What Apple isn't saying is what kind of hydrogen fuel cell we can expect. One of the barriers that the automobile industry has had with regards to hydrogen fuel cells is finding a reliable source of hydrogen. Most hydrogen gas produced today is obtained by processing fossil fuels, and the rest uses electrolysis which also requires existing energy. Common Fossil Fuel Uses. Among all the resources of energy that are found on the earth, fossil fuels are the most popular. It is considered as a reliable source of energy and it is in great demand to fulfill the energy requirements all across the globe.
Fossil fuels are a combustible substance in which carbon is the main component. There is normally coal, charcoal, petrol, etc. There is a great use of these natural resources in industries and for domestic purposes to get energy.
According to an estimate, 85% of the world’s population is dependent on fossil fuel but due to some cones, the industries now prefer to their alternatives.
Now the question arises that why there is a need for alternatives to natural resources? The natural resources are not enough to fulfill the requirement of the world’s population.
These are polluting our environment and increasing global warming due to the high percentage of Sulpherdioxide in it. If the use of these resources continues, mankind can be extinct.
To overcome these issues, technology has developed a lot of alternatives to fossil fuels. These are safe and environment-friendly. These are normally solar panels,s wave energy, hydrogen gas and hydroelectric, etc.
Currently, the production of these alternatives is 100,000 times faster than natural resources. These cost-effective and carbon-free alternatives do not spread toxic substances in the environment.
Can alternative fuels replace fossil fuels?
The answer is yes, of course, we can easily replace them because fossil fuels are environmentally destructive and carbon-containing compounds that cause many serious health effects.
Whereas, replacement to fossil fuels like nuclear, solar, biofuels, etc are environment-friendly and protects the ozone layer. These sources increase the economy rate and work very efficiently.
Here we’ll discuss the main alternatives of fuel resources :
1.Nuclear power:
Nuclear power is considered the most abundant alternative resource. According to the research, there are more than 450 nuclear plants in the world and less than a quarter of electricity is obtained by thirteen countries in the world.
This appealing source of energy needs less land and considered as the least air polluting alternative.
Another reason to use nuclear power as an alternative source of fuel is that it emits less radiation than any other source.
Nuclear energy produces more energy than the combustion of coal. For example, an atom of uranium on fission provides 10 million times of energy than coal. In the United States, more than 20% of electricity is generated through nuclear power plants.
The main threat of nuclear power is the waste in the form of nuclear active but it can be controlled by obeying international laws.
The main drawback is, it needs extraordinary attention to operate it. Any kind of mistake or wrong use can lead you toward long-lasting effects.
2.Wave energy:
Wave energy is also called as ocean energy because it captured from the surface of marine water. Electric generators are produced on the surface of the water. The output of the energy directly depends on the height, speed, and density of the waves.
How wave energy is produced? It is the most asking question by the people. This type of energy is produced from the current flow of water in the oceans.
Many floating machines are placed on the water surface that converts the waves into the form of electricity.
The amazing benefit of tidal wave energy is that protects the dams and barrages from dangerous tides in an unfavorable environment. This reliable source of energy is also used in the pumping of water and power plants.
Although tidal waves are the best way to reduce natural resources. 15% of energy demands can easily fulfill it.
3.Solar Energy:
Solar energy is becoming an optimal fossil fuel alternative that is more affordable and environment-friendly. It creates no emission and saves our natural resources like water air and the environment.
The best thing about solar energy is that it reduces electricity bills and avoids global warming.
Is solar energy is more beneficial than fossil fuels? Yes of course, because fossil fuels cause health hazards and pollution in the environment. They contain carbon in their composition so there is no way to consume them safely.
As compared to fossil fuels solar energy is safe and clean to use. It provides a large amount of solar energy that runs the manufacturing buildings, photovoltaic devices, and swimming pools, etc.
it can be used on both large and small scale. The working of the solar panels directly depends on the amount of sunlight. The solar panels can either b fitted on the roof or mounted on the ground.
4.Biomass energy:
This renewable source of energy is the best alternative to burning fuels that comes from the living matter live plants and animals. Plants use sunlight as a source of energy to get their food.
When biomass is burnt, heat is released that is converted into energy. Normally biofuels are wood, straw, wooden material, and many other by-products.
How biomass generates electricity? There are several methods of obtaining electricity from biomass like:
Electricity can be obtained by direct burning of biomass. Heat water is supplied to the steam turbines where electricity is generated.
Fossil Fuel Mac Os X
In other process waste products are turned into methane with the help of the digestion tank. Then this gas is used in a gas engine to produce electricity.
When it converts in gaseous and liquid form it is known as biogas and biofuels respectively.
Biomass energy is also cost-effective and present in abundant amounts. This alternative is also safe and clean to use and does not contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.
This carbon-neutral source can reduce 60-90% of land disposal.
5.Natural Gas:
Natural gas is one of the oldest alternative energy sources to fossil fuels to decrease carbon emission in the environment because it produces on third less carbon as compared to coal.
It produces fewer air pollutants that’s why the U.S produced 34% of electricity from natural gas.
As we know that natural gas obtained from the depth of the earth. It contains many other different compounds. The reliable alternative is easy to store and considered a popular source of energy for electricity purposes.
Although it is not safe and clean as compared to wind or tidal energy but it emits carbon in very less amount that reduced air pollution.
These all discussed alternatives to fossil fuels are environment-friendly and cost-effective. Now technology is trying to discover more alternatives to protect the environment from toxic substances and global warming.
Alternative use will also allow you to conserve the natural resources for the next generation.
Are Biofuels a better alternative to fossil fuels?
Yes, biofuel is a better alternative as compared to coal and copper. It plays an important role in running the chemical industry and the U.S produces 5.75% of transport fuel through biomass.
It is very safe to utilize and economy friendly. The main purpose of new technology is to emit carbon component and biofuel is the better option for it.
Which alternative energy source is exhaustible?
All-natural resources are considered as exhaustible sources of energy. According to the alternative point of view geothermal energy is called an exhaustible alternative to fossil fuels
because it directly affects the stability of land and chances of earth quack increases because of hydraulic fracturing.
Fossil Fuel Mac Os Catalina
Moreover, geothermal energy is not clean as save as above alternatives to fossil fuels and installation is also very expensive.
Final Words:
To fulfill the requirements of natural resources, technology has developed a lot of alternatives to overcome pollution and disturbance from the environment.
All these alternatives are cost-effective and economy friendly. All these replacements for fossil fuels reduce the expenses of electricity and play a vital role in development.
Fossil fuels refer to any fuel that comes from the Earth that is generated by the fossilization process. By definition, this is generally coal, natural gas, and petroleum products. It is the fuel that has helped the world develop into what it is today. Nearly 90% of the energy consumption that we have, even with the rise of renewables and cleaner fuels, comes from fossil fuel.
The combustion of fossil fuels is not without a cost. When fossil fuels burn, they release emissions into our atmosphere. For many in the scientific community, this emission release is at least partially responsible for a global warming effect. It may also contribute to higher pollution levels, which are believed to be responsible for up to 2 million deaths globally each year.
The advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels show us that the choices we face in the future for fuel consumption are going to be difficult. Here are the key points to consider.
Fossil Fuel Mac Os 11
What Are the Advantages of Fossil Fuels?
1. Fossil fuels are a technology that is globally developed.
We have numerous technologies available to us because of the presence of fossil fuels. Although this fuel source is often thought of as a way to provide transportation needs, many of the products that we use every day contain items that were manufactured thanks to fossil fuel technologies. That includes the computers and mobile devices that are used to read this content. Even renewable fuels have a foundation built on fossil fuels.
2. Fossil fuels are both cheap and reliable.
Because the technologies which surround fossil fuels are well-established, the consumer cost to use them is quite load. The energy that is produced by their refinement and combustion is incredibly consistent. If you pour gasoline into your vehicle, there isn’t a doubt that the fuel will fail to ignite. Fossil fuels give us a strong base load, reliable energy, and it can be created around the clock.
3. Fossil fuels have become safer over time.
An example of technology catching up to the emissions problem of fossil fuels comes through clean coal technologies. The emissions can be captured and condensed, reducing the overall amount that escapes into the atmosphere. Some technologies have come close to eliminating the production of greenhouse gases, condensing them into water that can be safely released back into the environment.
4. Fossil fuels still have plenty of availability.
New fossil fuel resources are being found annually and often in amounts that are beyond any prediction that could be made. In 2013, up to 233 billion barrels of oil was discovered to be in the Australian Outback. Additional development opportunities exist for tar sands oil, shale oil, and natural gas. It may be a finite resource, but there is still the potential of more than a full century of use available with currently known resources.
5. Fossil fuels contribute to the overall welfare of an economy.
We use fossil fuels to transport goods and services to one another. We are productive because of fossil fuels. We can generate renewable energy because of fossil fuels. We drive to the grocery store thanks to fossil fuels. Not only does the purchase of fossil fuels contribute to the national economy, but the use of fossil fuels helps to generate revenues for localized economies. Just about everything we do in life right now is tied, one way or another, to the consumption of a fossil fuel.
What Are the Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels?
1. Fossil fuels are a finite resource.
It takes a certain amount of time for the fossilization process to occur on our planet. This means fossil fuels are a finite resource. Once they are harvested, they cannot be replaced in the lifetime of anyone living right now according to our current knowledge. It takes millions of years and specific conditions to replace a fossil fuel. That’s a very different effort compared to the energy released in a daily sunrise.
2. Fossil fuels are often cheap because of subsidies.
Many governments tend to subsidize the price of fossil fuels instead of letting the free market govern what they tend to be. Businesses that operate within the fossil fuel industry also receive subsidies so that they can continue providing energy products to consumers at reasonable costs. US Government incentives for fossil fuels are typically $4 billion or more annually. In comparison, renewable energy resources like solar may receive about $1 billion annually.
3. Fossil fuels combust to create an acidic environment.
Many of the outcomes which come out of the combustion of fossil fuels without condensing technologies lead to an environment that is more acidic. This acidity can change ocean environments, alter how crops can grow, and may even lead to a higher risk of drought and famine. Many ecosystems on Earth are very sensitive to changing conditions, which means continued fossil fuel use could lead to unpredictable and extremely negative consequences.
4. Fossil fuels can damage the environment through human error.
Fossil fuels can also spill during transport, creating environmental damage as the product spills out. This is particularly problematic for petroleum products. From oil pipeline spills to disasters such as the Exxon Valdez spill, human error can cause a lot of unintended environmental damage. Even regular wear and tear, if not properly maintained, can lead to a higher risk of a leak occurring.
5. Fossil fuels aren’t a technology.
Although we can make it cheaper to find and access fossil fuels, the fuel itself is not a technology. This means there will always be a baseline price for this product, especially since many of them are traded as commodities. Renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, are based on technology. The prices for these energy resources has been in a continual decline since the 1970s. In some communities, solar and wind energy is virtually the same price as the energy created through fossil fuel combustion.
6. Fossil fuels may contribute to public health issues.
Outside of the risks that pollution causes for premature fatalities, there are ongoing health issues that can be caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. Air pollution that comes from fossil fuel consumption can trigger symptoms that are similar to asthma. It can also create irritation with a person’s air passageways that can trigger chronic coughing, allergy development, lethargy, and other quality of life concerns.
7. Fossil fuels can be dangerous to harvest.
Coal miners can develop a condition known as Black Lung Disease, which in severe cases is almost always eventually fatal. Natural gas drillers can be exposed to concentrated chemicals and silica, which can lead to adverse health issues. Oil workers are exposed to toxic chemicals frequently, which can increase their risks of cancer development. This shows that harvesting fossil fuels can be dangerous to personal health.
The advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels show that life would be very different without them. Life might be very different, however, if we keep using them. That is why these key points deserve careful and frequent attention.
Blog Post Author Credentials
Louise Gaille is the author of this post. She received her B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington. In addition to being a seasoned writer, Louise has almost a decade of experience in Banking and Finance. If you have any suggestions on how to make this post better, then go here to contact our team.