Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy Definition: Energy generated in ways that do not deplete (over- use) natural resources or harm the environment, especially by avoiding the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

WIND Energy Definition;  Wind energy (or wind power) describes the process by which wind is used to create electricity.   Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power.  A generator can convert mechanical power into electricity.

Wind Energy… Advantages: Pros  Disadvantages: Cons   Wind is always available all over the world and is more reliable than natural gas and solar It is one of the lowest costing renewable energy source Some areas are less windy than others and so less effective Wind turbines cause harm to wildlife Wind turbines can be noisy The most windy areas are often far away from the city where a lot of electricity is needed

SOLAR Energy Definition;  Active solar energy involves equipment or an action to convert solar energy into a useful form. One example of active solar energy is the use of solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electrical energy that can be used in the home.  Passive solar energy does not require any specific action or equipment. An example of passive solar energy is strategically placing windows in a home to allow sunlight to enter and provide heat.

Solar Energy… Advantages: Pros  Disadvantages: Cons  Solar panels are low maintenance (once they are installed, they do not take a lot of work) They are silent The sun will always be a resource  There’s no sun at night Less sun with cloud cover It is difficult to have the panels angled correctly to always be efficient

GEOTHERMAL Energy Definition; A form of energy obtained from within the  earth, originating  in its core; also, energy produced  by extracting the earth's internal heat using coils (wires) in the ground

Geothermal Energy… Advantages: Pros  Disadvantages: Cons  Does not require clearing of land Low maintenance costs because there are not many moving parts No shortages on resource Potential toxic emissions from the centre of the earth Construction can affect the land structure Pump needs an energy source

BIOMASS Energy Definition;  A renewable energy source from living or recently living plant and animal materials which can be used as fuel. An example of biomass is plant material that produces electricity with steam. 

Biomass Energy… Advantages: Pros  Disadvantages: Cons   Growing biomass crops create oxygen and use up carbon dioxide  Biomass is always available Land used for energy crops may be in demand for things such as farming or housing  Research is need to reduce the costs of production of biomass fuels