Important Steps in the Worldwide Shift to Alternative Energy
There is exciting news for Earth-lovers everywhere! It seems the message has finally gotten through and countries all over the world are taking important steps to switch to eco-friendly energy sources. Aside from the constant flow of new ideas and inventions that are being tested, several areas are pushing ahead to the actual use of green energy.
Many of these new projects involve the implementation of wind power. South Korea is in the process of building an 8.3 billion dollar wind farm. This massive project will take approximately 10 years to construct and is to be located off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. This venture will consist of 500 giant wind turbines that are expected to produce 153.9 gigawatts of power. South Korea is hoping this impressive wind farm will establish their position as one of the world's leaders in green energy. Another wind farm project is underway in Kenya at a cost of 5.3 million dollars. The Kenyan wind farm is expected to be completed in 2012 and will consist of 365 giant turbines with an expected output of 300 megawatts.
Solar power is another idea whose time has come. In the United States, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in California is expected to be completed in 2013 and to produce 370 megawatts of electricity. Meanwhile, in Albenga, Italy, scientists have developed a 400 square meter solar greenhouse in order to prove that food and electricity can be produced in one facility. The study of this first solar greenhouse will last 10 years. Morocco is also embracing solar energy. Five solar power stations will be built in the country by 2020, producing 2000 megawatts of electricity.
Use of another energy source is expecting great expansion in the coming years. In the United States, Nevada, currently second only to California in geothermal energy production, is hoping to take the lead with its new undertaking. Nevada currently has 86 new geothermal plants under development. Once completed, the expected energy output for these plants could exceed the energy need of the entire United States.
Another ambitious, and somewhat surprising, project is taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This oil-producing nation is building one of the first carbon-neutral cities, Manda City. Building is expected to be complete within the next 5-10 years. Manda City will be powered entirely by solar and wind energy. In order to cut down on pollution from harmful emissions, no automobiles will be allowed in the city. Residents will travel from place to place using underground tunnels or the public transit system, which will consist of magnetically driven pods.
It is a thrilling time for those of us who are eco-conscious. Seeing governments from around the globe make such giant steps toward the use of clean fuels gives us hope for the future. The best part is that these developments, while exciting, are only the beginning in a worldwide shift to clean energy.
