Solar Energy

Since we are starting solar energy tomorrow in class I searched for a video that would show solar power at work. I found one that highlighted a solar station in Southern Spain. There a large tower is surrounded by 600 solar mirrors that beam their light up to the top of the tower which can reach up to 400 degrees centigrade. When the sunlight is captured it is transferred into thermal energy. The steam created powers turbines like a normal generator and the heat can be stored for energy use at night when, obviously there is no light being produced from the sun. The most important aspect of the solar energy station is that no greenhouse gases are emitted. The project has plans to extend their amount of mirrors from 600 to thousands. It is even being considered to place a million mirrors across the Sahara Desert and sending the power to Europe. This again shows how many countries in Europe are way ahead of the United States in renewable energy. It just seems that the U.S is all talk and no action. There is no doubt that switching to renewables can be done, so what are we waiting for? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Uo3KlWNng

"Wind Energy Hitting the Slopes"

Offshore wind farms aren't the only places wind turbines are being considered as an alternative fuel source. It may not seem like it, but ski resorts use a great deal of energy, running lifts and producing snow, a great deal of water, as well as having a great impact on the environment. The Jimmy Peak ski resort in Hancock, Massachusetts is the first ski resort to construct a wind turbine to generate power. Brian Fairbank, the resort owner, said he tried everything from using recycled motor oil to heat moutain operation to installing waterless toilets to try and lower his energy bill. With all his efforts his annual bill still reached over $600,000. So Jimmy's Peak is installed a 386 foot turbine while other resorts watch to see if it is something they might consider as well. Resorts such as Aspen (CO), Blue Moutain (PA), Shawnee Moutain(PA) and Grouse Moutain (Canada) are other places studying the effects of wind power.In its first year, the turbine cut the resorts electric bill by $200,000. "We now make twice as much snow, with half the amount of money that we did 15 years ago" Fairbank said.