Hydroelectric Dams Purposes and Displaced Compensation

hydroelectric compensation
The water levels of most of the world’s rivers fluctuate with seasonal rains, melting snows, or droughts, and in the arid zones there are flash floods. It makes sense to capture and store the abundant waters and later release it during the low flow periods or use it for power. So dams have been built for the purposes of irrigation, municipal water supply, and hydroelectricity generation. Flood control and transportation benefits are also important. Cities are growing all over the developing world, and they require water supplies and reservoirs. Since the beginning of the 20th century, hydropower energy has steadily increased and it now supplies 19% of worldwide electricity. (more…)

The European Union Biofuels Distance

I just read a very good news via Reuters. And is that the EU has decided to distance themselves from biofuels usage.

As we here at The Green Blog and often Erenovable, biofuels were a good idea that went astray. They are indeed a renewable energy, “but at the expense of what? Of deforestation, increased food prices, and possible food shortages in the future. Not to mention how undeveloped countries such as Brazil and Argentina are ruining their economies and ecologies because of the monopolization of crops for biofuels. (more…)

Modernizing Bioenergy – Biomass as Energy Source

modernizing bioenergy biomass
Estimation of the future technical potential of biomass as an energy source is dependent on assumptions with respect to land availability and productivity as well as conversion technologies. With the emergence of energy crops as the major source of biomass fuel, land use conflicts, especially in relation to food production, may arise. However, with efficient agricultural practices, plantations and crops could supply a large proportion of energy needs, with residues playing a smaller role without compromising food production or further intensifying agricultural practices. (more…)

Virgin Biomass as Source of Renewable Energy

virgin biomass renewable energy
The most widespread and practical process for capture solar radiation as organic fuels is the growth of virgin biomass. Extremely large quantities of carbon are fixed each year in the form of terrestrial and aquatic biomass. (more…)

Biomass and Bioenergy – Taking the Leap to Renewable Energy Sources

biomass and bioenergy
Over the last decade, the number of countries researching the potential of biomass and bioenergy for energy services rose rapidly. This contributed to the biomass as solid and liquid fuels, an interesting and promising option among renewable energy sources available. This includes solid waste and biomass, which comprises of charcoal, firewood, energy crops and forestry and agricultural residues to produce heat and electricity, (more…)

The Future of Biofuels Usage and Energy Crops

biofuels usage
One of the main benefits from future use of biofuels would be the reduction of greenhouse gases compared to the use of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, is released into the air from combustion. Twenty-four percent of worldwide energy-related carbon emissions in 1997 were from the United States. Carbon and due to rising energy consumption, are expected to increase 1.3 percent per year through 2015. (more…)

Biomass Feedstock Productions – Challenges and Opportunities

biomass feedstock productions
Advances in biomass feedstock production are extremely important. These advances have the potential for reducing the final cost of biofuels, power, and products. In addition, advances will allow the production of plants, trees, and residues with characteristics increasingly well suited for feedstocks. For example, genetically engineered plants feedstocks may allow higher yields of usable biomass per acre for fuel and other uses. New methods in erosion control, fertilization, and pre-processing can result in (more…)