National Grid and the Environment Flashcards
How is the energy in nuclear power stations generated?
Nuclear fission of uranium or plutonium produces heat.
What does burning coal and oil release?
Sulfur dioxide.
What does sulfur dioxide cause?
Acid rain.
What is the problem with coal mining?
Open-cast mines ruin the landscape.
What environmental problem can oil cause?
Oil spillages.
What is the danger of nuclear power?
- Nuclear waste is dangerous
2. Major catastrophes
Why is nuclear power expensive?
Cost of the plant and decommissioning.
What does carbon neutral mean?
The carbon released from combustion of the plants is equal to the amount taken in during the plants’ life.
What are the problems with biofuels?
- Land clearing increases emissions
- Land clearing causes loss of habitats
- Lots of energy goes into production
What is carbon capture and storage?
It is used to reduce the amount of CO2 building up in the atmosphere.
How does CCS work?
The CO2 is collected from power stations before being released into the atmosphere.
What is done with the captured carbon dioxide?
Pumped into empty gas and oil fields under the sea.
What are other ways of storing CO2?
Dissolving in seawater at the bottom of the sea, with algae, which can then be made into oil as a biofuel.
What are the six factors to take into account before building a power station?
- Set-up costs
- Set-up time
- Reliability
- Running costs
- Environmental issues
- Location
What is the purpose of the National Grid?
To take electrical energy from power stations to where it’s needed in homes and industry.
