Energy Type Solar Pros Renewable Abundant Silent Low maintenance Sustainable Reduces electricity costs Cons Variety

osts Cons Variety of metals, glass plastics, and fluids used in the manufacture and use of solar equipment Production and accidental spills could release toxic materials

Wind

Cheapest form of alternative energy Clean energy, no fuel to drill, frack, mine, transport or burn Renewable and sustainable The power is essentially free once the infrastructure is paid for.

Wind farms are generally located in rural areas that might be otherwise picturesque. They are considered by some people to be an eyesore. Some people complain of noise from the turbines. Wildlife impact. Not only birds, but bats have experienced fatalities. Localized impact on night-time temperatures and weather

Hydro

Renewable Reliable Safe

Damming of water Changed water flow Construction of roads and powerlines Expensive Limited reservoirs Droughts could affect it and itd be wasted

Natural Gas

Large reserves remain Less air pollutants are emitted than when

Low net energy when converted to LNG Release carbon dioxide when burned

burning other fossil fuels High net energy compared to other fossil fuels

Difficult and costly to transport Pipeline infrastructure is underdeveloped

Petroleum

Abundant Easy to use Creates Jobs No New Technology required* Easy to transport in liquid form

Easy to use Creates Jobs No New Technology required* Easy to transport in liquid form

Biomass

Widely available and naturally distributed Generally low cost inputs Abundant supply Can be domestically produced for energy independence Low carbon, cleaner than fossil fuels Can convert waste into energy, helping to deal with waste Substantial existing infrastructure. Mature industry. Can be made low carbon and clean with CCS and various scrubbers. Can be converted to a liquid or a gas, which burn cleaner. Clean coal technology is currently being used in China.

Energy intensive to produce. In some cases, with little or no net gain. Land utilization can be considerable. Can lead to deforestation. Requires water to grow Not totally clean when burned

Coal

Coal is nonrenewable. There is a finite supply. Coal contains the most CO2 per BTU, the largest contributor to global warming Coal burning releases SOx and NOx which both cause acid rain. Burning coal emits mercury and other heavy metals that pose major health risks. Coal emissions linked to increased rates of asthma and lung cancer.

Sequestration is new, expensive and its ability to hold CO2 for long periods of time is unproven. Risk of accidental releases of large quantities of CO2. Clean coal is not carbon free. High construction costs due to complex radiation containment systems and procedures. High subsidies needed for construction and operation, as well as loan guarantees. Subsidies and investment could be spent on other solutions (such as renewable energy systems). High-known risks in an accident. Unknown risks. Long construction time.

Uranium (Nuclear)

Lower carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gases) released into the atmosphere in power generation. Low operating costs (relatively). Known, developed technology ready for market. Large power-generating capacity able to meet industrial and city needs (as opposed to low-power technologies like solar that might meet only local, residential, or office needs but cannot generate power for heavy manufacturing). Almost entirely emission free Zero carbon The process can scrub out sulfur that might have otherwise been released

Geothermal

Prime sites are very location-specific Prime sites are often far from population centers Losses due to long distance transmission of electricity Water usage

No fuel required (no mining or transportation) Not subject to the same fluctuations as solar or wind Smallest land footprint of any major power source Virtually limitless supply Inherently simple and reliable Can provide base load or peak power

Sulfur dioxide and silica emissions High construction costs Drilling into heated rock is very difficult