Alternative Energy

Question 1

What are the benefits of CCS (radical technology)?

Answer 1

-Suitable for fixed points.
-CO2 emissions are collected and pumped into long-term storage in the rocks, reducing emissions by 75%.

Question 2

What are the costs of CCS?

Answer 2

-Does not solve the issue of transport emissions.
-Concerns exist about the pressure in rocks causing small EQs and leakages affecting human/ecosystem health.

Question 3

What are the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells (radical technology)?

Answer 3

-Only by-product is water.
-Hydrogen is available from several sources, and fuel cells can be used in vehicles.

Question 4

What are the costs of hydrogen fuel cells?

Answer 4

-A lot of energy is needed to extract hydrogen from its sources and this emits greenhouse gases, but on average its a 57% reduction,

Question 5

What are the benefits of electric vehicles?

Answer 5

-70% reduction in emissions compared to petrol vehicles.

Question 6

What are the issues with biofuels?

Answer 6

Large-scale cultivation could change carbon fluxes between soil, vegetation and atmosphere and reduce food production and water availability for people if irrigation used.
In some countries there may be forced changes in land ownership, taking land away from small farmers and reducing incomes for disadvantaged groups.
Deforestation may take place to make room for biofuel crops, so decreasing CO2 absorption. Cultivation in marginal farming areas could stress the natural environment.