Why Do We Need Alternative Energy?

Fossil fuels have been in use for over the past 100 years. However, only in the previous couple of decades have we discovered the negative effects of fossil fuels. These negative effects include CO2 emissions and damage to the environment due to techniques such as fracking and accidents such as oil spills. For these reasons, there is a need for alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear power.

Why wind?

Wind power is the best alternative energy resource in large part because it is a quickly developing technology that is easy to gather and can be gathered everywhere. Wind farms gather wind on the land, but wind turbines can be placed in the ocean, and a fairly new technology called the BAT(Buoyant Air Turbine) can gather wind power in the air. This technology will only get better as decades go by. Wind is also renewable unlike nuclear, biomass and traditional fuels. Furthermore, after a turbine is built, the O&M (Operation and Maintenence) costs are very low, and the turbine can produce power indefinitely. This beats nuclear, as there is a possibility of running out of nuclear fuel. Finally, wind is ideal for the state of New Jersey for many reasons which will be explained below.



Why Wind Specifically for New Jersey?

Wind power is perfect for New Jersey when compared with other alternative energy sources. Just to name a few, solar power is better for places closer to the equator, where the sun radiates more thermal energy. New Jersey isn’t so close to the equator, so it’s not best fit for solar power. Nuclear power is currently one of New Jersey’s most used energy sources, but uranium, even though it’s a good way to generate power, isn’t renewable. Wind power takes advantage of wind speeds in coastal New Jersey and it’s renewable.

We also believe that wind is perfect for New Jersey because of the amount of wind that can be gathered off the Jersey shore. At the Jersey shore, the average wind speed is 19 mph, in many places. That is wind waiting to be harnessed, and if we answer that call than New Jersey can run on clean, infinite, and accessible energy.

Will wind turbines interfere with my way of life?

Simply put, no they will not. Compared to other alternative energy sources, wind turbines are simplistically built, so there isn’t much hassle when it comes to installing them. They also have a smooth and simple design. Their blades catch the wind and spin, then a generator in the turbine converts the mechanical energy of the wind to electricity. A cable then carries electricity to a transmission line. Wind turbines can also be built offshore to harness the wind speeds off the coast. Since they can be built offshore, they will not take up precious land like a solar farm or a nuclear power plant would. Also, these wind turbines with their smooth design would only contribute to the shore’s beauty. For these reasons, wind turbines shouldn’t interfere with New Jersey living.



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References –

http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/greenest-electricity-source

https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/energy-independence/the-end-of-fossil-fuels

http://apps2.eere.energy.gov/wind/windexchange/wind_resource_maps.asp?stateab=nj

http://apps2.eere.energy.gov/wind/windexchange/windmaps/offshore_states.asp?stateab=nj

http://www.altaerosenergies.com/

http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=wind_home-basics