James asks…
Alternative energy – drilling to create electricity from geothermal?
I recently read that it might be possible to drill a hole down into the earth to a depth where the rock is naturally very hot, pump water into the drill hole and then power a turbine with the steam that is created to generate energy. (It’s like a DIY version of electricity generated from natural geysers). It’s clean and can be done almost anywhere. Has anyone heard of this? Is this a viable alternative energy?
The Expert answers:
Yeah its alreay been done but its not diy.
Sandy asks…
What degree would I need to pursue a career in alternative energy?
Wind and solar energy seem to have a promising future. What degrees would be sufficient to become a specialist in the alternative energy field?
What is the field of study called? What should I get a degree in?
The Expert answers:
Look at www.dol.gov, and it will give you a wealth of information. Especially under the Occupational Outlook Handbook. It will give you the education needed, job outlook until 2014, salary, work conditons, hiring companies, etc. We need more alternative energy available and I want to commend you for looking into this field. Good luck and Peace.
Mark asks…
What is the percentage of alternative energy sources in your country?
Are alternative power sources (solar energy, wind power, etc) popular in your country?
What is the percentage of their use?
The Expert answers:
On the order of 1% in the U.S. In some states, like California and Texas it is higher, but still less than 5%. I am not counting hydroelectric power in that because it is a traditional source, although totally renewable.
According to the source below, Denmark gets almost 20% of its electricity from wind.
Robert asks…
What are the top three reasons to finding an alternative energy source?
I want to know the top three reasons as to why an alternative energy source should be found. what are they?
The Expert answers:
1. The price of gasoline is skyrocketing.
2. The price of gasoline is skyrocketing.
3. The price of gasoline is skyrocketing.
Paul asks…
What environmental issues need to be considered when choosing an alternative energy source?
It is for an energy assignment in science about alternative energy. You know the usual stuff solar power wind power all that stuff. what do you have to think about when you’re thinking about choosing an alternative energy source
The Expert answers:
Mainly local environmental impact.
Eg. Daming a river for a hydro turbine is no loger considered environmental as it damages the local environment.
As microhydro turbines don’t as they only divert part of the river a bit.
The embodied energy is also important factor when considering what alternative energy is going to used.
For example solar hot water heaters have an energy payback of about 1 year.
Solar Panels have an energy payback of about 6-8 years.
As the silicon is a rare metal when requiring to build them.
Then it would be the logical step to first use a solar hot water system before putting solar cells up on your roof.
Same with wind power you also need to consider viability of the energy source at that location….
If there is not enough wind or too much turbulence.
This can effect what energy source is considered most viable at that location.
Eg. Hawaii is about to turn it’s whole electricity economy to geothermal as it is most viable as they are on a volcanoe.
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