Biomass and Geothermal Energy Introduction Read “Central Case: Germany’s Big Bet on Renewable Energy” on page 549 in your textbook. Answer the Big Question: “What are the potential uses and limitations of renewable energy?”

Biomass and Geothermal Energy Explicit Instruction Alternative energy resources are needed to replace fossil fuels, reduce air pollution, and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Renewable Energy Benefits: Renewable resources are unlikely to run out. Alternative energy resources provide less dependence on foreign nations. Renewable energy will help created jobs in design, construction and maintenance. 80% of the world’s energy use currently comes from fossil fuels.

Biomass and Geothermal Energy Explicit Instruction Energy derived from biomass is used for cooking, heating, powering motor vehicles, and electricity. Biomass energy is energy produced from living organisms or their remnants. More than 1 billion people still burn wood as their main energy source. Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, can be used to cut down on harmful emissions. Electricity generated from biomass (biopower) can include fast-growing plants, waste, and methane generated from bacterial decay. Benefits of Biomass Energy Costs of Biomass Energy Biomass releases no net carbon in to the atmosphere. Biomass is distributed worldwide. Takes up land that can be used to grow food. Can cause soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification. Not renewable if used faster than its produced. Inefficient because farming equipment uses fossil fuels. If burned inside it is harmful to human health.

Biomass and Geothermal Energy Explicit Instruction Steam and hot water produced by geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity and for heating. Geothermal energy is energy produced from the combination of high pressure and the breakdown of elements deep under the Earth’s surface. Geothermal energy can be harnessed from surface supplies (such as geysers) or deep drilling. Geothermal energy projects may not be sustainable, contain chemicals that can damage equipment and add to pollution, and even trigger earthquakes.

Biomass and Geothermal Energy Guided Practice Read and review the questions for “Real Data: Biodiesel” on page 552 in your textbook. Work with your tablemates to answer the questions.

Biomass and Geothermal Energy Independent Practice Why will the use of renewable energy probably keep increasing? What is biomass energy? Give three examples of biomass energy. Do you think that the use of crops and land to produce biofuels is justified? Would you attach any conditions to this use? Support your answers. Describe the process utilized in harnessing geothermal energy to generate electricity. Is this practice sustainable? Suppose you work for the government and must decide on a proposal to utilize tax money to develop renewable resources. Would you use tax money on biomass or geothermal energy? Why or why not?