Sustainable consumption of electricity Flashcards
What are the main sources of electricity
Fossil fuels
Coal
Oil and natural gas
Nuclear power
What are fossil fuels
Remains of dead plants/animals that have been buried for millions of years
Coal, oil, natural gas
Burning fossil fuels - pollutants released into air and water
Greenhouse gases - emitted which add to greenhouse effect
Non-renewable energy source
Used quicker than formed
Coal as a source of energy
Coal - most common, cheapest
SA is worlds 3rd largest exporter
77% of electricity is generated by coal
Release large quantity of greenhouse gas
Oil and natural gas as a source of energy
Oil and natural gases found underground
Easier to extract/store than coal
Natural gas - considered a clean/safe fossil fuel
Extraction - dangerous cause of explosions, can disturb sea life
Nuclear power as a source of energy
Generated from uranium and plutonium
Sustainable - low levels of CO2 are released
Uranium/plutonium - radioactive, dangerous to mine
Nuclear waste - stays radioactive for a long time
Needs to be disposed of correctly
Details about renewable energy sources
Naturally replenished
Sources are sustainable
Considered clean
Technology is often expensive
New technologies used in remote areas to provide electricity to people who would not have otherwise
Examples of renewable energy sources
Wind
Water
Sunlight
Wind as a source of renewable energy
Wind turbines - generate electricity
Air moves blades, powering a generator that makes electricity
Freely available for use, not always blowing or strong enough
Small impact on environment
Water as a source of renewable energy
Hydroelecticity - energy of falling water is turned into electricity
Water is not used up, returns to source
Clean source of electricity
Expensive to build
Building dams can lead to floods which affect the natural environment
Google Hydroelectric scheme for picture
Sunlight as a source of renewable energy
Solar cells use energy from sun to generate electricity (needs to pass through control device to power appliances)
Solar panels can be used to heat water
Cold water is pumped through storage tank, through solar panel pipes, water is heated and flows back to tank
Safe and clean
Can not be used at night or cloudy days
Sustainable use of electricity for heating and cooling in the home
Insulation in ceiling
Heaters with thermostats
Plan house with most windows facing north
Open curtains in winter to let heat in
Close windows and doors if using a heater to keep heat in
Use efficient gas/oil heaters
Solar panels to heat water
Dress warmly rather than using a heater
Sustainable use of electricity for lighting in the home
Switch off lights when nobody is in the room
Low energy lightbulbs, timers, sensors for outside lighting
Solar lights in the garden
Lower wattage lightbulbs
Plan house to face north for maximum natural light
Sustainable use of electricity for cooking appliances in the home
Heat only what you need in a kettle
Use microwave instead of an oven when you can
Use gas
Plan meals to be efficient with energy use
Check ovens rubber seal
Keep oven door closed until food is cooked
Use pressure cooker to reduce cooking time
Use correct stove plate
Cover pots with a lid
Sustainable use of electricity for geysers and water heaters in the home
Use geyser blanket for insulation
Switch off geyser when at work or on holiday
Install vertically to save 20% electricity rather than horizontally
Lower temperature to 60`C
Install a solar heater for water, expensive initially but cheaper long-term and environmentally friendly
Shower instead of bath
Use an energy saving water head - uses 24% less water and electricity
Sustainable use of electricity for refridgerators and freezers in the home
Do not overpack
Freezers work better when filled to recommended capacity
Do not open needlessly
Check the rubber seal
Check energy efficiency label
