Which one is better? Solar power energy, biomass, or wind for a resouce insted of oil?-?
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Definitely, it will depend on the location. Many areas are definitely suited for solar such as deserts as some have mentioned. In Austin (Texas), where sun is common and plentiful, many houses have solar panels that either minimize or eliminate their need for power from the "power grid".
Wind power is also an excellent option in areas that are suitable for it. 20% of Denmark's power is provided via windpower. This is another technology that is coming into its own, with all of the changes and increased focus on greener lifestyles.
I don't understand what the person who kept mentioning oil as a renewable resource meant. It will surely be renewable once we've used up all of the raw source, but it took (and would take) millions of years to produce in the first place, so unlike trees, wind and solar power, it isn't really feasible to consider as a renewable resource.
All of these can't be used at all of the places. For example in the desert area - you may use more Solar Power. In the foothills and wild seas - you may use the windpower. And countries having vast agriculture area will use the bio-diesel
But you can also try making Hybrid Power stations - which are mixture of all the three.
None of them.
Oil is an abundant renewable resource. The only reason gas prices are high right now is that oil companies have not channeled the profits into adding and upgrading refineries, but rather are putting it in their own pockets.
Biomass is basically just burning wood. Trees, while renewable, have more value to our ecosystem than as a form of fuel.
Windmills are technically more complicated to maintain and pose environmental hazards almost as much as oil, especially if implemented to the degree needed to power the world.
Solar power has a similar problem. Where would you put all the solar collectors needed to supply the world with energy? How would you transport that energy if you found a place to put them?
No, oil is still the best source of energy on the planet. Abundant, self-renewing and with good energy density. What is needed is more regulation of the oil industry to keep refineries in good repair, safe and keep making more of them.
Wouldn't that depend on where you are located ?
Solar power is great unless you live in a forest. Wind is a great form of energy unless you live in a deep valley. Nuclear energy is the most efficient, especially if you can start a war every 10 - 15 years to get rid of the depleted uranium through your armament.
All forms of alternate energy are a great answer to the dependency on oil and other fossil fuels. If dependency on oil was eliminated, we could stop sending our money and our soldiers to the middle east.
It depends on what natural resources you have available. For example Arizona has a great resource of direct sun light so solar is very popular there. And if you live in an area with fairly constant winds (not just random strong gusts) a wind turbine would be great. Some use a combination, it just depends on your location.
All these are alternative sources of energy. Basically they supplement The main source of energy that is oil. The energy conversion in the case of solar panels is low and also it is capital intensive to set up one such unit domestic or commercial. But it is useful in remote areas. The wind energy needs constant flow of wind at certain minimum flow speed. Like in coastal areas. The collective name for such projects is "wind farming". If you go to California you can see for your self such massive wind energy projects. Their role is again supplementary to main electric source. Biomass is is popular in rural areas as good alternative source of energy.
Now to say which is better, I would say which ever is available in a given area is better
Don't forget turbines and water power! They are already using this on parts of the Hudson. There are times of day when some small towns are powered exclusively by the turbines. The turbines swing 180, so they can even be used in a bay to catch the tide coming inand going out.
Lots of good answers here.
But I would also want to know what you intended to do with the power.
If you intend to fly a jumbo jet, forget solar, wind and biomass. You are stuck with petroleum. Nothing else can move an airplane.
And petroleum is presently the best for moving cars (even hybrids use petroleum), large trucks, tanker ships, barges, cruise ships, construction vehicles, and just about anything with a large mass to move.
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