power plants

by

Cutting Out The Worst Five Percent Of Power Could Drastically Reduce Climate Change

Timmer , J. (2021, August 11). Most of the power sector’s emissions come from a small minority of plants. Ars Technica.  https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/08/most-of-the-power-sectors-emissions-come-from-a-small-minority-of-plants/. 

After the latest expert report that indicates we’re running out of time to prevent extreme climate change, people are looking for ways to cut carbon emissions any way they can. A study has now shown that cutting out the worst 5 percent of power plants around the world would cut back our electricity generation carbon emissions by about 75 percent. Researchers found the worst ten power plants in the world, and are now looking at solutions to reduce the waste they produce. The most effective way to do this would be to shut them down completely and replace them with emission free plants, but this may not be the most plausible solution. Other options include switching the plants to natural gas and cutting global emissions by 30 percent, or using the carbon capture and storage method, cutting half of global emissions. These solutions show a great deal of promise, and could be accomplished in the next decade. 

This article sheds light on some of the solutions we are creating to try and resolve climate change. There are many articles that will tell you all about environmental issues and ways we are making it worse, while this one gives some hope of reducing one of our biggest contributors to climate change, carbon emissions. We have struggled for some time with finding a way to cut back on our carbon emissions while still having enough accessible power for our everyday lives and businesses, but these solutions outline some changes we could make that will cut these emissions while still not losing much power. This article gives me some hope for our fossil fuel problem, and shows that we do have the problem solving skills and technology to make a real difference in climate change if we choose to do so. 

 

by

California Temporarily Adds Five New Power Plants to Aide Power Shortage

Symon, E. (2021, August 20). Temporary natural gas power plants archives. California Globe. https://californiaglobe.com/tag/temporary-natural-gas-power-plants/. 

The California Department of Water Resources recently revealed that the state will be temporarily adding five new power plants to assist with the power shortage many people have been facing. Newsom, the governor of California, has tried keeping California greener, but these energy plants aren’t getting added fast enough, resulting in the need for fossil fuel power plants. It’s said the state is pulling away from their goal to have 100% clean energy by 2045, and Newsom is getting criticized for his hypocrisy. California has done everything they can to stray from natural gas, but with rolling blackouts approaching, it seems there is no other option than to resort back to fossil fuels. 

California’s energy situation is in a difficult spot at the moment, and it is shedding light on the complications of trying to go green in an effort to halt climate change. The California legislature has put a lot of restrictions on the use of natural energy as of late, as they are nonrenewable resources and a primary cause of our global change. In theory this is a great step in the right direction, and an example of an area making a big change for the sake of our Earth. But, there have been some complications. Green energy power plants are being installed too slow to keep up with Californians energy use, and as a result people are experiencing blackouts once again. This started in 2020, but as it continues people are getting more and more fed up with trying to “go green.” This raises concerns about our climate change plans. What if green energy won’t be able to replace fossil fuels? This is a troubling issue, and it will persist as we continue to try and convert to alternative energy sources. 

 

by

China Plans for 43 New Power Plants in 2021

Gunia, A. (2021, August 20). Climate change: China PLANS 43 new coal-fired power plants. Time. https://time.com/6090732/china-coal-power-plants-emissions/. 

Although China is already the world’s largest polluter, and pledging to make their country carbon-neutral by 2060, they are going forward with building 43 new coal-fired power plants. Just days after the IPCC released their report calling climate change an “unequivocal reality”, China decided to push the new power plants, along with 18 blast furnaces. They already produced three times more new coal power capacity in 2020 than every other country combined, even with climate change looming. Although some analysts still believe China can reach its climate targets for the year, these plants will add 1.5% to its current annual emissions, and it may continue to increase.

This article worries me, as we’re expected to pass the 1.5 C threshold soon, meaning we may be on the path toward irreversible damage if we don’t act soon. There are still possible solutions regarding climate change and our fossil fuel emissions, but if China’s political and economic systems continue to feed their industrial desires, we will be out of options. Even if they are still on track to meet their climate change targets this year, that could easily change at the requests of important people in their government and market. An increase in carbon emissions could mean an even quicker melting of the polar ice caps, extreme weather events, and the disturbance of natural habitats. These will all affect humanity, whether it be direct or indirect, and makes an even bigger case to cease carbon emissions. I believe that if we do not start making serious changes to our industrial life now, it may never happen. 

 

by

Adopt-A-Topic (2nd phase)

Gtm, ( 1 Jun, 2020) How Should California Wind Down Its Fossil Fuel Industry?. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-should-california-wind-down-its-fossil-fuel-industry (Links to an external site.). The article “How Should California Wind Down Its Fossil Fuel Industry?” describes how california is one of the biggest oil and crude providers, but also one of the leading sates in the green energy initiative. The article overall summarize how california new governor is working with the oil companies to provide safe restrictions and provide the company with jobs and opportunity. Furthermore it goes to state relevant events like Covid-19 and how california government is working towards a greener environment while providing for the decline oil business.

 

In my opinion this article is super cool, informative, and overall really interesting. The articles does a great job explaining how california is in both paths of energy and how they are finding equal solution for both sides. the article specifically explains how the new governor is working on restricting the guidelines and rules of the oil companies, but at the same time providing the declining business with opportunities and a way back up. This article is related to environmental science because with the cut back of oil and california moving forward with the green initiative, climate change is being confronted and stooped and california’s air, land, and overall ecosystem will see positive benefits.

by

Adopt-A-Topic (2nd phase)

Los Angles Times, ( 24 Sep, 2020) Boiling Point: California won’t need to kill fossil fuel plants. They’re dying of old age. Retrieved November 17,2020 from https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2020-09-24/fossil-fuel-plants-ladwp-methane-stranded-assets-boiling-point (Links to an external site.). The article “Boiling Point: California won’t need to kill fossil fuel plants. They’re dying of old age” explains how one of california’s gas plants was leaking methane and endangering californian citizens. Furthermore it s goes on to explain how even though its hurting the environment and people its still vital for california’s energy because were still making the transition over to cleaner and renewable energy. Also the article goes on to say will the companies of these gas plants get there moneys worth and how eventually california will become green energy dependent.

 

The shutting down of old gas and coal plants is terrific and great for the environment, but with its shut downs comes some questions. This article is confusing in many ways and im not sure how to address all the questions i have. Why is it that when an old gas or coal plant shuts down early tax payers must pay of its debt. I mean why did we build it if were just gonna shut it down half way through its life expectancy and why is it that when were shutting down one natural gas plant we are building a new one to support the transition to green energy. This cycle of of closing and opening and ho its effecting our environment and predictions is just down right confusing. I’m just reading and asking myself who comes up with these ideas and solutions, cause they need to consider some serious help. This article is environmental science related because one of the gas plants in california was leaking methane. THis methane leak was cause considerable harm to its nearby humans and ecosystem/environment.

by

Adopt-A-Topic (2nd phase)

Los Angeles Times, ( Aug 24, 2020) The power went out. Now California might let these gas plants stay open. Retrieved November 16,2020, from https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2020-08-24/after-rolling-blackouts-california-might-let-four-gas-plants-stay-open (Links to an external site.). Many within california government are struggling with the idea of how to fix california’s energy crises. They are trying to come up with a solution because they were ill prepared and did not think ahead. The article overall summarizes that some people believe that natural gas plants need to stay open in case solar and other green energy can not provide for california during this heat wave, many think of it has has insurance. Than there are others who state the natural gas plants are to harmful and must be closed. Aloforna will have to find another way to deal with the blackouts.

 

Within this article is good and bad news. If california decides to keep the gas plants open california can once again provide enough energy to keep california’s lights on, but it will most definitely effect our environment negatively. On the other hand if we close the plants california will become greener and healthier, but will most definitely have blackouts. I see wins and loses on both sides, this article is interesting and compelling. California government can not come to a decisive decision and even if they do, it seems they rarely follow through. Furthermore i find myself sking whats worse california going through continuous blackouts and energy crisis, or gas plants remaining open and most likely effecting thousands of citizens health and california’s environment. This article is related through environmental science through the idea that  if the plants reman open it will increase california presence in climate change and negatively effects its air quality and surrounding ecosystem.

by

Adopt-A-Topic (2nd phase)

Gtm, (17 Aug. 2020) California’s Shift From Natural Gas to Solar Is Playing a Role in Rolling Blackouts. Retrieved November 16,2020, from https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-californias-shift-from-natural-gas-to-solar-is-playing-a-role-in-rolling-blackouts (Links to an external site.). The article “California’s Shift From Natural Gas to Solar Is Playing a Role in Rolling Blackouts” explains how california’s renewable energy resources are not living up to its goals and are causing a state of panic and wide spread blackouts. The article summarizes how california’s mayor had to put california in a state if emergency because they an not provide enough green energy to keep the state alive. Furthermore it states that california is seeking help from its neighboring states, but do to heat waves across america other states can not provide help and california should expect blackouts. The last idea mentioned in the articles is how california will be hard pressed to live up t there agreement on 100 percent carbon free energy.

 

The use of renewables energy like solar and wind power is a great idea and will help the world become a greener and healthier place. Also the fact that california is taking charge and trying to rely on greener energy is great. Although this article makes me angry and frustrated when i read it. Why is california failing so miserable, i don’t understand why were shutting down natural gas plants if solar and other renewable energies cant provide enough juice for california. Furthermore the fact that we don’t have a reliable back up system and forgot to plan ahead just makes be question the people running the government. I mean we have to ask other states for energy and even they cant provide energy because they face the same situation. I laugh at the idea that people say california will become carbon free in the year 2030 when they know the project is already behind, why are we saying stuff like that when we cant even provide enough energy for the state. This article is related to environment science through the idea that solar and wind energy will lead to a healthier california ecosystem and reduce the impact on climate change.

by

Adopt-A-Topic (2nd phase)

California Globe, ( Aug 28, 2020)  How Long Can ‘Dirty Coal’ and Gas Bail Out L.A. From Heat Waves? Retrieved November 15,2020, from

https://californiaglobe.com/section-2/how-long-can-dirty-coal-and-gas-bail-out-l-a-from-heat-waves/ (Links to an external site.). The article “How Long Can ‘Dirty Coal’ and Gas Bail Out L.A. From Heat Waves?” explains how the city of Los Angles experiences outages, but not full on blackouts during the heatwaves. The article explains that the city is able to avoid these catastrophes because they use coal and other natural gasses. The articles states that the city of Los angles gets there power from a nuclear power plant in Arizona. This power plant does not provide enough energy for the city, and there for 75% of Los angles power load must be supported coal and other natural gasses

 

The article is shocking and somewhat confusing. I personally didn’t know california experiences this type of problem with blackouts. The thing i find most interesting about this articles is why the city of Los angles must get there power from a nuclear power plant in Arizona. Also the fact that this power plant does not provide the necessary energy to keep the city alive. I am confused on the fact that coal and other natural gasses must provide 75% of the power, were not making any progress on helping the environment. In my personal opinion its a cycle that only has negative effects and is run by selfish politicians. This article is related to environment science, through the idea that it directly effects climate change. Because the city will still be coal dependent in the coming years, it will release CO2 and green house gases that will negatively effect our earth.

by

What it really takes to power your home for a day

Verger, Rob. “What It Really Takes to Power Your Home for a Day.” Popular Science, Popular Science, 8 June 2018, www.popsci.com/what-it-takes-to-power-home-for-day.

Energy is crucial in our daily lives, from brushing teeth in the morning to making lunch around noon. Without energy as power, many of us would not be able to complete tasks necessary to be productive. As a matter of fact, writing this abstract requires energy produced from the environment. As grateful as we all are, there are many sources which could power houses in different areas.

Arguably the most sustainable energy source we may use in our homes are solar panels. In the recent laws made in California on mandating sustainable energy sources, Solar panels were required at least in our household. If ever your household is interested in installing solar panels, researchers have found that 450 square feet of solar panel generates about a day’s worth of energy. The other sources of power that daily households use are natural gases, wind, water, coal, enriched uranium, and oil. Surprisingly some sources of energy seem very sustainable such as only needing 54 seconds of strong wind through a turbine, 3 gallons of oil, or 0.02 ounces of enriched uranium to power a day’s worth of energy.

 

by

Power Plants – California

Reuters, V. Y. (2016, July 20). Nuclear developers have big plans for pint-sized
power plants in UK.The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2016/08/22/business/22reuters-britain-nuclear-smr.html?_r=0

This article talks about nuclear subsidies that are very important for New York’s “Clean-Energy Plan.” The plan is to withdraw half of its electricity from renewable and clean energy sources such as solar power and wind by depending on new technologies. However, as the idea plans to go public, the discussion of new technologies have been “overshadowed” of something old, which are nuclear power plants.

I think this article is important because it addresses multiple financial and environmental issues. Focusing on the environmental issues, this article does a good job of stating that the replacement of nuclear plants with gas-powered generators releases more greenhouse emissions, leading to pollution. This article relates to environmental science because it talks about the different ways nuclear-powered plants and gas-powered plants treat the environment.