Eric Harrison
Alternative Energy
The energy power source in my area is supplied from Hydropower plants. The Lloyd Shoals Dam built in 1910 by Central Georgia Power Company on Jackson Lake which is one of the oldest reservoirs in Georgia. Hydro power has several benefits over other forms of energy, and it is one of the most affordable and environmentally neutral power sources, both directly beneficial to Georgia consumer by having a low ongoing cost. Some of these benefits include generating less pollution over other fuel-burning power generation methods. Being that the energy comes from flowing water Hydro power is renewable and creates public recreational areas and new habitats for wildlife. Downside of using only Hydropower is that it comes from a limited source. With a growing population of the given area, the needs may soon outweigh the supply of such reservoirs that supply’s the hydro power plant. Other disadvantages are the emission of methane and carbon dioxide. Reservoir of water for hydroelectric power releases a large amount of carbon dioxide and methane. Without a passing level of oxygen surrounding the dam, plants and trees start to decay and rot. This type of decomposition dumps a great amount of methane and carbon dioxide which increase pollution form of renewable energy that could be harmful to the habitat.
Another form of renewable energy that my community would benefit from is solar power. Being that Georgia sees a lot of sun throughout the year, the energy source will be prominent. Using the sun to power out homes and community proves to be not only abundant but also sustainable. Along with Low Maintenance cost and improving technology, Solar power is proven to be environmentally friendly and Reduce Electricity Costs. Some of the largest disadvantages of using solar power as a primary source is that it’s expensive to set up on a power grid and the intermittent aspect of it. Being that the solar panel are a requirement to use this source, the cost of such material are sometime out of reach of the average person to purchase. Access to sunlight is limited at certain times (e.g. morning and night). Predicting overcast days can be difficult and this is why solar power is not our first choice when it comes to meeting the base load energy demand.
Wind power is another renewable energy source that provides a great alternative. Being here in Georgia this type of energy source isn’t ideal. Lack of windy valleys and open plains is a environment that simply doesn’t exist here. The power available from the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically up to the maximum output for the particular turbine. Cons of using this source is the cost of maintain the wind turbines and installation. Also there must be wind for the turbines to produce energy. On non-windy days or certain times of year during the season change, wind turbine may prove to less efficient and more costly in the long run.
Making a switch to some of the said renewable sources is not so convenient in my community. Simply because of the location and the type of environment will not allow for certain sources such as wind powered turbines or offer spacing for the solar panels. Providing energy on a large scale using both wind power and solar power needs a lot of land spacing for the technologies of the source. A great many turbines or solar panels are needed for a number of people living in the area. the power available from the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically up to the maximum output for the particular turbine the power available from the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically up to the maximum output for the particular turbine