One of more than 4,000 solar panels constructed by DTE Energy lines a 9.37-acre swath of land in Ann Arbor Township, Michigan, Sept. 15, 2015. In 2023, Michigan joined four other states in requiring utility providers to transition to 100 percent carbon-free energy generation by 2040. Credit: Ryan Stanton / Ann Arbor News via AP

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In class at King Middle School we have been reading, learning, researching and debating about energy sources and climate change. I strongly believe Maine should use solar, wind and nuclear energy to become carbon neutral by 2040.

People have used the sun’s rays for thousands of years for warmth and to dry meat, fruit, and grains. Over time, people developed technologies to collect solar energy for heat and to convert it into electricity. The sun has produced energy/solar energy for billions of years and is the ultimate source for all of the energy sources and fuels that we use today. Solar energy will assist Maine to have a carbon neutral future

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources, wind is also a powerful source of electricity that plays an important role in reducing generation costs. Wind is also always available to some extent. Wind can help Maine become carbon neutral by 2040.

Nuclear energy provides us with an exceptionally high fuel-to-power output ratio. It has the ability to meet industrial and urban needs with a single reactor. Nuclear energy operation does not produce emissions or rely on fossil fuels to generate the energy we need. An economic standpoint shows that this industry is less affected by the unpredictability of natural gas or crude oil futures. U.S. reactors also have containment vessels that are designed to withstand extreme weather events and earthquakes.

In conclusion, Maine will strive to become carbon neutral by 2040 with wind, solar, and nuclear energy.

Nar’kaysia Foster
Portland

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