12.2 – NOTES Alternative Energy

D.2 Fuel Sources over the years Biomass was used to meet over half of the United States’ energy needs from 1850-1880.   During this time, primary transportation modes included horses and trains Use of this energy source began to decline as other energy sources were discovered

Petroleum did not become to become a major energy source until 1920. Petroleum was used initially for heating and lamps   Increased consumption in the 1920s was due to mass production of automobiles Other energy sources, such as natural gas and nuclear fission have increased in use since 1975

D.3 Alternate Fuel and Energy Sources 70% of petroleum used is used for transportation in the US Oil shale Sedimentary rock containing material that can be turned into crude oil kerogen- partially formed oil Found West of the Rockies No efficient way of processing for energy Must process lots of sand and rock Need ½ barrel of petroleum to make 1 barrel from oil shale

Coal liquefaction Process of converting coal into liquid fuel   Technology has been around since the mid 1900s Cost is greater for same amount of energy than can be obtained from petroleum May become more attractive in the future

Renewable Petroleum Replacements Some plants store energy as hydrocarbons, rather than carbohydrates Genus Euphorbia- plant species that stores energy as hydrocarbons Biodiesel A green strategy for a renewable petrol substitute, containing the functional group ester (R-COO-R’) Can be made from any source of plant and animal fat Must be refined to be used in cars Sold blended with petroleum based diesel

Other Energy Strategies Hydropower- water power Nuclear fission and fusion- very clea, potential health effects Solar energy- from sun, needs to be in a sunny area Wind energy- need a windy location Burning biomass- primary source of energy through the 1880s, from natural things Geothermal energy- heat/steam energy Carpooling- saves resources