The Future of Energy

Unit Four Written Assignment

SC 200-20 Big Ideas in Science from Methods to Mutation

10/16/12

Introduction

As we begin I must answer few questions what is energy and what is path of energy into our daily lives. I would be the first to admit prior to this assignment turning on my switch every day for my bathroom that I expected that the light turn on, and did not put much thought into why. Nor did I worry about the residual effect of understanding power source which has given me great learning completing this assignment. This paper will reflect global look at energy the path of origin to the path of use, and will also reflect on the growing demands and the need to conserve our source of energy and the need to utilize renewable energy as a key driver to our long term sustainability objectives

Energy Self-Assessment

Energy sources have a huge impact on my daily living routine. Currently my home is all electric, living in the state of Maryland this is not uncommon. The state of Maryland as a whole uses nearly 60% of electricity fueled from coal known as a Non-renewable resource. Electricity is delivered to my home by power lines. The electricity I purchase from a Utility company has Electric Grids which send power thru the power line to my home. This is essential to my home to ensure it is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. Without the electricity in my home I would not be able to cook, take a hot shower, have lights, watch television, or plug any electrical item into an electrical outlet. (http://www.energysavers.gov n.p 1,4)

Petroleum is transported to gasoline stations for consumers to purchase. The percentage of petroleum used in the United States is 70%. Without petroleum transportation would be very limited, this is the main source to transportation. Petroleum is considered a Non-renewable resource due to having potential environmental impacts from drilling and transporting. Due to the limited resources of...