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Solar Energy: Difference between revisions
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There are further technical details regarding how these technologies work, however for the time being I would like to focus on my main topic: the benefits of using solar energy. | There are further technical details regarding how these technologies work, however for the time being I would like to focus on my main topic: the benefits of using solar energy. | ||
== Globalisation = more energy == | == Globalisation = more energy == | ||
As previously stated, the world population has increasing energy demands, and more resources are needed to provide this energy. At the current rate of population growth, by 2050 there will be an estimated 9 billion people on earth (Geitmann, Sven: Erneuerbare Energien und alternative Kraftstoffe, Kremmen 2004), all needing energy. The amount of energy required per person is also increasing, as people seek greater independence, freedom and mobility – all factors which result in globalisation. For example the world’s fleet of cars actually grows faster than the human population does, and industrialisation continues to march on. However it is worth noting that energy consumption in industrial countries is disproportionate to that of developing nations. The industrial countries consume more than half of the world’s energy resources, despite constituting just one-seventh of the world population. For example, the USA accounts for 5% of the world population however they consume 26% the crude oil produced worldwide (Geitmann, Sven: Erneuerbare Energien und alternative Kraftstoffe, Kremmen 2004). And because of the progression of industrialisation in the less developed countries, combined with the fact that energy expenditure in the industrial nations is not regressing, new ways of creating energy must be developed. | As previously stated, the world population has increasing energy demands, and more resources are needed to provide this energy. At the current rate of population growth, by 2050 there will be an estimated 9 billion people on earth (Geitmann, Sven: Erneuerbare Energien und alternative Kraftstoffe, Kremmen 2004), all needing energy. The amount of energy required per person is also increasing, as people seek greater independence, freedom and mobility – all factors which result in globalisation. For example the world’s fleet of cars actually grows faster than the human population does, and industrialisation continues to march on. However it is worth noting that energy consumption in industrial countries is disproportionate to that of developing nations. The industrial countries consume more than half of the world’s energy resources, despite constituting just one-seventh of the world population. For example, the USA accounts for 5% of the world population however they consume 26% the crude oil produced worldwide (Geitmann, Sven: Erneuerbare Energien und alternative Kraftstoffe, Kremmen 2004). And because of the progression of industrialisation in the less developed countries, combined with the fact that energy expenditure in the industrial nations is not regressing, new ways of creating energy must be developed. | ||
== Advantages and Disadvantages == | == Advantages and Disadvantages == | ||
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In conclusion, sustainable energy brings many benefits, however there are still several obstacles to overcome before this type of energy is established. | In conclusion, sustainable energy brings many benefits, however there are still several obstacles to overcome before this type of energy is established. | ||
== Progress today and tomorrow == | == Progress today and tomorrow == | ||
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The „International Energy Agency“ thinks if there will be a cost cutting for the technology of sustainable energy more people would build it and use it. In their opinion it is also important to really have the will to decrease the CO²-emission (Hennicke, Peter: Erneuerbare Energien, München 2007). In 2007 in Germany the emissions were 861 Million tonne, at least 56 Million tonne less than 2001 (http://www.iwr.de/ {30.12.2009}). One point of the decreasing CO²-emission is probably because in Germany already big and influential energy companies have invested in the sustainable energy systems. „E.ON“ wants to build offshore wind-mill plants for 500 MW until 2011 (Hennicke, Peter: Erneuerbare Energien, München 2007). „EnBW“ will create the first energy system from waves. The commissioning date will be 2010 / 2011. By then they plan to get electricity for at least 120 households (http://www.enbw.com/ (30.12.2009)). A small number but at least a beginning into the right direction. | The „International Energy Agency“ thinks if there will be a cost cutting for the technology of sustainable energy more people would build it and use it. In their opinion it is also important to really have the will to decrease the CO²-emission (Hennicke, Peter: Erneuerbare Energien, München 2007). In 2007 in Germany the emissions were 861 Million tonne, at least 56 Million tonne less than 2001 (http://www.iwr.de/ {30.12.2009}). One point of the decreasing CO²-emission is probably because in Germany already big and influential energy companies have invested in the sustainable energy systems. „E.ON“ wants to build offshore wind-mill plants for 500 MW until 2011 (Hennicke, Peter: Erneuerbare Energien, München 2007). „EnBW“ will create the first energy system from waves. The commissioning date will be 2010 / 2011. By then they plan to get electricity for at least 120 households (http://www.enbw.com/ (30.12.2009)). A small number but at least a beginning into the right direction. | ||
== Conclusion == | |||
So companies, the politicians and most of the people know the problem and know how important it is to use sustainable energy. The need of supporting and developing sustainable energy systems is known world-wide. But there are still big and important countries like India where most of the people live in unsustainable areas. So it is the job of all the other countries to clarify the importance of sustainable living. It is also important that he politics really assure their population of living sustainable and using renewable energy. They shouldn't support the big oil companies, the countries should invest in alternative energy systems and should also make it lucrative for the population. They could for example support building companies who work with sustainable materials. Even if there are so many opportunities to encourge our world, there is still a lot of work to do, for everyone of us. | |||
== References == | == References == | ||