Fossil Fuels And Alternative Energy Sources - 1682 Words

Most fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal are considered nonrenewable resources in that their use is not sustainable because their formation takes billions of years (Investopedia, 2014). As the nonrenewable resources become more and more scarce, the cost to obtain them will continue to gradually rise (Investopedia, 2014). Eventually, the price will become so high that users will no longer be able to afford them, forcing the change from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources (Investopedia). These alternative energy sources would include nuclear, solar, wind and hydroelectric power. The first alternative source to be discussed is Nuclear Power. Nuclear power plants are similar to fossil-fueled power plants in which water†¦show more content†¦In both of these reactors the steam that is used to turn the turbines can be turned back into water and used again in the process (Duke-Energy). The next alternative energy source to be discussed is Solar Energy. Solar power is energy from the sun, which is converted into thermal or electrical energy (Solar Energy). Solar energy is also the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available, and the United States has some of the richest solar resources in the world (Solar Energy). Technology now days can use this solar energy for several different uses, including generating electricity, providing light, and heating water for all uses (Solar Energy). There are several ways to harness the solar energy: photovoltaics also called solar electric, solar heating and cooling, concentrating solar power, and passive solar (Solar Energy). The first three ways are called active solar systems, which use mechanical or electrical devices that convert the sun’s heat or light to another form of usable energy (Solar Energy). Passive solar on the other hand are buildings designed and oriented to collect, store and distribute the heat energy from sunlight (Solar Energy). Solar energy is a flexi ble technology since solar power plants can be built as distributed generation meaning they are located at or near the point of use, or as a central-station, utility- scale solar power plant similar to a traditional power