The Benefits to Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy comes with plenty of benefits to the environment and the economy. First of all, the emissions that come with geothermal energy are low, especially compared to the energy used in other resources such as coal and oil.

Second of all, we can help diversifying our country's electricity generation portfolio thus making for a more a dependable and greener future. The use of geothermal energy reduces pollution, reduces global warming and reduces the risk of oil spills and other problems associated with using fossil fuels.

Finally, geo thermal energy is a lot cheaper compared to other sources of energy, especially considering the price of oil. Those who use geothermal energy in their homes can expect to save on electricity and the costs for heating water each month.

Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are the battery for a greener tomorrow. Like batteries, fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction. Essentially, fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water with a series of chemical reactions thrown in for good measure, of course. By now, you have surely heard of the movement to "go green," including the need to develop alternative methods for fueling our vehicles. Fuel cells are one of these substitutes for gasoline.
A fuel cell may sound as though it is simply a type of gas tank, but is actually similar in function to a large battery. These cells combine hydrogen, the most common element in the universe, with available oxygen.

Hydrogen carries energy. The electrons, which are tiny particles bound to the hydrogen atom, carry the energy. It is when these bonds are broken that the energy is released. Fuel cells work by burning hydrogen gas in a flameless chemical reaction which produces electricity and water.

There are five main components needed during the operation of fuel cells such as hydrogen, oxygen, two conductors and an ionic conductor. The two conductors, referred to as anode and cathode, are separated by an ionic conductor or electrolyte. Hydrogen is pumped into the anode and oxygen in pumped into the cathode. Hydrogen reacts with the charged particles, called ions, in the electrolyte which will react to water and electrons. These electrons leave the fuel cell through as an electric current (much like a typical battery) and return to the fuel cell cathode. It merges with the oxygen and the water to form more ions which will replace those being consumed at the anode.

The Benefits to Hydroelectric Power

worth it in the end. In fact, after the initial costs of building the dam, hydroelectric power is essentially free. It is naturally replenished as water travels through the water stream every single day. Furthermore, dams are expected to last up to 50 years which is two to ten times as long as the conventional nuclear power plant or coal plant.

Hydropower is completely emission free and thus it can be considered not only a renewable energy source, but also a non polluting source of electricity. By using hydroelectricity instead of burning fossil fuels, we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide by 77 million tons. This is the equivalent to 62 million cars being driven for a year. Furthermore, it does not release steam or chemicals into the environment either. And, because most dams are located in remote areas, it does not affect the noise or the living environments of anyone around it.

In regards to cost, hydroelectricity costs around the same as generating power by burning fossil fuels. However, given the environmental and individual additives that hydroelectricity can bring, the choice to use hydroelectric power is an easy one. Furthermore, hydroelectric plants do not use fuel to run them and thus they are a lot cheaper to run on a daily basis than nuclear power plants or coal plants.

The Benefits to Tidal Power

First of all tidal power is free. Although the cost to build a tidal power plant is up there, once the initial groundwork has been laid, the tidal power works for nothing. Furthermore, it is a renewable source of energy as the tides are related to the Sun, the Earth and the Moon, all of which are not going anywhere anytime soon.

Second of all, tidal power is great for the environment. Instead of using fossil fuels that emit poisonous gases and emissions, tidal power uses water. There are no greenhouse gases and other wastes produced and the only thing being used is clean water.

Finally, tidal power is actually beneficial to the economy as well. Tidal power plants can generate plenty of jobs across the globe and can also attract tourists to a town that has a tidal power plant. After all, tidal power plants are not something you see every day.