Energy Assignment Part 1

Coal:
Pros - There's huge amounts and easy access to it. Also, it's not expensive and has a substantial existing infrastructure. It can be converted to a liquid or gas.

Cons - You can't renew coal and contains the most CO2 per BTU, the largest contributor to global warming. Also, costs a lot of money to transport it and mine it. It can emit large amounts of radiation.

Uses - The main use of coal is in the production of electricity. About half of the electricity in the United States, and two-thirds of that in the world, is supplied by coal-burning power plants. Coke, a product left after heating coal, is used to manufacture iron and steel.

Benefits - It is very easy to get a hold of and is very cheap to buy for your energy.

Drawbacks - It contaminates everything it comes in contact with and comes from unhealthy and unsafe mines.

Tidal:
Pros - It is renewable energy and requires no fuel. Also, it doesn't emit anything and can last a long time. It is capable of providing a storm surge barrier with energy.

Cons - The cost of building it is way to expensive and its limited to only certain areas in the world. They're usually in remote locations and it can restrict access to open water. Also, it can change the tidal level in the area.

Uses - Tidal is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity. Although not yet widely used, tidal power has potential for future electricity generation. Tides are more predictable than wind energy and solar power.

Benefits - Tidal energy is great for having renewable energy and can provide energy for a long time.

Drawbacks - It can affect a lot of animals such as fish and birds by ruining mud flats and tidal cycles in the area.

Wind:
Pros - Wind energy is very healthy and doesn't create pollution. Also, there is no way to run out of energy because the Earth is going to always  blow wind making it renewable energy. The price of wind energy has also dropped a ton.

Cons - It takes a lot of windmills to create enough energy and if there is no wind you wont have energy making it unreliable. Also, they can be a threat to animals especially birds. Its been reported that the noise gets very annoying and loud too.

Uses - Wind turbines can convert the energy in the wind into mechanical power that can be used for a variety of activities like pumping water. Wind turbines can also use generators to convert wind energy into electricity.

Benefits - It does not cost a lot to set up and buy, also protects the possibility of power outages.

Drawbacks - Wind energy is just to unpredictable and can't be relied on and lots of people seem them as to big and a waste of space and ugly too.