Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy

This book outlines the environmental implications of several renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, tidal, biomass, and geothermal. Each comes with its own unique benefits as well as downsides. For example, impacts might include sensitive land use concerns, animal habitat disruption/displacement, noise pollution (wind turbines), hazardous materials use for processing (solar panels and fuel cells), sulfur dioxide emissions, land subsidence/sinkholes, and increased risk for earthquakes (geothermal), heavy water use, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, and smog (biomass).

All energy sources affect the environment in which we live. While fossil fuels may essentially do more harm, renewable energy sources can also pose a threat to the environment. Allowing for the various renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy examines the environmental effects of all available renewable or alternative sources, as they increasingly play a large part in our energy supply, and provides a counterargument about the benefits of renewable energy. This book discusses both the merits and the physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental limitations of renewable sources of energy. It discusses the pros and cons of renewable energy, addresses environmental issues and concerns, and determines ways to avoid or minimize these impacts.

• Renewable energy impact on the environment
• Major renewable energy types
• Environmental health, safety, and ecological impacts
• Impact on tribal sacrosanct areas

covers the adverse effects of major renewable energy sources. Environmental engineers working with renewable energy, environmental consultants/managers working with municipalities regarding environmental impact and land use, and undergraduate students taking related courses in environmental college programs can greatly benefit from this text.