Use of Alternative Sources of Energy to Replace the US Dependency on Fossil Fuel - Essay Example

Fossil fuel has over the years been the major source of energy in the United States and the world at large. They are mainly used for industrial and for domestic purposes. These sources of energy are, however, non-renewable and are limited in supply; this is because they take too long to form. Furthermore, once their deposits are depleted they cannot replenish. According to the US.Department of Energy Annual Review of 2004, it was found that there is a high rate of consumption of fossil fuels against the available deposits. Renewable sources of energy are also considered cost-effective as most of them are available in abundance. It is in order for the American government to adopt the usage of geothermal, hydroelectric power, nuclear energy, solar power, wind power, and battery which are both environmentally friendly and renewable.

The use of petrol as a source of energy has caused a lot of environmental degradation due to the high amount of carbon dioxide emitted to the environment when burnt, which has resulted in global warming due to the carbon emissions. It also has the disadvantage that it undergoes depletion and the United States mostly depends on its imports, yet it has many untapped renewable sources of energy. It would therefore be in order for the government of the United States to consider replacing petroleum energy with other renewable sources of energy like coal.

According, to a survey, carried out in 2009, it was established that nuclear power accounts for only 20% of the United States energy supply. The use of nuclear energy will reduce the overreliance on fossil fuels Since the United States is currently the leading importer of crude oil in the world (Willrich, 1976). On the other hand, solar energy would also be another good alternative source of energy, which is considered environmentally friendly according to the National Environmental Management Authority. Solar energy is abundant in supply and can be harnessed by the United States to replace the use of fossil fuels like oil. It is also renewable and highly cost-effective compared to fossil energy. It will help reduce the United States' overreliance on imported fossil fuel which is estimated to be limited in supply and is undergoing depletion. The usage of solar power would only require the country to produce the solar panels and batteries which they are capable of instead of relying on the fuel being imported from other countries (Craddock, 2008).

Hydroelectric power, a source of energy generated from water should also be considered as a source of energy to replace the fossil energy in the United States. Its usage currently stands at about 7%, in the United States. Its production can be increased since America has many rivers and lakes across the country such as the river Mississippi and Ottawa. This will help in reducing the over-dependency on fossil fuels. It will also result in the creation of dams and water reservoirs which may act as tourist attraction sites besides generating electricity.

The United States should also consider the production of geothermal energy as an alternative to the use of fossil fuels in industries. The energy is produced from steam generated underground, which is then harnessed to produce electricity. Currently, its production is low at less than 1%, despite its being reliable and efficient. The United States should therefore consider increasing its production as this will reduce its reliance on petrol, gas, and oil which are undergoing depletion (Fridleifsson, 2003).