Energy Generation Flashcards
What are fossil fuels?
• Fossil fuels are formed from the fossilised remains of plants and animals over millions of years
• Coal, oil and gas are extracted through mining and drilling
• Why are fossil fuels considered a finite resource?
• Why are they so relied upon for power generation?
What is energy generation?
Fossil fuels can be burned to superheat water under pressure, which in turn, drives turbines.
What is fracking?
Fracking involves drilling into layers of shale rock deep in the earth to release pockets of gas
• Water, sand and chemicals are injected into a well in order to force gas back up
What are Renewable energy sources
Wind
Solar
Tidal
Biomass
Hydroelectric
Wind turbines, What are the pros?
They are low maintenance
They make clean energy
They have higher winter output
They make low cost energy
Wind turbines, What are the cons
They only work when they are windy
They are an eyesore to some
They are a Hazard to birds
They are very loud
Solar Energy, What are the pros
They are low maintenance
They make clean energy
They are relativelt low-cost
Solar energy, what are the cons
They have seasonal fluctuations of energy output
No power is generated at night
They have complex positioning issues
What is tidal energy
The rise and fall of the tide forces water through turbines which drive generators to produce electricity
