The concept of renewable energies are very positive. Who would not want energy independence? Unfortunately, there are downsides to relying solely on renewable energies.
There are some obvious issues, such as not having sufficient sun exposure or winds. Solar panels can also damage your property and the property of your neighbors by reflecting concentrated sun rays onto cars, vinyl siding, etc. although these cases are less common, they are possible. Germany attempted to incorporate 100% use of renewable energy, and found that relying solely on renewable energies was significantly more expensive than utilizing traditional energy sources. The cost of installation was higher than incorporating a traditional energy sources. The cost of maintenance was also higher for renewable energy sources, which broke down more frequently and experienced many more issues in comparison to other energy sources.
Florida also tried to replace their traditional energy sources with renewable energy sources. Between the inability to produce sufficient energy to sustain the population and a winter storm which caused wind turbines to be covered in ice, thus making them completely useless, Florida faced rolling blackouts. This would be an issue at any time. However, if there is one time you absolutely do not want to be without power, it is during a winter storm.
Another issue with renewable energy sources is the literal source. China is the top producer of renewable energies in the world. There are a number of issues with the overdependence of the United States and other large countries on China for the majority of the items we use on a daily basis. However, the larges issue right now would be the tense political climate with China. Another issue is that the environmental regulations were lax in China in order to help them become a top producer in the world market. The net environmental impact of any item produced is from source production to disposition at the end of the items life cycle.
This brings about another issue. There is currently no recycling for renewable energy sources. So the batteries and materials required to produce renewable energy sources inevitably end up taking up space in landmines.
Although renewable energy sources are a promising way to reduce emissions caused by traditional energy sources, they are not a fool proof method to replace the current energy sources. A balance needs to be achieved between energy sources in order to maximize the cleanliness of the energy being produced and ensuring sufficient energy is being produced.
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