Time to wrap up the first round of the Green Energy Region! (2) Solar Power vs. (7) Nuclear Power!
Solar Power
Solar Power, like Wind Power, Hydroelectric Power, and American Gladiators, is an concept that has been around for several thousand years but only recently found a new popularity as technology has advanced. Solar Power typically means photovoltaic solar panels and that's what I am referring to with most of the entry.
Impact on the Environment (13/15):
Solar Power is very good in that it doesn't create any carbon emissions when it's being operated. Yes, it takes up a lot of space, yes, it uses metal and other rare earth metals, yes it can only be used when the sun is out. Almost the same concerns as wind power.
Practicality (7/10):
Ignoring all the concerns listed above, Solar Power also has a huge problem in that it's very very inefficient. Solar panels only use about 10% of the energy that the sun puts out. That's really not that great.
Sustainability (9/10):
Yaddah, yaddah, yaddah all the same things as Wind Power and Hydroelectric. Solar panels are really easy to maintain.
Awesomeness (8/10):
Solar Power is pretty awesome. I don't know how anyone can look across a huge solar array and not be impressed.
User Input (1/5):
1 point, take it or leave it!
Nuclear Power
Ah, Nuclear Power. I don't know any concept that is as controversial as Nuclear Power is. No other alternative energy has been turned into a weapon (as far as I know. I've never heard of a solar powered laser beam or anything).
Impact on the Environment (5/15):
Nuclear Power releases less carbon emissions than fossil fuels. That's not being disputed. Even when you don't consider the issue of what to do with the spent nuclear fuel rods, Nuclear Power isn't great for the environment in the long run. I don't want anyone to have misconceptions. Nuclear Power is NOT renewable. People in Africa are mining uranium (which will eventually run out, just like fossil fuels) and then it has to be processed (like gasoline and coal). And don't even get me started on the issue of meltdowns. Oh, and what about the nuclear waste that will last for 100,000 years stored in barrels that will last 10,000 years?
Practicality (7/10):
Nuclear Power is good if we keep going at the levels we're using uranium, but anyone who thinks that Nuclear Power is the solution to our energy crises is delusional. And if well developed countries like the USA and the USSR can have issues in terms of near or more than near meltdowns, how many problems do you think countries like Haiti and Afghanistan would have?
Sustainability (5/10):
Like I mentioned before, we're eventually going to run out of uranium. It's true that we'll probably run out at some point and yes, we'll probably find some other substance that will work in our reactors, but unless we develop miniature suns that create almost limitless energy (think Spider-Man 2 and yes, people are working on that technology. People that are hopefully not evil geniuses that will have mechanical arms fused to their backs), Nuclear Power doesn't have a very long future.
Awesomeness (10/10):
Look at the 1950's and 60's and all the really bad horror movies that came out. Really really tacky and fodder for Mystery Science Theater 3000, but you have to admit that they're sort of awesome. By sort of I mean a lot.
User Input (0/5):
I don't blame you, I was rooting for the other one, too.
Alright, let's tally those scores!
Solar Power: 38
Nuclear Power: 27
Sorry, Nuclear Power. Don't go all Iran on me just because you didn't win. For everyone else, check it out next time when I delve into (1) Low Energy Lighting vs. (8) Organic Food.
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