Position Paper
SCI101 - Position Paper
Cynthia D. Bailey-Feruson
Topic - Using what you learned about energy, energy sources and the interchangeability of energy, propose a replacement for fossil fuels (petroleum, coal, natural gas), as an alternative energy source to replace the U.S. Dependency on fossil fuels. Defend your position and support ideas with facts. Also, explain how this issue relates to the Saint Leo core values of Responsible Stewardship and Integrity.
Hydroelectric Power
Moving water is a powerful entity responsible for lighting entire cities. Thousands of years
ago the Greeks used water wheels, which picked up buckets of water around a wheel.
The waters weight caused the wheel to turn, converting Kinetic energy into Mechanical
energy for grinding grain and pumping water. In the 1800’s the water wheel was often
used to power machines such as timber cutting saws in European and American factories.
Most importantly, people realized that the force of water falling from a height would turn
a turbine connected to a generator to provide electricity.
Niagra Falls, a natural waterfall, powered the first hydroelectric plant in 1879.
The use of hydropower prevents the burning of 22 billion gallons of oil or 120 tons of coal
each year. Hydroelectric power is also efficient and inexpensive. Modern turbines can
convert as much as 90 percent of the available energy into electricity. Hydropower has
become the leading source of renewable energy, it provides 97 percent of all electricity
generated by renewable sources worldwide. In the U.S. 81 percent of the electricity
Provided by renewable sources comes from hydropower.
Hydropower is convenient because it can respond quickly to fluctuations in demand. A
dam’s gates can be opened or closed on demand., depending on daily use or gradual
economic growth. The production of hydroelectricity is often slowed at night when people
use less energy. When a facility is
Cynthia D. Bailey-Feruson
Topic - Using what you learned about energy, energy sources and the interchangeability of energy, propose a replacement for fossil fuels (petroleum, coal, natural gas), as an alternative energy source to replace the U.S. Dependency on fossil fuels. Defend your position and support ideas with facts. Also, explain how this issue relates to the Saint Leo core values of Responsible Stewardship and Integrity.
Hydroelectric Power
Moving water is a powerful entity responsible for lighting entire cities. Thousands of years
ago the Greeks used water wheels, which picked up buckets of water around a wheel.
The waters weight caused the wheel to turn, converting Kinetic energy into Mechanical
energy for grinding grain and pumping water. In the 1800’s the water wheel was often
used to power machines such as timber cutting saws in European and American factories.
Most importantly, people realized that the force of water falling from a height would turn
a turbine connected to a generator to provide electricity.
Niagra Falls, a natural waterfall, powered the first hydroelectric plant in 1879.
The use of hydropower prevents the burning of 22 billion gallons of oil or 120 tons of coal
each year. Hydroelectric power is also efficient and inexpensive. Modern turbines can
convert as much as 90 percent of the available energy into electricity. Hydropower has
become the leading source of renewable energy, it provides 97 percent of all electricity
generated by renewable sources worldwide. In the U.S. 81 percent of the electricity
Provided by renewable sources comes from hydropower.
Hydropower is convenient because it can respond quickly to fluctuations in demand. A
dam’s gates can be opened or closed on demand., depending on daily use or gradual
economic growth. The production of hydroelectricity is often slowed at night when people
use less energy. When a facility is
Bibliography: MacKay, David J.C. Sustainable Energy Bashir, Oosman Comprehensive Book on Modern renewable energy http://www.energy.siemens.com http://www.saveenergy.about.com http://www.library.thinkquest.org