Life Sciences Research Paper: Comparison of Two Methods of Electricity Production

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Comparison of Two Methods of Electricity Production
The main electricity production methods or generation are biomass, coal, nuclear, hydroelectricity, natural gas, oil, solar, and wind. Electricity is easy to use and transport, fuels are converted into electrical energy, and electricity is generated in power plants. Coal is a combustible sedimentary rock rich in carbon, containing other elements such as sulfur, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen in various proportions different amounts. Hydroelectric power emanates from the water movement where there are kinetic and potential energies to generate electric energy and power. This is a comparison of coal and hydroelectricity methods of electricity production.
When fuels like coal or oil are converted into electricity, they often cause pollution, especially coal, but fossil fuels are still cheaper than renewable energy sources. The major pollutants from coal combustion are sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Additionally, coal combustion is associated with the releases of carbon dioxide, which is the leading cause of the greenhouse effect or global warming (Wang et al 21). Regardless of the type of coal used they generate high levels of carbon dioxide.
Coal is abundant, cheaper, and more affordable when compared to other fuel sources, while hydroelectricity requires an enormous investment in infrastructure, including dams and maintenance of the infrastructure. Setting up hydroelectric plants requires identifying areas with the right terrain and it is also dependent on the water course.
Coal is adaptable since this material can change from the solid form to liquid or gaseous, which depends on the intended use of coal-generated electricity. Coal is often consumed close to where it is mined saving transport costs and there is safe storage. On the other hand, hydroelectricity can only be generated from water sources. Since coal can change into different forms, it is possible to reduce the contamination levels and manage its impact on the environment. The use of hydropower is further away from the source, which increases the costs of electricity generation.
Currently, coal is widely used in power plants as the main electricity source, but there are other electricity generation methods. Additionally, coal is the main ingredient to make coke, which is a product that many industries use as fuel. Manufacturing industries such as the iron and steel industry rely heavily on coal. The natural gas industry also uses coal to generate electricity. Even as industries use coal as it suits them best, they still follow various regulations and standards to limit environmental degradation and pollution.
Hydroelectricity requires water from sources such as rivers and dams. Hydro-generated power is clean and renewable energy, unlike coal. However, without a source of water and favorable geography, it isn't easy to rely on. The perception that h...