I have a small background in nuclear power that I studied
before I got into nursing. Although this section is about renewable sources, I do
believe that nuclear is a wonderful alternative while we are transitioning to
renewable resources. One of the issues with wind, hydro, and other renewable
sources of energy is low efficiency. Nuclear removes that obstacle while
offering clean energy with zero carbon emissions. I would love to see coal and
natural gas be completely removed from our energy production, and nuclear may
be able to help with that transition. Do not get me wrong, however; I do
believe that we need to become fully independent from non-renewable energy
(including nuclear), but we are still far from that goal. The U.S. needs to put
more money into research on renewable energy and ways to improve its efficiency
so that we may provide efficient and adequate energy that Americans can afford.
According to the EPA, the Renewable Energy Production
Incentive (REPI) provides incentive payments for electricity generated by
renewable resources. Additionally, on the EPA website is listed state incentive
programs for use of renewable energy. California has the Emerging Renewables
Rebate Program in which the California Energy Commission offers cash rebates on
fuel cell renewable energy electric-generating systems. Fuel cells convert
certain organic materials into energy using a chemical process. California also
offers supplemental energy payments to energy suppliers in California to cover
above market costs for using renewable resources, such as solar, wind, biomass,
hydroelectric, etc. The link below outlines incentive programs by state.
I don't know much about renewable energy except for what I have learned in this course. Solar farms are emerging in deserts and wind mills used for generating clean energy are dependent on environmental factors. Placing them in the ocean and in high wind areas of the desert has had great impact on demonstrating that it is possible to work toward a more practical and safe solution. There are hazards to these types of energy efficiencies that require careful consideration as the world transcends itself into a more earth-friendly solution. For example, the wind turbines in Palm Springs has caused breathing problems and lung ailments from particulate matter and sand in the air. Increased asthma and other respiratory problems contribute to an already aging population in that part of the world. However, the general population will benefit overall from cleaner, renewable energy sources.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your blog nurses can do a lot about renewable energy and education is the key to meet this objective. The nurse can provide education about sources about ways to improve the environment. I think we can start with Hospitals, health centers, and health systems increasing solar, wind, and other sources of clean, renewable energy.
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