Since fossil energy has become the prima donna, the world seems to be spoiled for always looking for new mines to extract the wealth of oil and coal. Because, until now, the two mining products have become the main focus of energy generation.
Petroleum refining, for example, provides a variety of products that are economically promising. Some are used as fuel for motorized vehicles, to generate power generating engines. Until the dregs can be used to make smooth roads in the form of asphalt.
It is estimated that 95 percent of energy in Indonesia still utilizes fossil energy. It should be understood, this energy source may be depleted or drastically reduced for the next 50 years globally.
This means that if the country does not immediately seek renewable alternative energy, it could lead to an energy imbalance in the country. The effect will be like dominoes.
Many industries will go out of business, unemployment will be everywhere, motorized vehicles will not be able to run, and so on when the supply of energy sources cannot keep up with demand.
This fossil-derived energy has also caused problems for the environment. The impact that can be felt today is the greenhouse effect.
Carbon dioxide gas levels in the air, blocking the earth's surface in reflecting back ultraviolet light out of the atmosphere.
As a result, the earth's temperature is getting hotter and causes side effects that spread everywhere. The ice at the poles is melting drastically which causes sea levels to rise, the occurrence of disease-causing virus mutations, and so on.
For this reason, when people talk about alternative energy, it is a natural thing. This is because alternative energy is considered more environmentally friendly.
The number is very large and some can be renewed. Here are some examples of alternative energy that can be used as a solution to replace fossil energy:
1. Geothermal
Did you know? Geothermal in the territory of Indonesia amounts to approximately 40 percent of global geothermal reserves. It is estimated that the figure will reach 29,215 MW.
In fact, if this amount is managed optimally, it will be able to make Indonesia the largest geothermal user country in the world.
Indonesia itself already has several geothermal energy plants, namely Mount Salak with a capacity of 377 MW, Darajat 270 MW, Dieng 60 MW, Ulubelu 55 MW, Lahendong 80 MW, and Sibayak Field 12 MW.
Geothermal consists of energy sources that can be found in hot water, water vapor, rocks, minerals, and other gases that form a geothermal system.
2. Biomass Thegenerated
energyin this way has zero carbon dioxide content. Thus, biomass energy is very environmentally friendly. Energy sources are obtained from livestock and agricultural waste.
For example, using sawdust, straw, animal manure, organic waste, and so on. By using the role of bacteria and certain ways, all these wastes become rich in benefits.
For example, the gas that arises from the decomposition of waste can be used as biogas instead of LPG for cooking.
The solidified and liquefied decay of waste can be used as fertilizer. Other biomass energy is also obtained from plants that have not become waste. For example, jatropha, palm oil, and soybeans can be converted into biodiesel for diesel fuel mixtures.
Cassava, corn, and sorghum can also be converted into bioethanol. Thus, biomass is an alternative energy source whose existence can be renewable. This stock of raw materials can always be cultivated.
3. Sunlight
Sunshine, which rises every day for 12 hours, has the benefit of being used as a renewable energy source. However, the obstacle to making solar power plants is the higher cost compared to fossil-based plants.
Despite the expensive infrastructure required, solar power generation is still very possible to be developed as a potential alternative energy.
For areas of Indonesia that have not been reached by PLN installations, some use solar power plants to meet electricity needs. Potentially, Indonesia has the intensity of solar radiation reaching 4.8 kWh per square meter per day.
4. Water
In a position of strong water discharge, water can be used as a potential power plant to be developed. Starting from the flow of rivers, ocean currents, to tidal waves in the sea can be manipulated to be used as a source of energy.
The water is used to drive a turbine in an electric generator so that energy changes occur, from motion energy to electrical energy. The energy that arises in this way is called hydroelectric.
Hydroelectric development is currently able to supply energy needs of up to 19 percent worldwide. In Indonesia itself, Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA) have been built in several places. Examples are the Gajah Mungkur hydropower plant and the Karangkates hydropower plant (Indonesia).
5. Wind
Wind power is very famous developed in Europe. About 69 percent of the wind-driven turbines are there. Its ability to produce electrical energy reaches 58,982 MW through thousands of existing turbines.
However, only one percent of the use of wind as electricity generation worldwide. The country that uses the most wind as a generator is Germany, which dominates 32 percent of global capacity. And, wind is a renewable energy as well as sunlight which is available in abundance every day.
6. Hydrogen
Hydrogen can be used in electronic equipment as a power source. This substance is used as a fuel cell that can be recharged. Hydrogen fuel cells combine the reactions of oxygen and hydrogen.
Uniquely, the final result of the combination of these substances is pure water and does not pollute the environment. In addition, the power produced is very safe because it does not involve the combustion process. Because hydrogen fuel cell products are still limited, the price is still skyrocketing.
One tube of hydrogen fuel cells can cost up to 3,000 US dollars. Its distribution is still limited in certain countries, such as Canada and the United States. In Indonesia, hydrogen fuel is still in the prototype stage.
The LIPI Applied Physics Research Center has made a concept motorcycle, using hydrogen as its fuel. Hydrogen is a substance that must be produced by electrolysis of H2O or water. The obstacle that may be faced is that the price of the electrolyzer is still quite expensive.
7. Nuclear
Under controlled conditions, nuclear reactions can produce heat energy that can be used to generate electricity. Even though it is an environmentally friendly energy compared to fossil energy, not everyone can accept nuclear power plants. The reason is reasonable.
If there is a leak, then nuclear radiation has a broad impact, especially for health.
The radiation can affect genetic mutations in the body to cause death on a wide scale.
Indonesia itself has abundant uranium and plutonium content. Both substances become raw materials for nuclear. Globally, as of January 2013 in 31 countries there have been approximately 390 nuclear reactors.
The seven energy sources can actually be used in such a way, although each has its limitations. However, at least not always rely on fossil energy which is limited and difficult to obtain. So, hopefully useful.