). Reducing energy costs. Washington, DC: Consumers Union.
U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov/energyefficiency/buildings.htm
