Energy Planet

I was recently approached by a group of high school students who were researching alternative energies for an assignment. They asked my to answer a list of questions about the alternative energy industry. I answered their questions to the best of my ability. I’m no expert on the topic, but I thought some of you might find the questions and my answers interesting.

In which field of energy development do you work? Can you describe your job?

I currently work in the online information field as a webmaster for two alternative energy websites, and as a Library Clerical for the Vancouver Public Library. I am also a professional bicycle mechanic with over 15 years experience as a bike shop manager.

The depletion of non-renewable resources is inevitable. Do you have any proposals for solving this problem?

Right now there is a lot happening at the grassroots level. Families and small businesses have been slowly experimenting with different technologies in an effort to supplement rising fuel prices. Big oil companies want to keep selling oil, and they will pay large amounts of money to slow down progress in the renewable energy sector. I think that resource depletion resulting in higher prices and the effects of global warming are ultimately going to be what persuades the general population to take action. So in effect I am proposing even higher oil prices as the only solution to this problem.

Which, in your opinion, are the most important recent innovations in the field of energy development?

I am most excited by the ocean energy technologies that are being developed. Wave power generators are the most promising as they seem to have minimal effect on ecosystems. In the future I would like free energy become a reality.

Do you think the current level of world-wide dedication to energy conservation is sufficient? Explain.

I think there is a great deal of research being done in so many regions of the globe. However I do not believe it is sufficient. Most of our energy needs are still being fed by fossil fuels and non-renewables. I believe that our energy conservation will be sufficient when we are getting all of our energy from 100% renewable sources.

Who are the most important players in energy conservation?

In my opinion the most important players in energy conservation are you and me, and everyone else. We are all intelligent enough to do research and make choices that lesson our impact on the earth.

What are the advantages and drawbacks of non-renewable energy?

The advantage of non-renewable energies is its abundance. The disadvantage is the environmental impact that the extraction and consumption of these resources has. Drilling for oil disrupts local ecosystems, as does transporting it through pipelines and cargo ships. Consuming non-renewables in our vehicles and power plants destroys the atmosphere and threatens all life forms.

What are the advantages and drawbacks of renewable/alternative sources of energy?

There are so many types of renewable energy, each with its own set of pros and cons. Some examples: Wind power is a renewable source of energy but there is debate over its impact on birds and other wildlife. Neighbours usually don’t like to see them on their horizon either. Solar power generates free energy, but not on a steady or consistent basis. Hydrogen fuel burns clean, but it still takes a lot of energy to produce it. Corn biodiesel and ethanol fuels burn cleaner, but they still require large amounts of land.

In which source(s) of energy do the advantages outweigh the drawbacks? (If possible, please specify for each source. For example, “Hydroelectric energy”)

Solar power: Since the energy produced is free, it is effective as part of an overall system. The unsteady power can be supplemented with another source like a wind turbine, etc.

Wind power: Wind farms do have some bad effects on wildlife and scenery, but these can be overcome with offshore platforms and research into wildlife habits. As a small scale energy source it is excellent.

What can an individual do in order to aid the energy conservation effort? What can communities do?

Communities need to pressure their local governments to research alternative energies the community. Small business can make changes in how they generate power and recycle. Individuals can make their homes more efficient, install solar panels, recycle and optimize their transportation needs with fuel efficient cars, public transportation and bicycles.

What are some career options in this field for which the demand will be strong over the next ten years (and later)?

Home energy installers will prosper. As fuel prices rise homeowners will be looking for cheaper energy. When the cost of installing solar panels is less than the cost of buying oil, people will start to make the switch.

Electric Car Companies will succeed. The popularity of hybrid cars is on the rise. Those companies that are quickest to introduce inexpensive electric cars will have the best success. People who are well educated in electricity and vehicle technology will have jobs.

Large scale wind farm contractors, etc. will also be hugely successful as communities begin looking at other sources of power.

Manufacturers of silicon and technology products will also do very well. Already last year there was concern when one of the ingredients in solar panels was in high demand. Advanced energy technology companies will expand. Graduates of high technology institutes are likely to be most successful.