Supply of Petroleum - Energy Alternatives
What would society do if the supply of petroleum is depleted? Society
would need to look to alternate energy sources and change the way we
live.
The extinction of the world oil supply is a definite possibility. The
current world oil production has been adversely affected due to lowering
oil prices. The International Energy Agency estimates that the world
supply and demand will climb to 106 million bpd in 2030. The 2008
production was 86.4 million bpd. A shortfall is predicted.
The solution would lie in finding alternative energy sources. Wind
power is considered the fastest growing energy source. The early
turbines were small with capacities of 20 to 30 KW each. Turbine size
has subsequently increased. Wind power is harnessed by the blades that
collect the wind’s kinetic energy. The wind flow over the airfoil shaped
blades causing the blades to turn. The blades are linked to a drive
shaft that rotates an electric generator to produce electricity.
Wind power is being utilized by most countries in the world. The wind
power industry was created in 1979 in Denmark. Denmark remains the
leader in wind power use; it generate one-fifth of its electricity with
wind turbines. Furthermore, Denmark is a major manufacturer of the wind
turbines. The United States increased its wind power capacity by 45% to
16.8 gigawatts in 2007. Most promise is seen in utilizing wind power by
the Great Lakes in Michigan which has the ability to produce one-third
of U.S. electricity demands. India had a total wind power capacity of
9,645 MW in 2008. This supply 33% of all electricity produced in India.
Mexico recently began the La Venta II wind power project that will
supply Mexico with 3500 MW by the year 2008 Mexico had 85 MW . The
United Kingdom reported 3,241 MW in total wind power capacity in 2008
while China reported 12,210 MW during the same period. The main
disadvantage with wind power is that is inconsistent. The wind is not
always at a velocity to move the turbine’s blades.
Hydropower is another alternative source of energy. Mechanical energy
is obtained by channeling moving water. This is best suited for use with
fast flowing water. The water flows through a pipe which turns blades in
a turbine. The turbine turns a generator and electricity is created. An
excellent example is Niagara Falls in New York.
Solar power is one more option as an energy source. The conventional
use of solar power is solar thermal. It works by using a flat-plate
collector (usually on side or roof of a house or building) to take in
and gather solar radiation. This is typically used to heat swimming
pools, water used in homes, and space heating of buildings. The major
disadvantages of solar energy are the inconsistency of the amount of
sunlight received and that a large surface area is required to collect
energy at a functional rate.
Another less likely option is to convert gas-consuming cars to
electric cars. While there are kits have an average cost of $50, most
consumers will have to have a mechanic do the conversion. This will cost
up to $6000.
Other options would include lifestyle changes. Telecommuting, where
employees would work from home, would become prevalent. Unless other
energy sources can be used to fuel airplanes, the travel industry would
be adversely affected. Vacations would be limited to where you could
drive in your electric car. |
