Renewable Energy Sources Alternative energy sources to using fossil fuels.

Why is there a push to using renewable energy? 1. Help protect against harmful toxins and greenhouse gasses that are produced from using fossil fuels. 2. Preserve the natural resources, fossil fuels, that we use for energy.

Wind Power Solar Power Geothermal Energy Hydroelectric Energy Biomass Renewable Resources Wind Power Solar Power Geothermal Energy Hydroelectric Energy Biomass

Wind Power Harnesses the power of the wind to move the blades of wind turbines. The rotation of the blades is converted into electrical energy that can be stored in electrical grids. The bottom picture is a wind turbine in Atlantic City, NJ. Picture above is from the east coast, Atlantic Ocean; Picture below is in Atlantic City, NJ

Solar Power Trapping the sun’s rays into solar cells where the sunlight is converted into electricity. Used for heating, cooking, and the production of electricity. “Thermal energy” – when heat is moving. Solar Panels have been put on several street lights – look for them. We are getting solar panels put on our roof at Harrison.

Tidal Energy What is Tidal Energy? Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of the tides into electricity or other useful forms of power. The tide is created by the gravitational effect of the sun and the moon on the earth. Tidal energy is therefore a predictable form of renewable energy. This type of energy is obtained from changing sea levels. Tidal barrage Tidal stream generator Tidal Fences

Geothermal Energy Literally means “Earth Heat” Harnesses the heat energy from under the earth. Hot rocks underground heat water to produce steam. When holes are drilled in this area, the steam that shoots up is purified and is used to drive turbines which power electric generators.

Hydroelectric Energy Comes from energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. Comes from collecting energy from moving water.

Biomass Renewable energy from plants and animals. Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Plants absorb the sun's energy in a process called photosynthesis. The chemical energy in plants gets passed on to animals and people that eat them. We can always grow more trees and crops, and waste will always exist. When burned, the chemical energy in biomass is released as heat. The most common form of biomass is wood.

Biomass can be converted to other useable forms of energy, such as methane gas or transportation fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. Biodiesel, another transportation fuel, can be produced from left-over food products like vegetable oils and animal fats.

20% Renewable Energy 2020 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cysaOnlv_E