Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy

How do we produce electricity?

Nuclear Power

How a generator works?

Nonrenewable vs. Renewable Resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas that take millions of years to form and release pollution into the atmosphere when burned. Resources such as wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, and nuclear that can supply energy for a long time and do not release pollution into the atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels Fuels that were made from materials that formed hundreds of millions of years ago which include coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas.

Fossil Fuels Ancient plants take in and store carbon. Fossil fuels are the remains of those plants (fossilized carbon). When we burn fossil fuels, we release that carbon dioxide that was stored in the ground for millions of years.

Burning Fossil Fuels to produce electricity Fossil fuels can be burned to release the chemical energy stored millions of years ago. The process of burning fuel is known as combustion.

Greenhouse effect Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas. It allows thermal radiation to be passed through the atmosphere, but prevents it from leaving (Global Climate Change). Greenhouse gases act as a blanket over the Earth, trapping in the heat.

Renewable Resources

Renewable Resources Renewable resources can be replenished in a short period of time. In the United States, 8% of our electrical energy was generated from renewable resources. Most renewable forms of energy release very little CO2 into the atomsphere.

Biomass All matter has energy. By burning different types of biomass, electricity can be created. Biopower facilities use many different technologies; the most common is burning of wood or other biomass feedstock's to produce steam which then is used to drive turbines and produce electricity.

Geothermal Energy Geo means Earth. Thermal means heat. Geothermal power uses the heat inside the Earth to produce heat or electricity. Currently, most geothermal power is generated using steam or hot water from underground. Geothermal power generation produces few emissions and the power source is continuously available.

Wind Energy Modern wind turbines are used to generate electricity, either for individual use or for contribution to a utility power grid. In recent years, wind has become an increasingly attractive source of renewable energy – wind energy is the world's fastest-growing energy technology. Wind turbines placed at sites with strong, steady winds can economically generate electricity without producing pollutants.

Solar Energy Solar energy uses the sun's energy to transform light energy into heat, light, hot water, and electricity for homes, businesses, and industry. Despite sunlight's significant potential for supplying energy, solar power provides less than 1% of U.S. energy needs. This percentage is expected to increase with the development of new and more efficient solar technologies

Hydropower Hydropower refers to using water to generate electricity. A dam uses the kinetic energy of moving water to spin a turbine and generate electricity. Water is the most common renewable source of energy in the United States today.

Pick one of the energy resources below. Oil Coal Natural Gas Nuclear Wind Solar Geothermal Hydropower Biomass Begin researching the pros and cons. Take a stance! Are you for or against this type of energy?