The electricity sources below currently only supply a total of about 13% of all

Question

The electricity sources below currently only supply a total of about 13% of all U.S. electricity. Even though each is considered to be somewhat sustainable or very sustainable, and each requires no burning of fossil fuels, they may not be able to replace that much fossil fuel electricity. Discuss the limitations or problems why each of these three renewable energy sources does NOT supply a much larger portion of our electricity than it does.

1 - Hydroelectric Power -

2 - Biomass Electric Power -

3 - Geothermal Electric Power -

Explanation / Answer

1- limitations of hydroelectric power

Power generation stations are to be located in hilly mountainous terrains where waterfalls as well as ideal sites for dams are located. In a region without hills hydel power generation is not possible. Loss during transmission is very high, sometimes up to 30%.Dams are expensive to build.Building a dam affects the environment and wildlife of adjoining areas. Nearby low-lying areas are always under the threat of floods. Building of dam causes lot of pollution.

2.Limitations of biomass electric power

Though, biomass energy is relatively cheap, its processing to usable forms is quite expensive. For instance, biomass energy requires more workers for the planting and harvesting of the crops resulting to additional expenses. This expense is constant as the planting and harvesting is a cycle process.

Since Biomass also makes use of the animal and human wastes, the emission of methane gas is also harmful to the environment and even humans. Methane gas is also a greenhouse gas next to carbon dioxide that fossil fuels emit. The excessive use of plants and trees to create biomass fuel leads to the destruction of the environment. Not only that it destroys the habitat for the plants and animals but it leads to deforestation. During heavy rainfall, environment will be devastated and will create many environmental problems.

The combustion of biomass to produce fuel requires a large area in order to not affect residences. The release of methane gas into the atmosphere affects human health therefore must not reach to the residential homes. The problem on the use of larger land is something that cannot be easily met for the energy needs. Mostly, agricultural lands are converted into an operation land for biomass energy.

3 limitations of geothermal electric power

High costs to construct geothermal plants.Sites must be located in prime areas, requiring long distance transmission, which is often costly.The introduction of water is considered wasteful and possibly harmful to the environment.Emissions of sulfur dioxide and silica are often an issue.The process of drilling into heated rock is problematic.Geothermal plants other than binary only work with a minimum 350 degree F (150 C) temperature.

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