The Power of One: I Can Make Bermuda’s Energy Future Greener, the topic of the 2011 Earth Hour Student Essay competition, was a joint project with Belco, Greenrock and Bermuda National Library, Youth Services, to help raise awareness about Bermuda’s energy solutions amongst Bermudians aged nine to 18 and also to encourage them to research and write.The winner of the 15 to 18 age category, Renee Greenslade, received $250 towards her school’s environmental initiatives along with an Amazon Kindle and a $50 gift card along with books on environmental topics. Miss Greenslade opted to donate the money to the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy (see separate story, above).Miss Greenslade’s essay is printed below in full.***A Greener BermudaBy Renee Greenslade“To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified…” (Falls Church City Environment Web).The world today is becoming contaminated, and this effect is because of our society and people. The ozone layer is slowly becoming larger because of careless people and their ways. If we as one do not stop our negative ways, our descendents will not live in the same green world we do now. Contamination is seen everywhere, Bermuda is a small Island, that has many beauties. If our ways do not stop, people to come will never be able to experience Bermuda like we all do now. Its glorious beaches will no longer exist, the tall, swaying palm trees and wild life will slowly become no more. Bermuda is known for its beauty, so today some ideas for a Greener Bermuda will help keep Bermuda the same for our children in the future.The main energy source for Bermuda at this point in time is the Bermuda Electric Light Company. Although they provide power for the entire Island, there are several ways to provide energy, without polluting the environment I will discuss several options the pros and cons of each option that can be used alone or in conjunctions with Belco’s existing equipment.Solar panels are usually made out of silicon, and this is to do with the element and its outer shell electrons. Silicon has four electrons, and in order for an element to be stable it needs eight electrons, so silicon must gain four to become stable. When the silicon reacts with other atoms, it produces negative and positive charges. When this occurs, electricity is the outcome. Solar panels do not require oil, or any other non-renewable resource. The solar panels use the sun to create its electricity, are quiet and renewable. Since they are costly, Belco could use solar panels, in conjunction with the diesel engines, it would significantly reduce the carbon foot print.Wind turbines harness the power of wind to turn the blades which in return spins the shaft of the generator to produce electricity. These could be set up in locations such as North Rock and/or along South Shore. Wind power is safe, unlimited and renewable and since wind is free, customers would not have to worry about the rising fuel prices. Since wind turbines can be noisy, interfere with radar, radio and television transmissions, finding a suitable location may be an issue on a small island. Wind is irregular so Belco could use wind turbines in conjunction with the diesel engines.Wave power harnesses the power of the ocean’s waves and uses that power to generate electricity. A buoy type device is placed in the open ocean and as each wave passes, the buoy rises and falls. With each rise and fall the generating device, generates power. The height of the waves, speed, length and the density of the water is a determining factor in the amount of power generated. There are three major problems with wave power. Construction of a device able to withstand the force of the waves, difficulty converting wave power into electricity and the cost of developing these devices to harness the power generated. This could be a practical option for Belco in the future.“Green Microgym” uses any piece of moving fitness equipment powered by humans to create energy. Just plug the equipment into a regular electric outlet and start adding electricity to the grid. There are several different equipment options to choose from the Dynamo Stationary, like a Bike, Spin Bikes and Elliptical Trainers. Belco staff and family members could come and work out for free in return they would be assisting Belco in generating additional power and reduce the carbon footprint. Employees and their families would also have a healthier lifestyle.If Bermuda were to implement any of these renewable energy sources, it could significantly reduce the amount of pollution that is emitted into the air. Belco as a good Corporate will be doing their part in saving the planet and reducing the amount of contamination. By working together we can make this world a better place for everyone.