Renewable Energy Flashcards
What is wind energy harnessed through?
Wind turbines
Wind turbines are typically tall towers with three propeller blades.
What do the blades of a wind turbine do?
They turn with the wind, driving a generator that produces electricity.
Where are wind turbines commonly grouped together?
Off-shore in large quantities to form a wind farm.
List three advantages of wind energy.
Constantly available and sustainable
No cost for wind energy
Relatively low running cost of a wind turbine
What is a major disadvantage of wind energy during low wind periods?
Little or no energy is produced.
What is a significant cost associated with wind energy?
They cost a lot to build and put in place.
True or False: Some people appreciate the look of wind turbines.
False
Fill in the blank: Wind energy is _______ available and sustainable.
Constantly
What are solar panels made from?
Solar panels are made from photovoltaic cells.
What do photovoltaic cells do?
They harness the Sun’s light energy and convert it into electricity.
What is a key benefit of solar power?
Solar power provides clean energy from a plentiful supply.
What is a challenge in solar panel technology?
There is still considerable development work to be done to make solar panels more efficient.
Why is the placement of solar panels important?
To ensure they track the path of the Sun and harness the optimum amount of solar energy.
What is one advantage of solar energy?
It provides clean, renewable energy.
How can solar energy affect household expenses?
It reduces household energy bills.
What is a common disadvantage of solar panels?
Some people do not like the look of solar panels or feel that they spoil the appearance of a building.
What is a financial drawback of solar panels?
They cost a lot to install.
When do solar panels produce less electricity?
They do not produce much electricity during considerable cloud cover, winter months, or at night.
What percentage of the UK’s electricity demand could potentially be harnessed from tidal power?
Around a fifth of its electricity demand.
What natural phenomenon does tidal energy rely on?
The gravitational pull of the Moon, which causes tides.
What is a tidal barrage?
A structure built across the mouth of a river where it meets the ocean to generate electricity from tides.
How does a tidal barrage generate electricity?
By allowing the incoming tide to pass through turbines and harnessing the reverse flow when the tide goes out.
What is one advantage of tidal power?
It is a clean, renewable energy source.
How long can tidal power plants last?
They will last for a long time.
Why is tidal power particularly advantageous for the UK?
The UK is an island surrounded by the sea.
What is a disadvantage of tidal power?
The construction of tidal barrages is expensive.
What is another concern regarding tidal barrages?
The environmental impact of tidal barrages is unknown.
What is the primary function of hydroelectric schemes?
Hydroelectric schemes use a dam to block a valley or a major river, creating a reservoir behind the dam.
How is electricity produced in hydroelectric schemes?
Water built up behind the dam is directed and released by valves through turbines, which turn generators to produce electricity.
What is a key advantage of hydroelectric energy?
It is a clean, renewable energy source.
How quickly can hydroelectric systems respond to energy demand?
Valves can be opened very quickly to produce energy at peak times.
What is a notable environmental benefit of hydroelectric energy?
There is no pollution when running hydroelectric systems.
What is a significant disadvantage of hydroelectric schemes?
The construction of dams is expensive.
What is a common objection to hydroelectric projects?
There are objections from people in the surrounding environment.
How do hydroelectric schemes affect wildlife?
They affect wildlife by flooding the valley.
What is biomass energy?
Biomass energy involves growing plants or using animal materials to be burned for heat.
What are examples of biomass crops?
Plants such as rapeseed or willow are specifically grown as biomass crops.
What is a key advantage of biomass energy?
It is a clean, renewable energy source.
What happens to carbon dioxide released during biomass energy production?
Carbon dioxide is released in the process and can be reused by plants.
How quickly can replacement plants be grown for biomass energy?
Replacement plants can be grown very quickly to ensure a good supply.
What is a disadvantage of biomass energy?
It creates atmospheric pollution when burned.
What is another disadvantage of using land for biomass energy crops?
Land used for energy crops may be needed for other purposes such as agriculture.
