Renewable Energy
What does renewable energy mean to me? Honestly, nothing, at least until now. Having to investigate this topic has introduced me to what renewable energy truly is and why it is important.
Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are constantly and naturally replenished and will never run out. Examples of renewable energy are sunlight, wind, water, etc. In the United States, we rely heavily on nonrenewable energy. Coal, oil and natural gas are examples of nonrenewable energy, which are limited. Nonrenewable resources will eventually diminish, because of both their expense and environmental impact.
Renewable energy can be collected from various sources. Most come from sunlight, also known
Last year, my family took a vacation to Palm Spring, California and we saw the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm, one of the biggest farms I have ever seen. My curiosity led me to do some research and I found that the farm consists of over 3,000 wind turbines and can deliver 615 MW (megawatts). It was so amazing to see all the windmills going at the same time. I believe wind turbines are a great example of renewable energy.
Water is another critical renewable energy. There are vast hydropower, wave and tide resources in America – some that have yet to be untapped. The energy department is dedicated to the growth of water energy. By using a dam or diversion structure to alter the natural flow of water is how hydropower is generated. When I think of water power, I think of the Hoover Dam. This massive dam harnesses the power of the entire Colorado River and is the prime example of a hydropower facility. I took a tour of the Hoover Dam and was amazed at its large size and admired design.
Aside from the Hoover Dam, hydropower comes in many different types and sizes. Water power is easier and more widely used than people are aware. Almost all the state in the U.S. use some sort of hydropower for electricity. Idaho, Washington, and Oregon use water power for most of their electricity needs. Water power is another great use of renewable