by Thomas Edens

Created on: January 15, 2009

Renewable energy is energy from a source that is not expected to run out in a reasonable amount of time. Today, the majority of energy that humans rely on is from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, like oil and coal, are considered to be finite because of the time it takes for formation. Nuclear, solar, hydro, wind, tidal, geothermal, and even bio mass fuels are considered to be renewable fuels.

All energy is essentially solar energy; it just comes in different forms. Solar energy is really nuclear energy, so all energy we use on earth is a form of nuclear energy. The sun provides the energy that drives the tides, that stirs the wind, evaporates the waters, and even feeds the bio material. Some companies have developed direct solar power using solar panels. To date, the technology for direct solar power is not ready to be relied upon. It is too expensive and the panels are too fragile.

Wind is, in theory, the most logical power to tap into. The approach is simple: wind turns a turbine that spins a generator that creates electricity that can be sent out to the grid or stored in batteries. The technology for wind power is still inefficient and wind power falls victim to one of the same drawbacks as direct solar power. Just as the sun does not always shine, the wind does not always blow. During downtimes when the wind is weak or even non-existent, a secondary source must make up the difference.

Nuclear power is the most efficient of all renewable energy sources. Today's breeder reactors have the potential to make more fuel than they consume by converting previously unusable sources of uranium or even spent uranium back into a usable source. Breeder reactors cut down on waste by reusing it in the reactor. It is unlikely that the United States will ever build an extensive nuclear infrastructure because of the stigmas that come with nuclear power. The Three Mile Island incident occurred 30 years ago but still affects the argument today. Nuclear technology continues to improve and it is a safe, renewable source of energy.

If the United States is not going to embrace nuclear power, the best source in my opinion, than they should commit to hydroelectric generation. Hydroelectric uses the motion of running water to push a turbine that turns a generator. The advantages to hydroelectric generation are manifold but the most important factor is consistency. Hydroelectric dams run 24 hours a day, giving them an advantage over direct solar and wind generation. Hydro power is clean and efficient and most of the infrastructure is already in place with only 12% of American dams currently used for generation.

Few argue against the need for a renewable energy policy in this country. What is contested is the source that should be developed. The popular concept being bantered about is "a little bit of everything", but I wonder why, when some sources are so much better than others. Nuclear power should be the focus going forward, but short of that, hydroelectric power is efficient, clean, and renewable.

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