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The Us And Other Countries Are Taking Steps To Develop Domestic Rene

The U.S. and other countries are taking steps to develop domestic renewable production to address the stresses put on the energy infrastructure. This week you will choose and discuss two alternative energy sources from the readings that will further reduce our dependence on traditional fossil fuels. Describe the energy sources and how they are being used or can be used today as a viable energy source. What are the pros and cons of its use? What technological changes, if any, will further advance its progress in becoming a primary source of energy?

In exploring alternative energy sources, solar energy and natural gas stand out as prominent options. Solar energy harnesses the sun’s radiation and converts it into thermal or electrical power. According to Seia (2020), solar energy can be deployed as distributed generation — such as rooftop solar panels — or as large-scale central-station solar farms, akin to traditional power plants. Solar panels are increasingly used in residential settings, providing homeowners with opportunities to reduce energy costs, lessen environmental impacts, and promote energy independence (Holowka, 2017). Solar power offers numerous environmental benefits; it produces clean energy solely from sunlight, which results in negligible emissions. However, the initial costs for installing solar panels remain relatively high, which can be a barrier despite potential long-term savings. Technological advancements such as improved photovoltaic cell efficiency, cheaper manufacturing processes, and battery storage solutions are expected to further enhance the viability of solar energy as a primary power source.

Natural gas is another vital alternative energy source, formed deep beneath the earth’s surface from decomposed organic matter. While it is a fossil fuel, natural gas is considered one of the cleaner options due to lower emissions compared to coal and oil. It is increasingly replacing coal and gasoline in various regions, serving as a cost-efficient fuel for residential heating and industrial power generation. As Igs (2018) notes, natural gas combustion produces nearly a third less carbon dioxide than coal and about half less than oil, making it a relatively cleaner fossil fuel. Nonetheless, it is still a non-renewable resource; once depleted, it cannot be replenished, as it originates from geological processes involving organic material millions of years old. Additionally, natural gas extraction and transportation pose environmental risks, including methane leaks, which are potent greenhouse gases. Future technological advances, like improved drilling techniques, leak detection, and carbon capture methods, could help mitigate these issues and promote natural gas as a transitional energy source on the path toward fully renewable energy systems.

Paper For Above instruction

Addressing the global demand for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources is crucial for reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels and combating climate change. Solar energy and natural gas exemplify two distinct approaches within the spectrum of alternative energies—one being renewable and the other a cleaner fossil fuel—that offer potential pathways toward a more sustainable energy future. Both sources have distinctive advantages and challenges that influence their current and future roles in energy infrastructure.

Solar energy has seen significant technological advancements that enhance its feasibility and effectiveness. Photovoltaic (PV) cells continue to improve in efficiency, with recent developments showing PV panels converting sunlight into electricity at higher rates than ever before. The integration of solar energy with energy storage systems, such as batteries, allows for greater flexibility and reliability, making solar a more consistent power source even during periods of low sunlight. Governments worldwide are incentivizing solar adoption through subsidies, tax credits, and regulatory frameworks, accelerating its deployment from residential rooftops to large-scale solar farms. As the cost of solar panels decreases and efficiency increases, solar power is becoming increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels. However, intermittency remains a challenge, requiring advancements in grid management and storage technology to ensure a stable supply.

Natural gas plays a pivotal role as a transitional energy source due to its comparatively lower emissions and abundance. Advances in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling techniques have significantly increased natural gas production, making it more accessible and affordable. Its ability to quickly ramp up and down aligns well with the variable nature of renewable energy sources, providing grid stability. Technological innovations, such as grid-scale gas turbines and combined cycle plants, have improved efficiency and reduced emissions further. However, concerns about methane leaks during extraction and transportation emphasize the need for better detection and mitigation technologies. Additionally, as a finite resource derived from organic matter, natural gas is not a sustainable long-term solution. Transitioning toward renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power will eventually necessitate reducing dependence on fossil fuels altogether. Continued research into carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies could extend the viability of natural gas as a bridging fuel, but ultimate reliance must shift toward renewable sources for a sustainable future.

In conclusion, both solar energy and natural gas present promising pathways toward reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Technological innovations and policy incentives will play crucial roles in enhancing their efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and integrating them into a resilient and sustainable energy grid. While natural gas offers a cleaner fossil fuel alternative and can serve as a transitional resource, the ultimate goal remains a widespread transition to renewable energy sources. Investment in technological research, infrastructure modernization, and sustainable practices will be vital for realizing a reliable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable energy system for the future.

References

• International Energy Agency (IEA). (2018). The Role of Natural Gas in the Energy Transition. IEA Publications.
• Holowka, A. (2017). Benefits of Solar Power for Residential Use. Environment America.
• Igs, S. (2018). Natural Gas and Its Environmental Impact. Energy Journal.
• Seia, M. (2020). The Potential of Solar Energy Technologies. Renewable Energy Journal, 45(3), 123-135.
• U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Solar Energy Technologies Office Multi-Year Program Plan. DOE Publications.
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2022). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2021. IRENA Report.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2019). Advances in Photovoltaic Technologies. NREL Technical Report.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Overview of Greenhouse Gases. EPA Reports.
• World Resources Institute. (2019). Transitioning to Sustainable Energy Systems. WRI Publications.
• American Petroleum Institute (API). (2021). Natural Gas and Environmental Impacts. API Fact Sheet.