renewable energy .ೃ࿐ Flashcards
what is biomass and what does it create?
used to create bioenergy, biomass is organic material that comes from living organisms, typically plants. this organic material is typically burned to produce heat. however, biomass can also be allowed to decompose, which creates methane gas. this gas can then be captured and used for fuel.
what is geothermal energy?
geothermal energy is thermal energy extracted from the earth’s crust. it combines energy from the formation of the planet and from radioactive decay. geothermal energy has been exploited as a source of heat and/or electric power for millennia.
what is hydroelectricity?
similar to the way we capture wind power, hydroelectric power is produced by building turbines in moving water. the water spins the turbines which in turn generate electricity. This is typically achieved by building dams to create artificial waterfalls, or directional channels in fast-moving rivers.
what is solar energy?
by using photovoltaic cells to capture and convert the sun’s rays into electricity, solar panels transform light into usable energy. This energy can either be used directly or fed to the grid to lessen the amount of fossil fuels needed to power a populated area.
what is wind energy?
by building large turbines in traditionally windy areas, energy produced by air movement can be converted into useful electricity. depending on its size, an individual wind turbine can supplement a single home or business, while large-scale wind farms can power entire cities, and sometimes even entire countries.
what is wave energy?
wave energy (or wave power) is the transport and capture of energy by ocean surface waves. the energy captured is then used for all different kinds of useful work, including electricity generation, water desalination, and pumping of water.
what is tidal energy?
tidal energy is a form of power produced by the natural rise and fall of tides caused by the gravitational interaction between Earth, the sun, and the moon. tidal currents with sufficient energy for harvesting occur when water passes through a constriction, causing the water to move faster.
+ and - of solar energy:
Advantages
Because most of the Earth’s population has access to sunlight, solar energy is one of the most widely accessible renewable resources across the globe. Additionally, since nothing is being mined, burned, or consumed, it creates far less greenhouse gases than traditional fossil fuels. Because solar systems can work without being plugged into the grid, solar energy also allows for countries and communities to become more energy independent, rather than relying on imported sources of oil or coal.
Disadvantages
Even though solar panels could save money in the long run, solar panels and arrays can still be expensive to purchase and install, making the initial switch prohibitive for some. Additionally, not all homes or businesses have the space or ideal sun-facing surfaces (such as roofs) to make solar installation possible. Still, solar technology continues to drop in price every year, and is gaining in popularity.
+ and - of bioenergy:
Advantages
While burning biomass does create carbon dioxide, the same amount of carbon dioxide is also consumed by plant growth. So, using wood as an example, as long as reforestation keeps pace with the amount of wood being burned, using biomass as a fuel source can be carbon neutral, in theory.
Disadvantages
Biomass only works as a renewable source of energy if the living organisms it’s derived from are being replaced at the same rate they are being harvested. Additionally, the most popular forms of biomass come from plants, and while it takes a very short amount of time to burn plant biomass, it takes a much longer time to grow it.
+ and - of wind energy:
Advantages
Like solar energy, harnessing wind energy requires nothing to be mined or burned, creating fewer greenhouse gases and pollution when compared to traditional fossil fuels. Wind is plentiful in many areas across the globe, making it easily accessible and sustainable. Plus, wind farms can create job opportunities, as the turbines will require maintenance from time to time.
Disadvantages
Many of the drawbacks for wind energy are purely cosmetic. Some people just don’t like the way they look or the way they sound. Additionally, wind farms are often built in remote areas due to the space required, so power lines must be constructed to transport the electricity to cities and communities. However, the popularity of wind energy continues to grow, and some communities in the United States are completely powered by wind.
+ and - of hydroelectricity:
Advantages
Moving water can be a constant source of energy. As long as the water flow is constant, a hydroelectric plant can generate energy 24/7. Hydroelectricity also scales very well. Small turbines or water wheels can power an individual home or business, while large-scale hydroelectric plants, such as the Hoover Dam, can generate enough power to supply electricity to more than 1 million people.
Disadvantages
The major disadvantage of hydroelectric energy is that, since it requires moving water to work, hydroelectric plants are restricted to rivers. This means that, like wind, power lines have to be built to transfer the electricity to populated areas. What’s more, the construction of dams can interfere with fish and other wildlife by changing the water level and blocking migration paths.
+ and - of wave energy:
Pros of wave energy Cons of wave energy
Zero emissions Environmental effects
Renewable High costs
Energy potential Scalability
Reliable
+ and - of geothermal energy:
Advantages
Because the equipment to harness geothermal energy is built underground, it has very little impact on the surface ecosystems. Additionally, this energy source is self-replenishing.
Disadvantages
Geothermal plants can be costly to construct, which is why geothermal energy is an underutilized form of renewable energy. What’s more, certain areas of the world (especially those that experience frequent earthquakes) would not be suitable for geothermal plants, as the could damage or destroy the underground components.
+ and - of tidal energy:
