Many industrialized nations are suffering from the increase in oil prices. In the near future, the United States and other nations might face an additional problem: a shortage of energy. Compared to other nations, the United States uses a large volume of fossil fuels. With only 4.7 percent of the world's population, the United States consumes about 25 percent of the total fossil fuels used worldwide each year. To supply this large demand, the United States imports approximately half the oil it uses. These imports have led to certain economic consequences. U.S. dependence on foreign oil produces negative effects on the economy. It even has an impact on national security. Citizens, government and industry are trying to solve this growing problem by developing alternative energy sources. These projects include solar power research, fuel cells and the production of electric vehicles.

CS Question #1: Why do you think the United States consumes such a large portion of the world's fossil fuel supply?

Solar energy is produced from the sun. With the use of photoelectric cells to create and conduct electric current, solar power can be harnessed to power electric devices, heating systems and even solar ovens., Solar panels are located on the roof or sides of many modern houses to generate power for the water heating system. Solar calculators and watches can be found in some classrooms. Even electric cars harness solar power for the engine to run. However, solar power has some inherent problems. Until these problems can be solved, the use of solar power has been limited to sunnier regions. One problem is storage capabilities. Storing solar energy requires large and cumbersome batteries. In many cases, a battery cannot store enough power if it is deprived of sunshine for very long. However, in sunnier climates, solar power already runs many household electric devices.

CS Question #2: What types of devices can be run using solar power?

Another field of research involves the development of fuel cells. The way a fuel cell functions is similar to that of a battery. However, unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging. It will continue to produce energy in the form of electricity and heat as long as a fuel source is supplied. Fuel cells can be used to power small cars and other electric vehicles and devices. Fuel cells use hydrogen as a fuel source. Hydrogen is a basic and readily available element. However, it is expensive to isolate hydrogen from other elements. It is also extremely difficult to store hydrogen safely. Technologists continue to study fuel cells with the intent of developing more stable sources of fuel.

CS Question #3: Currently, what is the drawback to using fuel cells?

The United States relies heavily on foreign sources of oil. Most of the oil imported into the United States is used to make gasoline. Cars, trucks, trains and other vehicles use the gasoline. Cars and trucks also emit a great deal of pollution into the world's atmosphere. Scientists believe this pollution is contributing to the global warming of our planet. Researchers have been studying and developing electric cars as an alternative to vehicles powered by gasoline. These cars would eliminate both U.S. dependence on foreign oil and the harmful environmental effects of vehicle emissions. Although they are not common, electric cars are being built and sold to the public. Unfortunately, today's models require either heavy battery packs or constant recharging. An electric car with very little payload can travel 50 to 70 miles before needing a recharge. Currently, there are not many recharging areas available for these cars. Imagine how difficult it would be to drive a car if there were no gas stations available! Today's electric cars are also slow to recharge, taking up to eight hours to fully recharge a depleted battery. As technology improves, researchers will resolve some of these issues. In the future, electric cars might be a common source of transportation.

CS Question #4: What are some of the problems of electric cars?

Further Thought:

1. What are other renewable resources that are being used as alternative forms of energy?
2. What are the possible economic consequences of an energy crisis?
3. Should the government spend money researching alternative energy sources or developing foreign and domestic oil fields? Why?