Renewable And Recyclable Energy Flashcards
What is renewable energy?
An energy resource that is replaced rapidly from an existing constant natural process.
What is recyclable energy?
An energy resource that can be reused once people of nature has processed it.
What is decoupling of fossil fuels from economic growth?
Coal and then oil supported the economic development of industrialised countries, and as use increased so did wealth. Recently fossil fuels have been used more efficiently but wealth has continued to increase. There are also early signs that, as fossil fuels are replaced, economic development continues.
What are the economic benefits of renewable and recyclable energy?
-Can be used at scales suitable for developing countries and households.
-Low maintenance costs once running.
-Cheap costs once economies of scale reached.
-Reduces dependence on fossil fuels for electricity production.
What are the economic costs of renewable and recyclable energy?
-Needs investment in new technologies.
-Electricity costs per unit may be higher than conventional.
-Dependence on fossil fuels is only reduced if they are directly substituted.
What are the social benefits of renewable and recyclable energy?
-Solar and wind are safe and clean, can be used by individual resources.
What are the social costs of renewable and recyclable energy?
-Nuclear produces radioactivity.
-Solar may take up farmland, reducing food production.
What are the environmental benefits of renewable and recyclable energy?
-No greenhouse gas emissions once operational.
-No air pollution.
What are the environmental costs of renewable and recyclable energy?
-Solar and wind need large areas, spoil scenery.
-Nuclear produces radioactivity.
What are the energy security implications of renewable and recyclable energy?
+Electricity produced can be used/transmitted by existing systems.
-Difficult to store for later use.
-Solar and wind are climate dependent.
