The Future of Energy

The Future of Energy

The State of Michigan in the upper Midwest of the United States currently relies heavily on nonrenewable energy sources including fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. As we strive to reduce the negative impacts from the use of nonrenewable resources and from our growing population, local and state governments are exploring new, renewable forms of energy, as well as how to increase demand through conservation. Not all energy alternatives are suited for all locations; that being said, the advantages and disadvantages of current and possible future resources will be examined.

With winter in full force, people in Michigan are constantly running their furnaces to warm their homes during the cold winter days. There are several choices when it comes to choosing a fuel for heating homes, but electricity and natural gas are the two principal fuels. While kerosene and fuel oil used to be used more extensively, the cost of these fuels has increased, and residents have sought out alternatives. Interestingly, residents in Michigan use more LPG/propane than residents in any other state, but LPG/propane use is still behind that of natural gas and electricity. Another fuel source for heating homes that is regaining popularity in recent years is wood for home heating. The recent increase in usage may be due to the cost of traditional fuels becoming more and more expensive (State of Michigan, 2011). The more traditional fuel sources are nonrenewable energy sources while the use of wood is renewable. Though wood from trees is renewable, the burning of wood still releases carbon dioxide into atmosphere.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (2012), in 2011 Michigan used coal for approximately 54% of electricity production. The majority of the coal used actually comes from Wyoming. The electricity produced is then used to heat homes and power our homes. Natural gas is also an important nonrenewable...