Producing energy: is green energy really better?
“Green” energy has become a popular topic, both in the science community and in political rhetoric. A number of popular public figures have become open proponents or enemies of the green energy movement, and Americans cannot turn on the news without hearing new information or speculation about energy technology. The topic of most concern to average citizens, however, is how green energy can help them as individuals and their communities. Homeowners want to know whether they should invest in their own green energy technologies or whether to pressure their government representatives or local utility providers to utilize more green energy sources.
The common response to questions about renewable energy is that it simply isn’t worth the cost or effort in the short term. However, this response gives no attention to a number of the implications of most energy from fossil fuel sources, or to what the benefits of renewable energy actually are. Though those in charge of the industry might try to persuade us to believe otherwise, there are no fossil fuels that can be considered “clean.” All fossil fuel energy creates pollution, and some methods of collection or production can cause horrendous catastrophes in the natural world, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2011 or the Kingston Fossil Plant fly ash spill in 2008. What’s more, research shows that production of almost all commonly used fossil fuels is declining, and that sources of these fuels may eventually run out.
Green energy, in general, creates no pollution, and has almost no risks associated with its collection or distribution. Solar and wind power harness resources that are basically inexhaustible and that have no side effects on the environment. No major disasters can occur due to photovoltaic panel use.
The financial argument in favor of fossil fuels would appear to be strong, but even the economic justifications cannot stand up to close inspection. Most technology that is used to produce green energy requires little maintenance or oversight, and can run smoothly for decades with no decrease in productivity. This means that, while wind turbines or PV panels may seem too expensive in the short term, the money saved over a long period of time by producing electricity with no recurring costs can easily make up for the initial investment. The price of fossil fuel energy has also been rising for many years as can seen on a chart for fuel oil rates, and will continue to do so, perhaps until supplies simply disappear. Companies or individuals producing their own energy, however, don’t need to worry about rising costs or decreasing oil and coal reserves, as their energy production will retain a steady rate and a stable cost over the years.