Wave+Energy+Rebuttal

This is the Wave Energy Rebuttal page Write the disadvantages of other resources on this page

Kyle W.'s rebuttal energy source. These are the disadvantages of oil energy:
 * Oil is a non-renewable energy source and once it is completely out, it won't come back.
 * Burning oil generates carbon dioxide, a ‘greenhouse gas’ – although to a slightly lesser extent than coal in terms of the energy extracted.
 * Oil contains sulphur which when burnt forms sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide – these compounds combine with atmospheric moisture to form sulphuric acid, leading to ‘acid rain’. This can lead to destruction of forests and the progressive erosion of rock and masonry structures, both natural and man-made. The use of low-sulphur fuels can help to reduce the impact of this.
 * Oil is neither as clean nor efficient in use as natural gas.
 * Locating additional oil reserves is an extremely costly ongoing process with no guarantee of success.
 * While many of the products obtained from oil are hugely beneficial to mankind, many are also highly toxic.
 * Oil can be very costly and will only cost more and more until it completely runs out.

geothermal ‍During exploration, researchers will do a land survey (which may take several years to complete) and then post their findings to the company that contracted the survey. Many companies who order surveys are often disappointed, as quite often the land they were interested in cannot support a geothermal energy plant. To extract the heat we have to find certain hot spots within the earths crust, these are very common around volcanos and fault lines, but who wants to build their geothermal energy plant next to a volcano? Some areas of land may have the sufficient hot rocks to supply hot water to a power station, but what if these areas are contained in harsh areas of the world (near the poles) or high up in mountains. Some very good proven spots have been found in New Zealand, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The questions that are usually asked during a survey are; is the rock soft enough to drill through, do the rocks deep down contain sufficient heat, will this heat be sustainable for a significant amount of time, is the environment fit for a power plant. If the answer to these basic questions is yes, a more in depth survey should go ahead. a site that has happily been extracting steam and turning it into power for many years, may suddenly stop producing steam. This can happen and last for around 10 years in some cases. Developers of such sites must be careful and aware that in some cases, harmful gases can escape from deep within the earth, through the holes drilled by the constructors. The plant must be able to contain any leaked gases, but disposing of the gas can be very tricky to do safely. ‍

DISADVANTAGES of NATURAL GAS:

-Prehistoric plants and animals are the source of today's natural gas supply. The transformation from animal or plant into gaseous substance began millions of years ago, when, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, sand and silt built up over layers of decomposed organic matter. As the silt and sand turned to rock, heat and pressure slowly transformed some of the solid material into natural gas. Natural gas is a significant power source; it heats homes, fuels vehicles and stoves, and produces electricity. Despite its numerous uses, natural gas does have some. -GAS LEAKS -CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING -AIR POLLUTION -WATER POLLUTION

[|http://www.livestrong.com/article/121133-disadvantages-natural-gas-energy/#ixzz1l9dkHSFX]


 * Pipelines**

One of the first disadvantages of [|natural gas] is the use of pipelines. Natural gas requires complex treatment plants and pipelines to deliver gas from the field to the site of use. These pipelines have high maintenance costs because they need to be laid underground. Costs are also high because the lines need to be checked regularly for leakage and pilferage. In addition to the expense of the pipelines, the combustible nature of the gas presents a problem. Another one of the disadvantages of natural gas is the combustibility. Because of the composition of natural gas, it is highly combustible and methane explosions are possible. There have to be many precautions in place before using this source of fuel. Besides the issue of combustibility, extraction of natural gas can also cause problems.
 * Combustible**

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-disadvantages-natural-gas-430839.htm

Disadvantages of Nuclear energy:
 * Can be weaponized
 * Is non-renewable
 * One accident can destroy a small country
 * nearly imposable to despose of


 * The Basics of Nuclear Power**

Nuclear power is generated from a metal called uranium. Uranium is mined in places such as Australia, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, China, France and many other countries. The uranium is used to create controlled nuclear reactions called nuclear fission. Nuclear fission gives off a tremendous amount of heat which is used to heat water to create steam. This steam turns turbines which produces electricity. In a standard fossil fuel electricity station the same thing occurs except the burning of the fossil fuel heats the water to create steam. Nuclear power plants can produce more energy using less fuel and thus they are seen as a more environmental friendly source of power. Due to many countries looking to find more environmentally friendly ways of producing power the advantages of nuclear power have been widely publicized. It is important, however to understand the disadvantages of this type of power usage as well. Understanding both sides of nuclear power is important especially in the light of the most recent nuclear disaster in Japan at Fukushima I.
 * What are the Disadvantages of Nuclear Power?**
 * Radioactive waste**

The production of nuclear power produced a lot of waste material. This waste material is extremely hazardous and difficult to dispose of safely. Most radioactive waste produced by a nuclear power plant is keep on site or is buried underground in huge concrete pits. This waste has to be carefully looked after for many thousands of years.
 * High risks associated with accidents**

While the chance of a nuclear accident happening are relatively low the risks associated are extremely high. Even small radiation leaks can cause devastating effects on the surrounding environment and people. A cataclysmic accident can cause widespread radiation poisoning across many countries as the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster proved.
 * Terrorist Targets**

Due to the wide spread damage a reactor breach could cause, nuclear power plants could become favoured terrorist targets. Some nuclear reactions also produce plutonium in large quantities which could be used in nuclear weaponry.
 * Not renewable**

Nuclear power is not a renewable source of energy. Uranium is a metal that is mined from the ground in much the same way as coal is mined. It is a scarce metal and the supply of uranium will one day run out making all the nuclear power plants obsolete. Nuclear power is not a long term solution to finding a renewable, environmentally friendly energy source.
 * Time and Money**

It takes a long time to plan and build a nuclear power plant that is safe and effective. Nuclear power is therefore to a quick solution to the world’s energy issues. In addition to the time it take to effectively plan and build a nuclear power plant, a lot of money has to be spent to make sure that the plant is safe. Unsafe plants mean that there are more likely to be accidents.


 * =Hydroelectricity disadvantages:=
 * Hydropower dams disrupt the natural flow of rivers
 * Impedes the natural flow of sediments
 * Scour holes
 * Obstacles to fish migration
 * Catastrophic Failure


 * Disadvantages of Solar Energy:**
 * Though it may save energy, Solar Energy with their panels to be set up and all is very expensive.**
 * The panels have to have their parts replaced and monitored thoroughly.**
 * Solar energy doesn't work at night basically.**
 * It also doesn't work very well during times when there is no sun out.**

GEOTHERMAL DISADVANTAGES: =__//** Disadvantages of Coal **//__= = -burning coal emits carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphuric acids, arsenic and ash. = = -coal mining wrecks the ground = = -coal mining can hurt the miner = = -non-renewable = = -transporting coal is difficult and costing =
 * 1) __  Not Widespread Source of Energy  ____  :  __  Since, this type of energy is not widely used therefore the unavailability of equipment, staff, infrastructure, training pose hindrance to the installation of geothermal plants across the globe.
 * 2) __  High Installation Costs  ____  :  __  To get geothermal energy, requires installation of power plants, to get steam from deep within the earth and this require huge one time investment and require to hire a certified installer and skilled staff needs to be recruited and relocated to plant location. Moreover, electricity towers, stations need to set up to move the power from geothermal plant to consumer.
 * 3) __  Can Run Out Of Steam  ____  :  __  Geothermal sites can run out of steam over a period of time due to drop in temperature or if too much water is injected to cool the rocks and this may result huge loss for the companies which have invested heavily in these plants.  **  issue of longevity of using this source of energy. This means that you may not be aware of how long you’re likely to enjoy this energy source as it has been known to run out at times and people have to wait  **  up to 10 years in some cases  **  for more gas to accumulate so that it can be utilized.  **
 * 4) __  Suited To Particular Region  ____  :  __**  not all areas can be utilized for the mining of this energy.  **  It is only suitable for regions where temperature below the earth are quite low and can produce steam over a long period of time. For this great research is required, which is done by the companies, before setting up the plant.  **  Extraction can only be done in certain areas that have underground volcanic activity which may not be available in many areas as it all depends on the geographical location of that particular area. Some areas therefore happen not to have a single sign of such possibilities. You can’t transport geothermal energy.  **
 * 5) __  May Release Harmful Gases  ____  :  __  Geothermal sites may contain some poisonous gases and they can escape deep within the earth, through the holes drilled by the constructors.  **  The problem is that some of these gases have been known to be quite dangerous to the environment and to the humans living around the mining area. The hazardous nature of the gases emitted has been known to be a major cause of various ailments varying from various deformities while some ailments can actually be quite cancerous.  **  disposing of the dangerous gas can be very tricky to do safely.
 * 6) **__  The technology:  __****  for geothermal energy is quite back dated as not many people or companies are all that interested in it considering it can actually get to be quite a risky investment.  **
 * 7) **__  Causes earthquakes:  __**  increases the likelihood of recurring earthquakes. People who live in areas of production report that there is an increasing number of earthquakes in the area. Although they are low-level quakes no stronger than magnitude 4, they are damaging homes and foundations. On Dec. 8, 2006, Geothermal Explorers International managed to set off an earthquake in Basel, Switzerland, damaging buildings and terrifying the population. And while it only measured a 3.4 on the Richter scale, the quake was followed by 60 aftershocks in the weeks to follow. Earthquakes typically occur around unstable areas such as volcanoes, fault lines and geothermal regions. So, any area ripe for enhanced geothermal tinkering is already prone to get the shakes. On top of that, pumping water down to subteranian regions of heated bedrock causes the rock to expand and contract, fracturing the rock. As such, seismic activity isn't just a side effect of the process, it's a part of the process. The deeper the shaft, the greater the chance that increased levels of seismic activity could reach nearby fault lines, generating an even more powerful earthquake.

**Tidal Energy disavantages**
Right now tides do not produce a lot of electricity so its not very efficient. Barrages across river estuaries can change the flow of the water, and because of that it is the place for birds and other wildlife to live, because of this, there are some wildlife that could be in dan g<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">**e**  <span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">** r. **


 * <span style="background-color: #00ffff; color: #ff00b4; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A barrage across an estuary is very expensive to build, and affects a very wide area - the environment is changed for many miles upstream and downstream. Many birds rely on the tide uncovering the mud flats so that they can feed. Fish can't migrate, unless "fish ladders" are installed.
 * <span class="body" style="background-color: #00ffff; color: #ff00b4; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Only provides power for around 10 hours each day, when the tide is actually moving in or out.
 * <span style="background-color: #00ffff; color: #ff00b4; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There are few suitable sites for tidal barrages

BIOMASS:
 * 1. Biomass produces greenhouse emissions.** The biggest argument against biomass is that it produces carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
 * 2. It takes more energy** to plant ,cultivate and harvest the crops and trees than it is worth to get a net energy gain. It also takes up more water from the earth and other fossil fuels to make the fertilizers and fuels for planting and harvesting. it also, supposedly, takes up more land for the crops and trees.
 * 3.Biomass collection is difficult.** There was a man who, in 1979, traveled from Jacksonville, Fl to Los Angeles, Ca on wood he was using in his biomass gasifier attached to a Chevy Malibu. He would travel 1 mile for every pound of wood. Not the most efficient use of fuel.
 * 4. Biomass crops not available all year.** Corn, wheat, barley and the like are seasonal crops. They are not available all year. Trees are also a slow growing resource even though they are renewable. This would also tend to be a negative on the side of biomass fuels.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica;">Still an expensive source, both in terms of producing the biomass and converting it to alcohols. On a small scale there is most likely a net loss of energy--energy must be put in to grow the plant mass

Hydrogen:
 * Currently more expensive than other energy sources
 * Existing infrastructure has not been built to accommodate hydrogen fuel
 * The process of extracting hydrogen may require fossil fuels (thus generating pollution)
 * Hydrogen is difficult to store and distribute
 * Leakage of H gas (see above) will have detrimental impacts on the stratosphere (California Institute of Technology)
 * Production of hydrogen gas currently relies on natural gas and electrolysis and to replace all the vehicles would require 10x as much as currently is used
 * Storage is really tough because hydrogen is such a low density gas
 * Distribution and infrastructure needs to be refurbished to cope with hydrogen, which can metals by making them brittle
 * Use in fuel cells requires catalysts, which usually require a component metal (most often platinum). Platinum is extremely rare, expensive and environmentally unsound to produce.

Wind: So you must live in an area that has consistent wind. Valleys, mountain tops, coastal areas are good candidates. With that speed and length of blade, birds easily fly into the blade path and get killed. Some also say the hum of the blade is an attraction to birds and they are lured into the blade. if anyone knows more, please let me know.
 * Wind itself is not dependable.** In order for you to turn the blades on a wind turbine, you must have wind. Without this, you are dead in the water.
 * Land along the coast is expensive** If you do live along the coast, your personal property is rather expensive and you might not be able to afford the opportunity to afford the land, let alone a wind generator.
 * Wind Farms are Unsightly.** Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some would feel that having 100 wind turbines sitting outside your picture window is an eyesore.
 * Wind Turbines Interfere with Television Reception.** Some say that wind turbines give off interference to television and radio signals.
 * Wind Turbines Kill Birds** Some of these blades can have a span of 100 or more feet. if they are going fast enough, just like a propeller, you really do not see them.
 * Wind Turbines are Noisy** So another of the disadvantages of wind energy is that wind turbines are noisy. They have the hum and also a "whooshing noise" when the blade turns.