michigan energy sources

Michigan Energy Sources

Cameron H. and Ben I.

Cameron and Ben

Non-Renewable

About 95% of Michigan’s energy comes from non-renewable sources. If this continues eventually we will run out of sources like coal and natural gas. As supplies go down, prices will rise. We are also very dependant on other countries for resources. Combustion of most non-renewable resources can release harmful toxins.

Renewable

The other 5% is renewable. This means that we can’t run out of that resource. Most renewable resources don’t pollute the air, like wind power and solar. We don’t have to depend on other countries for resources. We have an endless supply of renewable resources. Also if you invest now it will be cheaper later because we will already have the power plants set up.

Percentages by 2020Biomass- 5%Solar Photovoltaic Cells- 10%Wind- 20%Hydropower- 25%Natural Gas- 10%Petroleum- 10%Coal- 10%Nuclear- 10%

Biomass

Advantages• Sustainable if managed properly• Helps economy of farming regions• Reduces landfill space

Disadvantages• Biomass resources can be scarce in urban

areas.• Burning can release pollutants into the

world.

Photovoltaic Cells

Advantages• Works in remote areas.• Permanente energy source.• Can be installed on rooftops.• Releases no pollutants.

Disadvantages• Expensive to install• On cloudy days less electricity is

generated

Wind

Advantages• Cheap to operate.• Quick setup.• Permanente energy source.• Releases no pollution.

Disadvantages• Only works with wind.• Some people thinks it ugly.• Can be loud.• Can kill bird and bats.

Hydropower

Advantages• No greenhouse gasses.• Continues water supply

Disadvantages• Dams can change course of river• Dams can prevent migration to

spawning grounds

Natural Gas

Advantages• Easy to move with existing pipelines.• Lots of it is produced in the US• Doesn’t produce a lot of pollutants

Disadvantages• Costs are predicted to go up• Supplies are not endless• Drilling can harm ecosystem• Burning can cause smog or global

warming.

Petroleum

Advantages• Can power engines for cars,

lawnmower, etc.• Sometimes generates electricity. • Used in most transportation.

Disadvantages• Makes us depend on other countries

for supplies.• Supplies are not endless.• Oil spills can damage marine life and

beaches

Coal

Advantages• One of the cheapest fossil fuels.• Lots in the US• Transported easily • Clean coal technology can reduce

pollutants.

Disadvantages• Clean coal can cost 10% more.• Clean coal creates solid waste.• Combustion releases pollutants.• Combustion can cause acid rain.

Nuclear

Advantages• Doesn’t produce green house gasses• Doesn't produce pollutants

Disadvantages• Costs lot of money to hire workers.• Produces hazardous waste that stay

radioactive for a long time.

http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-electric/solar-qa-how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/http://www.baycounty-mi.gov/EACD/WindEnergy.aspxhttp://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/2005e2/http://ecolocalizer.com/2010/07/06/battle-over-biomass-halts-michigan-facility/http://www.cnbc.com/id/25758681/Dow_Chemical_Kuwait_Petroleum_Base_Venture_In_Michiganhttp://www.123rf.com/photo_4223292_coal-power-plant-at-lake-michigan.htmlhttp://detroit.cbslocal.com/tag/nuclear/

Sources