The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect is something that had been happening for thousands of years. It acts like a thermal blanket, keeping the Earth Warm. There are 4 main gasses that do this, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Chlorofluorocarbons. Each of these gasses reflect and absorb radiant heat from the Sun that is emitted to our planet every day. The Greenhouse effect has been working perfectly ever since before the age of the Dinosaurs, and has been steadily doing so ever since.
But, ever since the start of industrialization, the amount of gasses in the atmosphere has been rocketing (see graph on left). This is because of non-renewable sources. When coal or a non-renewable source is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide (the primary gas emitted by human activities), and nitrous oxide, which can both be potentially dangerous to our Atmosphere. The other two gasses, Methane and Chlorofluorocarbons. Chlorofluorocarbons were developed in the 1930's as a safer alternative to ammonia as refrigeration and spray-can propellants. But, since Chlorofluorocarbons contain small concentrations of Chlorine, (a gas that depletes the ozone layer) it has been released in small amounts over the years and has been depleting the ozone layer, which, when coupled with Nitrous Oxide, has led to the hole in the Ozone layer. Methane the last gas I have not yet explained, is produced in environments with little or no oxygen by bacteria that consume decomposing organic matters, such as grass or wood. These bacteria can life anywhere from a cow's digestive system to a swamp or wetland. Methane is mostly produced in named areas. |
Alternative methods of Energy |
There are 5 main alternative sources of energy that we could use instead of using fossil fuels. These are the 5 re-newable sources I mentioned above (Hydro, Wind, Solar, Bio-fuel and Geo-thermal Energy).
The most renowned energy company that harvest hydro-energy is the Snowy Hydro-electric scheme is one of the most complex hydro-electric systems in the world, with a capacity of 3800MW. Snowy Hydro accounts for about half of Australia’s total Hydro-electric generation, with the other half being created elsewhere around Australia. It comprises 16 dams, 7 power stations with two underground, one large pumping station, 145km of interconnected trans-mountain tunnels and over 80 km of aqueducts. Electricity is made as the water flows through the pipes and onto turbines. As they spin, electricity is made.
Australia has world class wind-power stations, which is yet another advanced of Australian Technology. . There are currently 24 farms powering Australia, with a further 4 being constructed. Australia’s wind technology is quite old, and is expanding globally and nationally. It is expected to become Australia’s largest source of renewable energy before the Solar Project Is finished. Wind works by hitting the turbines, which then spin due to their shape and cerate electricity.
Solar energy is one of the least used renewable sources in all of Australia. The Australian government is planning to add to our current stations, with 12 sites being chosen last year for possible locations of Solar Thermal electricity farms.
Bio-fuel is also one of the least used sources of energy. Bio-fuels are derived from materials such as plant and animal matter, and there are two main types of bio-fuel in Australia, bioethanol and biodiesel. Both of these are relatively new, and they are able to reduce carbon emissions by 85% compared to mineral diesel.
Geo Thermal energy is also one of the least used in Australia. There are currently 4 stations situated across Australia. It is currently being used to generate power in over 20 countries around the world, such as Iceland, Italy, France, China, and many more.
The most renowned energy company that harvest hydro-energy is the Snowy Hydro-electric scheme is one of the most complex hydro-electric systems in the world, with a capacity of 3800MW. Snowy Hydro accounts for about half of Australia’s total Hydro-electric generation, with the other half being created elsewhere around Australia. It comprises 16 dams, 7 power stations with two underground, one large pumping station, 145km of interconnected trans-mountain tunnels and over 80 km of aqueducts. Electricity is made as the water flows through the pipes and onto turbines. As they spin, electricity is made.
Australia has world class wind-power stations, which is yet another advanced of Australian Technology. . There are currently 24 farms powering Australia, with a further 4 being constructed. Australia’s wind technology is quite old, and is expanding globally and nationally. It is expected to become Australia’s largest source of renewable energy before the Solar Project Is finished. Wind works by hitting the turbines, which then spin due to their shape and cerate electricity.
Solar energy is one of the least used renewable sources in all of Australia. The Australian government is planning to add to our current stations, with 12 sites being chosen last year for possible locations of Solar Thermal electricity farms.
Bio-fuel is also one of the least used sources of energy. Bio-fuels are derived from materials such as plant and animal matter, and there are two main types of bio-fuel in Australia, bioethanol and biodiesel. Both of these are relatively new, and they are able to reduce carbon emissions by 85% compared to mineral diesel.
Geo Thermal energy is also one of the least used in Australia. There are currently 4 stations situated across Australia. It is currently being used to generate power in over 20 countries around the world, such as Iceland, Italy, France, China, and many more.