Geothermal and hydro-electric power Flashcards
1
Q
What is geothermal energy?
A
- Underground thermal energy
- Volcanic activity
- Slow decay of radioactive elements, uranium
2
Q
What are the advantages of geothermal energy?
A
- Reliable
- Can heat building directly
3
Q
What are the disadvantages of geothermal energy?
A
- Not many suitable locations
- Cost for building power plant high, compared to amount of energy produced
4
Q
What is hydro-electric energy?
A
- Energy transferred from kinetic store of falling water
- Requires flooding by building dam, rainwater caught and allowed out through turbine
5
Q
What are the advantages of hydro-electric energy?
A
- No pollution
- Immediate response to demand
- Reliable in GB
- Minimal running costs
6
Q
What are the disadvantages of hydro-electric energy?
A
- Impact on environment: loss of habitat
- Visual pollution when dried up
- Initial costs are high
