Burning coal pollutes our environment with toxins, produces a quarter of U.S. global warming emissions, and accounts for a whopping 80 percent of all carbon emissions produced by power generation nationwide. As our population continues to grow, the dependence on this polluting energy source should decrease. There are nearly 600 coal-fired power plants operating in the United States today, producing nearly half of the nation’s electricity. To decrease our reliance on coal, we must shut down the oldest and dirtiest coal plants and replace them with reliable and clean energy sources.
One possible solution is a plan in Rhode Island. Rhode Island has a small and known as Block Island. Off the coast of Block Island, a small flotilla of crane vessels, barges, and tug boats have been gathering to help install the 1,500 ton foundation of the nation's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. The want for a new clean energy future in the United States is finally laid out to come true. Only five turbines will spin in the waters off Rhode Island, which is more modest beginning of what was originally planned or expected. With this project, it is an important step to prove that offshore wind is a usable and efficient technology needed for the steps to a new clean energy future.
Possible barriers to solutions are the high cost of energy, the possible environmental impacts, the technic challenges of the installation of the new energy source, and grid interconnection.My personal opinion about the problem is that as the earth continues to grow in population, the more energy we will need. With that, our earth will continue to pollute, and we need to make a change. With this solution, I don't agree with it because it will create new environmental impacts and with this being located off shore in the water, it could contaminate our water even more.
I believe that this solution could work. Not only is wind energy a clean source of energy, but the offshore location could help with some of the problems that people have with wind turbines. For instance, many people believe that the animals injured and killed by wind turbines outweigh the clean energy that they produce, but the smaller population of birds offshore mean that there will be a smaller population of birds injured and killed. With that being said, there is little data to base an opinion off of considering that offshore wind farms are still very new, but with the ever-growing energy crisis, I do believe that this idea is worth trying.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this solution could work. Not only is wind energy a clean source of energy, but the offshore location could help with some of the problems that people have with wind turbines. For instance, many people believe that the animals injured and killed by wind turbines outweigh the clean energy that they produce, but the smaller population of birds offshore mean that there will be a smaller population of birds injured and killed. With that being said, there is little data to base an opinion off of considering that offshore wind farms are still very new, but with the ever-growing energy crisis, I do believe that this idea is worth trying.
ReplyDeleteI think wind energy is a smart and clean alternative to burning fossil fuels. Once turbines are installed, the use of wind energy can be very cost effective. Many people reject the idea because of the threat is poses to wildlife and the fluctuation of wind patterns. As Andrea said, the bird population is typically smaller offshore. In addition, birds tend to fly low over bodies of water, reducing the risk of collision with turbine blades. Offshore wind farms provide benefits for sea life. They supply fish with shelter, because sea bottom trawling is forbidden inside a wind farm area. The turbine support structures could possibly create an artificial reef. The conditions provided by the reef stimulates growth among blue mussels and crabs. Furthermore, wind patterns offshore are more consistent, with higher speeds and few barriers to block wind passage. Wind farms definitely have the potential to meet the energy demands of America and reduce carbon emissions. This could prevent more environmental destruction at the mercy of climate change.
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