The Revenge of Energy - Waves Versus Nuclear Power

Fifty years ago nuclear power was considered the wave of the future. Indeed, for good reason, after all there's a lot of energy packed in a very small space, and it's better than any other source we could ever hope to refine from fossil fuels for instance. But now after the big Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami, and after watching the Chernobyl disaster unfold, many folks are reconsidering the previous generation of nuclear power. In fact, we are overdue for something new.

Today, there are new innovations and science in the realm of nuclear power generation which will revolutionize the sector, and perhaps even solve all of our energy challenges of the future. However, if we are to make this work we must invest in the research, and make it happen. Meanwhile, the other day I was talking to some folks at our think tank and I made an interesting statement just to shake everyone up. I said; "the Tsunami in Japan was really the revenge of energy, waves Versus nuclear power."

Everyone turned around and looked at me as if I'd lost my marbles, but I explained it to them like this; "ocean wave generation is a constant and reliable source of energy, the waves on Earth never stop hitting the shoreline, and therefore they are perfect for base load unlike wind and solar alternative energies for instance." Immediately, everyone knew what I was getting at and talking about.

You see, in the United States 80% of our population lives within 50 miles of the ocean. That means ocean wave generation is a brilliant form of energy, and it is right where it needs to be. Nuclear power presently has some challenges such as long terms storage of spent fuel rods. There are some new technologies which can continually use these spent fuel rods until their half-life has been used up many more generations.

Either we need to bring that technology to the forefront, and perhaps Bill Gates will, or we need to look into new forms of reliable and renewable energy such as ocean wave generation to produce our electricity needs for our civilization. Wind and solar might seem sexy, but currently that technology is not good enough to provide as the reliable power we need.

You see solar power is already 50% inefficient because the sun does not shine at night. And when the wind isn't blowing those wind generators don't produce anything. In fact they cost a lot to build and if we amortize that cost over a couple of decades, we must consider that many times those wind generators will be sitting still. Indeed, I hope you've enjoyed today's energy discussion and I thank you for joining us. If you have any more comments, or questions, please shoot me an e-mail and I thank you for listening.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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How Much Can You Save Using Solar Power?

Most people now realize that carbon based energy sources like coal and oil are polluting the planet that we all share. Now there is some debate about global warming, but there can be no doubt that all the military conflicts in the Middle East are the result of power struggles over a shrinking oil supply.

So the fact is that alternative energy is here to stay, and it's only going to continue to grow. In fact in time enough homes will be relying on it, that by definition it won't be considered alternative. When that day comes wind and solar power will be considered mainstream.

So then how much can you save using solar energy because unless you are one of the people who has been sent over to some far flung desert region to fight over oil, that second point can seem moot to some folks. You just want your lights to come on and your household appliances to work and you want it all to happen for the best price possible.

The simple answer to that question is easy. It's around 30% as it stands right now. That is that the power that today's solar panels at today's prices will produce over the course of its service life will be valued at 30% less than its cost.

So buy a nice big $1,000 solar panel, put it up on your roof and by the time it's done and read to be sent off to have its materials recycled in about 25 years, it will have produced about $1,333 dollars or pounds worth of electricity. However, there is a catch.

That catch is that the cost of power only continues to rise and all you have to do is look at a power bill from 25 years ago to see that the above equation is going to change. That is that $1,000 solar panel you buy and stick up on your roof will for sure be producing more savings.

How much more? Now that's a very difficult question to answer because utility suppliers tend to be very tight lipped about how much they plan on screwing over their customers in the coming months, and years.

So then with all that is known, why isn't every home owner on the planet scrambling up on their roof right now to hook up a solar power system? The answer is simple and that's that they have to buy it and have it installed, and it seems easier to just continue to pay a monthly power bill. However soon enough, prices on solar technology will come down and the sensible option will be solar panels on many homes across the world.

Myriad design, supply and install Solar PV photovoltaic systems to the commercial, industrial, public and agricultural sectors. Using the most efficient technology available a Myriad system will save money and the environment.For More Details Visit: http://www.myriadceg.com/

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Renewable Energy Sources - Solar Power

What's not to love about solar power? The sun is what allows life to exist on this planet. Since man invented the light-bulb, we've been trying to harness and illuminate the inside of our world the way the sun does outside. To date, the power to light our world and operate our equipment comes primarily from combustion. We ignite fuel (primarily petroleum-based), and use the energy produced to spin turbines and generate the electricity we need to live in this modern world. The sun is the quintessential combustion engine; its heat and energy creating and sustaining a constant cycle of more heat and energy. So why then, has it taken until now to begin harnessing this power for our own needs? The answer, like most business decisions, is cost.

Until now, it has been cheaper to create a combustion reaction here on earth and then to harness it from the sun. The ability to convert solar rays into usable energy has been around since the late 1800s. Initially it was solar-thermal power, where the rays heated steam and propelled a small engine. Eventually, the solar cell was developed, using certain elements that reacted electrically when exposed to solar rays. Using either of these actions on a scale great enough to power an electric society is an immense undertaking. Only recently, with the scarcity of oil, have we seen a shift to an affordable solar apparatus.

Given the current focus on renewable energy, the supply side of the solar business is becoming more affordable. In addition, there are government and private programs available for people who wish to generate solar power. Unlike the current power grid, a solar generation occurs primarily on a site by site basis. While there are large scale solar farms, any flat area with sun exposure is a candidate for solar panels. This puts the power in the hands of the people who need it most. And in this authors opinion, it will not be long before every rooftop has a solar panel on it.

Unfortunately, in a regulated utility market, you cannot just plug in a panel and start playing video games again. This means you are still a part of the national electric grid, for better or worse. Better, because you can still have power at night or on cloudy days. Worse, because you still have to deal with the electric company.

The most obvious cost benefit to solar is that your business or home will require less power from the grid. You can tailor the size of your solar panels around your monthly electric usage. If you decide to generate solar, your electric meter will actually turn backwards at times when you are generating more electricity than you use. This results in significant monthly savings, as the supply portion of your utilities bill will be reduced.

In many states, like my home of New Jersey, you can actually get paid for your efforts. While you cannot physically sell the power you make, you can receive rebates and savings through state programs. In NJ, this is done through SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credits). These are given on a monthly basis based on the number of KW/h your solar panels generate. The credits are a tradeable commodity, with market price subject to supply and demand. Utility companies are required to buy a certain number of these credits each year. The credits are expected to go down in value predictably as more people enter the market by generating their own solar. Therefore, solar producers are encouraged to sell them as they earn them.

Another way to save/earn money from solar is to lease your affordable space to an entity that will use it to produce solar. Leasing your available space will provide monthly rent from an area of real estate that was presently unable to produce income. Large rooftops, especially distribution centers or office spaces, are prime candidates for this arrangement. Any company with a usable roof should consider setting up some form of solar generation. What else are you going to put on the roof that will earn you money?

Ideally, you would want to reduce your utilities bill and earn SRECs by producing solar on your own. But it is still a costly investment, and if you cannot make it on your own, there are plenty of people with abundant funds and limited space. There is financing available that can be secured in exchange for the SRECs generated by the system that is financed. With all this help, there is no reason not to capture the wave and build solar today.

There is no doubt that green energy is here to stay. And it is not just for the eco-friendly anymore. Government programs have made it very easy for any investor to make solar improvements. Technology advancements are making it ever cheaper to put them in place. Do some research and talk to an energy consultant. I think you will find yourself warming up to the idea of a solar powered world.

If you would like to get information about this for your business or home go to Here

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Wind Power History and Its Role in Various Civilizations

Wind power energy has tremendous potential. It can solve various problems which the human race is constantly facing at present. The requirement of wind power as a source of energy is now at its peak at present. The constant rise of price of oil has forced mankind to think for an alternative source. The crisis has compelled the inhabitants of earth to look back into the wind power history in search of answers.

As per the recorded evidence, wind power generation first took place about a century ago. During that time it was primarily used for grinding flour and pumping water. The very first structure of windmill was found in a place near Persia. These windmills were arguably the first machines used for harnessing the energy from wind. The experts believe that the windmill concept spread to parts of Europe and then to America, from this place near Persia. However, Netherlands was the first European country to come out with the structure of modern windmill. The sophisticated technology behind the windmill then began to spread in the European continent; most of the countries in Europe welcomed it, and made necessary changes based on their requirement.

However, modern researchers have made a very good point on the wind power history. They credit the sailboats for first using the power of wind energy. And they have enough evidence on their side to prove the point. It is important to know in this context that the ancient sailboats made their sails from animal hides. No doubt these sails were heavy, but they perfectly utilized the wind and its direction for guiding the boats. Bigger sailboats, and ultimately ships evolved from them. Modern ships later used the law of Magnus effect for harnessing wind energy in their favor.

American windmills started to show up in the middle of nineteenth century. They have played a significant role in wind power history. The Aermotor and Dempster designs were extremely popular at that time. However, it is really surprising that some of these ancient models still do exist in America. A visit to these sites will certainly rekindle the memory of ancient lifestyle as depicted in the history books. It is a wonder how mankind has evolved from that stage, and is now at the moment using the Magnus effect for the purpose of full utilization of wind energy. However, just like in Europe, the American windmills were also utilized for the maintenance of cattle and for farming.

From 1851 to 1971, nearly about 6,000,000 windmills were built in America. This just goes to show you how popular the concept of windmill became during those days. By the end of 19th century, windmills with the potential of producing electricity were discovered. This is a discovery for which the entire human race can be proud of. This discovery has also paved the way for some other interesting devices propelled by wind energy. The growing usage of wind energy is certainly a step forward towards a pollution free world.

Sam Pattison is a freelance content writer. For information on magnus effect & wind power history he recommends you to visit http://www.windagain.com/.

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Finding Wind Power in the United States

Wind power is the most rapidly growing form of renewable energy in the world. It is currently growing at a rate of more than 30 percent per year, and already has an installed capacity more than 7 times greater than that of solar power. 80 countries currently have commercial wind farms. The United States currently gets 3 percent of its electricity from the wind, making it second in capacity only to China. The installed capacity in the U.S. exceeds 40,000 megawatts.

Turbines are springing up all over the country. There are farms in 37 states. 14 of these states have large-scale installations. Texas is the country's leading producer. The largest wind farm in the world is located in Texas. Iowa is the second largest producer, followed by California and then Minnesota. Other states that have large installations include Oregon, Washington, and Kansas. Projects are under construction in several states, and there is a push to install off-shore turbines in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. These would be the first off-shore installations in the United States and, if constructed, would greatly add to renewable energy resources on the east coast. There are also a number of conventional farms under development in states from North Dakota to Oregon.

The amount of power generated by these installations varies continuously. Some factors that affect the power generated on any given day include the direction of the prevailing winds, their speed, and the size of the installed windmills. On a windy day in October of 2010, the farms generated 25 percent of all the electricity used in Texas. Iowa gets nearly 20 percent of all its electrical needs from its turbines, and there are plans to add more in the future.

State and federal governments are getting involved in wind power in a big way. The U.S. Department of Energy believes that up to 20 percent of all electricity produced in the United States could eventually come from turning turbines, instead of burning coal or nuclear fission. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is now building a facility specifically to test turbine blades. State governments are also helping out. Texas has committed to expanding its electric grid to aid in power transmission. Many states are also providing significant investment capital to the industry.

Wind power is fast gaining in popularity, both in the U.S. and around the world. This completely green, ecologically friendly, and infinitely renewable power source is changing the future of electricity generation and the world.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about renewable energy, please visit http://www.windturbineplanet.com/.

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Wise Nations Are Not Cutting Nuclear Power Out of Their Energy Equation

Forgoing nuclear energy is unwise for industrialized nations, especially considering all the new technology in that space, and the ability to use the fuel rods so much longer. Today's nuclear technology isn't anything like that of the old technology. It's safer, more efficient, and able to all but eliminate the need for large long-term storage facilities. Okay, so let's talk about what's going on out there in the near-term, and why this is going to be a problem.

In Nuclear Power Daily Online News there was an article titled; "Saudi to Build 16 Nuclear Reactors" by the staff writers in Riyadh published on June 1, 2011 which stated the project would take decades to complete and cost $80 million - "the reactors to be used in generating electricity and desalinating sea water and cover about 20% of Saudi Arabia's electricity needs." Another article in the same online publication, on the same day was titled; "India Stands firm on Nuclear Power" written by staff writers in New Delhi.

Meanwhile in Germany there have been protestors and Merkel's party acquiesced to politics and announced that it would shut down ALL of their nuclear power plants by 2020, which one might note is a short-term political knee jerk reaction, and it's going to be costly for Germany in the long-term. In fact, there was a great article in the Economist on June 2, 2011 titled; Nuclear? Nein, Danke - A Nuclear Phase-Out Leaves Germans Energy Policy in a Muddle."

Yes, indeed, I'd say that's about right. The leader paragraph in that article stated that after the horrific Japan natural disaster and nuke plant meltdowns, Germans had a change of heart on nuclear energy with anti-nuke protest flags and all; "The response by Merkel the swiftest change of political course since unification, last year they overturned a decade-old decision to phase out nuclear power by 2022."

In fact, Peter Fairley at MIT's Technology Review seems to agree in a piece he wrote on June 3 titled "What'll a Nuclear-Free Germany Cost? - Merkel's plan to exchange nuclear reactors for offshore wind farms and a stronger grid could cost more than expected," and suggests that it will cost the average household in Germany $50-60 per year, plus short-term issues with reoccurring blackouts. Solar and Wind are not going to cut it either, expect more coal-fired plants, clean-coal technology enabled that is.

China has also cut its nuclear ambitions, but it is having challenges with water supply, thus, not getting enough out of their hydro-electric energy. They've been building coal-fired plants at a rapid pace but, that's not doing them any good on the world scene amid the call for reduction of green-house gases, and they are doing some but relatively little fully integrated clean coal plants. They've scraped their nuclear plans for now, but will have to re-consider, as they have energy issues and challenges as any industrialized nation does.

The world should not be in such a rush to cut nuclear power out of their energy choices, and all this knee jerk reaction is simply unwise. Smart nations are thinking long-term and understand the value of nuclear power. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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Alternative Energy Resources - Why Wind Power Is Good

For many years, windmills were utilized for grinding corn and pumping water. However the development of the interior combustion engine and electrical grids meant which the windmill became obsolete at the beginning of last century. Just how renewable wind energy works is by a kind of variation of solar power. That's, the power of your sun fuels the ambience and their causes the wind to blow.
The windmills that were designed to generate electricity often known as turbines were popular in Denmark by the end of your 19th century (1890). The manner in which they worked was that 2-3 rotor blades were connected to the shaft of any electricity generator as well as the wind spun the blades, turning the generator that makes electricity. There is talk this in a future 10 - two decades renewable wind energy may offer a large part in our electricity. There's considerably more to be done yet however, before anything from the sort can take place.
There are some advantages of renewable wind energy on the likes of petroleum in powering the planet.
This also includes:
Wind can be a positively vast and inexhaustible natural resource.The majority of the costs are merely the 1st costs to build a wind system. Only other costs are maintenance and operational costs.Wind power helps us reduce consumption of the alternative fuels such as natural gas and coal.Wind reduces global warming. At one time wind farm is erected there exists no greenhouse gas emissions.Wind is free.Electric power from wind is still cheaper than power from gas and nuclear plants.
There are many more benefits to renewable wind energy, we are hoping the examples above have done you think that and view wind as a possible way to get energy.
Renewable wind energy has great potential. A variety of researchers have already estimated that half of our power in the United States it may be met by wind power.
Currently wind supplies lower than 1% of most power but we have potential resources which make renewable wind energy a real possibility sooner or later. Considering renewable wind energy trends, wind energy in the USA has long been the fastest country on the planet to earn the majority of wind power.
Wind farms make places in the spot that the wind would be the strongest, like in North Dakota and California. Because wind farms need large regions land sometimes wind farms are placed on land that is utilized for farming also.
There are some points that should be taken into accounts before a wind farm is erected. Wind speed isn't just important nonetheless the indisputable fact that wind blows steadily too. There is always great affinity for going offshore also and it is really because strong winds blow more consistently out in the sea and prove an exceptional spot for wind generators.
In order for renewable wind to formulate to its potential, there needs to be an incentive that encourages its growth. State incentives have already been great basically because they have encouraged small wind systems. However at the moment you could still only make use of these incentives for anybody who is in California, Massachusetts, and The big apple, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - more states are being added constantly so keep a look out.
Amr Abdelbadee is a student and a researcher who works on vital issues that concern almost every person all over the world. He's currently focused on green energy, healthy nutrition and global peace.
Click Here to visit the Green Energy Portal and learn how to build your solar energy or wind energy systemwith Amr and his partners.
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Marine Solar Power Systems Using Green Energy Solutions by Rowland ...

A green energy solution is solar energy by maintaining high battery voltage for deep cycle battery in a marine environment. These batteries are used in recreational vehicles. It is essential to maintain a high voltage as a low charge can reduce the batteries usefulness by two to five percent. A charge controller will solve this problem and ensure that the voltage remains at a certain level that will safely charge from a solar panel. This piece of equipment is invaluable for a long trip on a boat, ship or ocean liner. Marine batteries systems reduce the amount of petroleum based energy the craft will use and cut the reliance on petroleum powered machinery.
Marine solar panels that are normally installed in the uppermost decks of the ocean liners, ships and yachts and are becoming standard equipment for newly designed ocean going crafts. The marine system batteries allow them to stay out in a marine environment for a longer period of time, cuts down on the amount of fuel the craft needs to use to make the engines operable, and creates an energy that is clean and renewable every time the sun comes up.
When you add up the balance of system for the cost of getting a system like this going it only makes sense to switch over to an energy form that will not cost you once the initial equipment is installed, and the maintenance for these systems is nominal.
By utilizing integrated photovoltaic solar panels in a marine environment that supply energy to batteries ship builders have adapted the principle of the systems to a smaller unit and has made it a practical application for marine use. The smaller system is still considered a grid-connected system because most systems employ the central generating plant system to a small grid with solar panels made up of special solar tiles.
Marine solar panels and marine solar system batteries create a renewable or green energy that is applicable to a small pleasure boat all the way to the huge ocean liners that are really floating cities. By using marine system batteries that are powered by marine solar panels, it has been proven that it is possible to build a floating city that is entirely dependent on solar power.
The panels and systems used in marine solar system batteries are not different from the residential applications; it is the environment that they are used in. If one is planning to live aboard or cruise in salt water or anywhere that creates a marine environment, it is a good idea to know what the wiring and attachments hardware you will need to keep your marine solar panels working in top shape.
The marine solar panels system that charges the marine solar system batteries can be effectively used in the application of maintenance charging while at a dock. If your sailing vessel is stopped often or at anchor on a fairly steady basis, you need to maintain a floating charge in order to keep the batteries full and you will be able to avoid a situation where the craft will not start.
The green energy factor comes in when you can consider how much you will save in fuel when you augment your onboard charging systems with a marine solar panel that gives you power that can be stored in the marine solar system batteries. The marine environment creates special needs, as in corrosion to parts and panels that have to be carefully monitored and the parts replaced occasionally to keep the system running at the optimum power production capacity

About The Author Rowland Kubale is a boat owner interested in Solar Energy and it's production. Find out more about how to build your own Solar Panels for about $200 or so as against $2000+ for an off the shelf solar panel.

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Alex Salmond green energy policy will double power bills

Alex Salmond’s public attacks on Scottish Power’s price rises have been undermined when a leading expert warned the SNP’s energy policy will lead to household bills doubling within a decade.
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Households will have to deal with even bigger increases in energy bills this year if all six big suppliers follow the lead set by Scottish Power. [!] Report this news to staff Processing your request, Please wait.... Report as:
Finance Secretary John Swinney seeks an urgent meeting with Scottish Power over energy price increases. Report this news to staff Processing your request, Please wait.... Report as: Invalid Contents Broken link Privacy Violation Inappropriate Contents Other Write in Words:
Energy bills could rise by almost £200 per household this year if all six big suppliers follow the lead set by Scottish Power. Report this news to staff Processing your request, Please wait.... Report as: Invalid Contents Broken link Privacy
Suppliers are set to squeeze an extra £3.6 billion a year out of families if they follow Scottish Power’s lead and increase bills. So, what’s behind the increases and how can you fight back, like the Rowlands (pictured)? [!] Report this news to staff Processing your request, Please
Every household was supposed to receive an annual energy statement from its supplier by the start of this year. Have you received one? I haven’t, neither has any of my colleagues, writes Tony Hazell. [!] Report this news to staff Processing your request, Please wait....
Ministers plan an abrupt change of policy in an effort to rescue tens of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of investment promised by Britain’s solar energy industry, which are threatened by Treasury cuts. [!] Report this news to staff Processing your request, Please wait....
Alex Salmond has made an unprecedented personal attack on one of Scotland’s most senior judges by arguing that his rulings were allowing the “vilest people on the planet” to win compensation from the taxpayer. [!] Report this news to staff Processing your request, Please wait....
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