July 2, 2009

Why Is Renewable Energy Important To Us

In the state of Hawaii, most of its electrical energy needs are dependent on imported petroleum. It is because Hawaii does not have any natural gas deposits to source out with. It does not patronize nuclear power. In other words, most of the power plants operating in this particular state are fueled by petroleum.

However, not all those imported petroleum are used to generate electricity. Statistics derived from Hawaii Environmental Council shows that in 2001, only about 32 percent of the imported oil was used to produce electricity. Air transportation utilizes 34 percent, ground and water transportation consumes 27 percent, and other industries make use of the remaining 7 percent.

In other words, Hawaii is dependent entirely on imported petroleum. But what will happen if petroleum prices in the world market increases? Hawaii state government has no other options but to go with the trend. Subsequently, crude prices used in automobiles and power plants will increase, manufacturing and production costs of commodities will increase, and power generation and distribution rates will also increase.

See the effects of too much dependence on fossil fuel? It shows not only a major turning point in its prices but also it demonstrates a domino effect to different expenditures associated with the use of fossil fuels. Common citizens will find it hard to shoulder high electric bills and high prices of basic commodities.

Fortunately, energy specialists have already developed several renewable energy sources for electricity generation. Extensive research and studies are also in place to see the viability of these renewable energies for transport and industry use. It could be a stepping stone in freeing ourselves from too much dependence on fossil fuels which is presently fast depleting.

Why is renewable energy important to us? Of course, energy specialist will not be developing such energy if fossil fuels are enough to provide energy in this world. This article will discuss some of the reasons why it is important for us. Continue reading this article and see for yourself why.

Reason No.1: Clean Environment

Renewable energy for electricity production benefits our health and our environment. Electricity generation is one of the largest contributors of industrial air pollution, releasing thousands of tons of pollutants and greenhouse gases. It affects our health in terms of acquiring respiratory tract diseases and our ecosystem through drastic climate changes. If we will be using renewable energy, we will avoid such environmental and health problems.

Reason No.2: Reliability

We all know that domestic deposits of fossil fuels are fast depleting. Thus, it makes us more dependent on international supplies from other countries. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy is abundant almost everywhere. It does not need to be imported, so its reliability is not covered by unpredictable circumstances such as world price trends or natural disasters.

Reason No.3: Sustainability

Renewable energy is naturally replenished, so it can sustain even hundreds of generations to come. For instance, the sun's remaining life span is estimated to be 4.5 billion years before it eventually explodes. Imagine how many generations can use solar power.

Reason No.4: Jobs and the Economy

Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and workforce to establish and maintain facilities rather than investing on expensive energy imports. It is usually spent within the country, within the same state, and often in the same local area. Instead of spending millions of dollars for energy imports, it will just be spent locally to create jobs and boost local economies.

These are some of the reasons why renewable energy is important to us. We need to be less dependent on importing energy if we can just utilize energy resources that are abundant in our environment. It is a step forward in improving not only our lives but also using the Earth's resources properly.