Alternative vs. Traditional Fuel Sources - 2675 Words

Alternative vs. Traditional Energy Sources The use of alternative energy sources versus the use of traditional energy sources has become one of the country’s, if not the world’s, most heated debate in recent years. For the purposes of this paper, the term â€Å"alternative energy† refers to any form of energy that is not derived from fossil fuels. Alternative energy sources like wind farms, solar cells, hydroelectric dams, biomass fuels, and nuclear power have been considered to be attainable sources that will be able to sustain the global population’s high demands. Traditional energy sources like oil, gas and coal are what the modern world knows and is most comfortable with, as its established fountain of fuel. Weighing the benefits and†¦show more content†¦Wind and sunlight are free and hydroelectric power is very inexpensive once a dam is built. Conversely traditional gas and oil production processes are very expensive for energy generation and there are large price swings with the burden of supply and demand. The bottom line for the global society as a whole has always been, and is foreseen to always be, about what it will cost. If a viable alternative source is identified to provide the same energy output at reduced consumer cost, it should be strongly considered if not fully implemented. A final reason why people support alternative energy sources is because they believe that renewable energy technologies will be capable of meeting the entire need for electricity in the United States as well as throughout the world. According to the U.S. Department of Energy â€Å"residential energy use in the United States will increase 25 percent by the year 2025† (Walker). It is necessary to spend the required monies on these renewable energy technologies, which will allow the country to create the needed alternative energy sources to combat this eventual increase in residential usage. An excellent example of this is the 410 million dollar construction project that includes 86 wind turbines on Wolfe Island near Cape Vincent, New York (2008). The renewable energy resources throughout the United States, let alone the entire world,Show MoreRelatedHybrid Automobiles vs. Fuel-efficient Automobiles1283 Words   |  5 Pagesreasons, consumers are feeling a pressing need to pu rchase a fuel-efficient automobile. However, the array of choices on the market are staggering. Not only do consumers have the choice between different brands of automobile manufactures; manufacturers are also offering different types of fuel-efficient cars. 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