Renewable energy; Energy refers to the power that is derived from the utilization of either physical or chemical
resources. There are two common sources of energy, namely renewable energy and non-
renewable energy. Renewable energy is the energy that is produced from sources that can be
replenished within the lifetime of a man. Non-renewable energy is the energy that cannot be
replenished in the human lifetime. Renewable energy sources include solar energy, wind energy,
geothermal energy, biomass energy, wave energy, and natural gas among others. Non-renewable
energy sources include fossil fuels, coal, and petroleum. Although many states still rely heavily
on non-renewable energy sources which are expensive and affect the environment negatively,
use of renewable sources of energy such as biomass, solar power, wind can be the most desirable
to be introduced in South Florida. The use of renewable sources of energy such as biomass, solar power, and wind instead of fossil fuels in South Florida can desirable because they are readily
available, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are cost-effective.
First, biomass energy, wind energy, and Solar energy can be the most desirable to
introduce in South Florida because they are readily available. According to Mohtasham (2015)
“solar power is the most abundant renewable source in our planet”. Despite being readily
available in plenty, however, only a small percentage of it is used (p 1291). Converting the sun to
energy can not deplete the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth. Unlike all other sources of
energy, solar power energy is convenient as it will always be available. Solar power is also
reliable, unlike fossil fuels. Wind power is also available in plenty whether during the day or
during the night. Wind power is easily converted into electricity by the use of wind turbines.
Biomass which is energy that is found in organic matter will always be available as long as
agricultural activities continue to happen. Renewable energy;
Counterarguments
Biomass energy, wind energy, and solar energy are in plenty during certain seasons. Solar
energy can only be available when there is sun in mostly during summer seasons. This means
that it is a highly variable and uncertain source of energy (Fentis et al., 2017). Wind power can be
in short supply during certain periods and therefore it is false to claim that it is readily available.
During summer seasons, for instance, the wind is usually in short supply and, therefore, can not be
relied upon as the sole source of energy. Biomass energy is available as long as organic matter is
available. This means that biomass energy is dependent on agricultural activities.
Refutations
Although wind energy is only available during certain circumstances, the wind blowing
in small quantities every now and then can be tapped using longer turbines. South Florida has a
huge capacity of wind energy that has not yet been utilized. Even though the sun is not available
each and every day, South Florida receives an average of 237 days of sunlight every year Florida
Sunshine. (n.d). Solar energy collected during sunny days can be preserved for use even in
days when there is no sunshine. To order
Secondly, South Florida should introduce biomass energy, wind energy, and solar energy
because they are cost-effective. According to Sharma & Goyal (2015), “energy from the sun is
the best option for electricity generation as it is available everywhere and is free to harness” (p
1062). The low cost of solar energy production leads to efficiency. The cost of producing wind
energy has greatly reduced over the past decades from $2.2/w in 1980s to less than $1/w today.
Biomass energy production is less expensive when low amounts of carbon biopower are used.
Biomass energy cost of per dry ton is between $76 and $91 which is relatively cheaper compared
to non-renewable sources of energy. Renewable energy ;
Counterarguments
The initial investment in the production of solar energy, wind energy, and biomass
energy is high. Despite the technological advancements for instance, the cost of purchasing solar
panels is extremely high. The storage of solar energy is also very expensive. Most of the regions
with plenty of winds are located far from where people live which causes firms that harness the wind
to incur transportation costs (Fentis et al., 2017). The cost of maintaining turbines is also very
high. The technology used in the conversion of biomass is expensive. Without the use of low-
carbon biopower, the production of biomass is very expensive. Renewable energy;
Refutations
Although the initial investment during the production of solar energy, wind energy, and
biomass energy is high, it cannot compare with the investment for the production of fossil fuels.
Unlike the production of fossil fuels, the production of solar energy, wind energy, and biomass
energy is clean and does not harm the environment. After the initial investment, the cost
involved is relatively low thus the three should be introduced in South Florida.
Thirdly, biomass energy, wind energy, and solar energy should be introduced in South
Florida because they reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The use of renewable energy sources
emits little or no greenhouse gases which in turn reduces air pollution. Use of solar energy
prevents the emission of approximately 10.6 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Similarly, the use of
wind energy prevents the emission of approximately 6.1M tons of carbon dioxide gas (Bhatia &
Gupta, 2019). Renewable sources of energy should, therefore, be introduced in South Florida.
Counterarguments
Although the use of biomass energy, wind energy, and solar energy prevents the emission
of greenhouse gas, other human activities still contribute to carbon emission. Human
activities that promote carbon dioxide emission include the production of cement, deforestation, and
landscape changes. As of 2015, human activities contributed to the emission of approximately 40
billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (Yang, 2019). Some renewable sources of energy also emit
carbon dioxide gas though in low quantities. Read more
Refutations
Even though other human activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, South Florida
should act as an example to other states and the world at large in conserving the environment.
Carbon emission has serious consequences to the environment, climate, and the life of people
and animals. The amounts of greenhouse gases emitted during the production of renewable
energy are minimal and can cause no harm to the environment. Use of solar energy, wind energy,
and biomass is the only solution to mitigate the consequences of carbon dioxide gas.
In conclusion, although many states still rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources
which are expensive and affect the environment negatively, use of renewable sources of energy
such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass can be the most desirable to be introduced in
South Florida. The use of renewable sources of energy is beneficial in a number of ways among
them the cost-effective source of energy, reduces greenhouse gas emission, and is readily
available. The use of solar energy, wind energy, and biomass energy will reduce the dependence
on fossil fuels in South Florida, conserve the environment, and ensure the efficiency of operations.
Renewable energy sources are by far reliable compared to fossil fuels and, therefore, should be
introduced in not only South Florida but also in other states and the whole world at large. Renewable energy;