Geography- Alternate Energy

Question 1

Wind energy

Answer 1

Built in an area where there is a regular supply of strong winds.
Linked to a generator.
Wind is too irregular in SA.
Only generate electricity when the wind is blowing.
Expensive, noisy,and not attractive.

Question 2

Hydro energy

Answer 2

Water to turns turbines.
Generates electricity.
Lesotho Highlands Project.
Water passes through a narrow pipe in a dam wall and the force is used to turn the turbines, which are connected to a generator.
Dams rely of regular water supplies to generate electricity, so there is not enough water water to operate the turbine during dry periods.
Expensive to build, but once operating hydro-electricity is quite cheap.

Question 3

Solar energy

Answer 3

The su is the ultimate source of energy.
Can be used directly used directly as a source of heat or to make electricity using photo-voltaic (pv) cells in solar panels.
Expensive to install, but after that the electricity produced is free.

Question 4

Biomass

Answer 4

Food used to make electricity

Can make fuel