Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy No undesired consequences Renewable “Free Energy” Lower Carbon Emissions

Alternative Energy Solar Wind Geothermal Hydroelectric Biomass Wave

Solar Energy Every minute enough energy reaches the earth to power the planet for a year. Solar Cells Solar Water Heaters Solar Furnaces

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages Free Provides electricity to remote places Disadvantages Solar Cells are expensive Doesn’t work at night or in cloudy conditions

Wind Energy Advantages Disadvantages No pollution Wind is not constant Need several turbines close to a city to provide enough power Turbines are expensive to build Noisy and Unsightly

Geothermal Energy Heat energy from underground Holes are drilled deep into the ground. Cold water is sent down, heated by the earth, and comes back up as steam. Steam turns turbines and generators.

Geothermal Energy Advantages Disadvantages Doesn’t require fuel Power stations are small Disadvantages Cannot be built except in select locations Harmful gases may come out with the steam Shift in earth’s crust moves hot pockets

Hydroelectric Power Energy from falling water Provides 20% of the world’s electricity First harnessed in 1878 Dam is built to trap water, water is allowed to flow through dam, turning turbines.

Hydroelectric Power Advantages Disadvantages Very reliable Energy (water) can be stored Disadvantages Dams are very expensive to build Affects the landscape and surrounding organisms

Biomass Material from living things Can be burned to heat water and create steam Produces gas to turn turbines Wood

Biomass Advantages Disadvantages Renewable Readily available Not environmentally friendly

Wave Power The rising and falling of ocean waves acts like a turbine Not reliable Can only be built on coastal cities