Natural Resources Essay Example for Free

Natural Resources Essay Renewable energy is energy that is derived from natural resources which can be replenished naturally such as tides, sunlight, geothermal heat, rain and wind. Renewable energy accounts for about 10. 1 of the locally produced electricity in the United States. According to Nebel and Wright, hydro power which is generated using water is the prime source of renewable energy apart from solar energy, wind power, geothermal power and biomass and bio-fuel energies (214). The Tazimina project in Alaska is an example of hydropower plant that does not require a dam. Other hydroelectricity dams are found in Tennessee valley and on the Colorado River. Wind power which uses wind to generate electricity is becoming more and more popular and is mostly used in some regions such as in Appalachians, Western United States and Alaska. Though this source of energy does not pollute the environment it poses negative environmental impacts to wildlife. Although solar technologies and geothermal power have minimal destructive environmental impacts biomass power has the prospective of becoming the leading energy source not only in the U. S but the entire world. Biomass can be produced almost everywhere and is derived from wastes and alcohol fuels and can be converted into liquefied fuel to meet transportation energy requirements. It can also be used to produce electricity and as a source of heat. Ethanol and biodiesel are common forms of bio-fuels used in the U. S and are produced from plants. The U. S department should focus on reconnoitring ways of converting cellulose from forest residue, agricultural wastes and other materials to ethanol which is the most environmental friendly source of fuel. Since the U. S government released $30 million shillings towards the funding of Clean Energies Technologies to enhance the transition to a viable energy future, this can greatly assist in building an inclusive state renewable energy scheme that addresses the full range of market issues and technologies. As it is observed by the World Watch Institute (2006), we all need energy that is secure, improves public health, protects the environment, is reliable, offers technological leadership and addresses climate change. Works Cited Nebel, Bernard J. , and Wright, Richard T. Environmental Science: The Way the World Works. Ed. Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1987. World Watch Institute, â€Å"American Energy: The Renewable Path to Energy Security†. September 2006. Retrieved on 20th July, 2010 from: http://www. worldwatch. org/files/pdf/AmericanEnergy. pdf