Geothermal Energy It is the heat that is stored within the Earth. Geothermal energy is a renewable source because heat is continuously being produce within the Earth. Advantages: ~Simple and reliable ~Doesn’t need fuel ~Domestic source of energy Disadvantages: ~High costs to build geothermal plants ~Sites must be in prime areas ~Emissions of sulfur dioxide and silica

U.S. Usage and World Usage of Geothermal Energy

Circumstances in which it is the best choice Geothermal energy is generated mostly in the western states. Geothermal energy is cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective than burning fossil fuels, and it can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Putting in a geothermal system is equivalent to taking 2 cars off the road or planting over 700 trees.

Hydrogen Energy Hydrogen Energy is a type of energy that takes hydrogen and oxygen to make electricity, heat, and water it also makes a clean bioproduct which is safer than non-renewable energy.

U.S. Usage World Usage 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 83m 97m 105m 119m 118m Hydrogen 83m 97m 105m 119m 118m Nuclear 94m 85m 103m 117m Coal 38m 43m 48m 53m 49m 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Hydrogen 69m 79m  85m 93m  98m  Nuclear 71m 77m 88m 91m Coal 11m 16m 20m 22m 19m

Benefits and Disadvantages 1.) It does not pollute there for safer for the environment. 2.) Fuel cells have a higher efficiency Disadvantages 1.) They give out nitrogen dioxide and other emissions. 2.) High cost to make them Why it is a better: It is a renewable energy source and will be around for a long time it is also accessible and Clean.

What is Tidal Energy? How does Tidal Energy work? Tidal power or tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity. Although not yet widely used, tidal energy has potential for future electricity generation.  How does Tidal Energy work? Tidal stream generators are very similar to wind turbines except their below the water surface instead of above or on land. The turbine and generator converts the movement of water coming from change in tide, the kinetic energy, into electricity.

Tidal Energy Usage WORLD USAGE U.S. USAGE  At least 10% of the world uses tidal energy. U.S. USAGE Alaska contains up to 90% of the tidal resources.

Renewable Energy source Environmentally friendly energy source Tidal Energy would be a great choice because it is high energy density than other renewable energy forms. It produces no greenhouse gases or other waste. Tidal turbines are 80% efficient, which is higher than solar or wind energy generators. Barrages reduce the damage of high tidal surges on the land. Benefits Disadvantages Renewable Energy source Environmentally friendly energy source Effective at low speeds Tidal currents are highly predictable Long lifespans Non-polluting Expensive Close to land Environmental Effects It really depends on wind and the moon You have to be located near water

Oceanic Thermal Energy Oceanic Thermal Energy (OTEC) is the technology from harnessing the temperature differences from the ocean surface and the deep oceanic levels.  Therefore to heat of the sun heats up the surface of the ocean creating a differing temperature between the lower and upper ocean levels. This powers turbines and produces electricity. Seen in the photo to the right, the actual working of the contraption is more complex than explained, warm seawater is taken up through a evaporator then transmitted to a turbine generator connected to a cable. Water vapor is also taken to a condenser that takes up cooler seawater  turning that into freshwater.

Pro's and Con's Advantages Disadvantages Produces clean and renewable energy for the environment Consistently produces energy Once cold water is available from it, you can provide that for other things, AC/refrigeration  Extremely expensive to install Uses tons of energy to pump cold seawater to surface Disrupts sea life Rarely places to find 20 degrees Celsius difference (meaning only tropical places provide this)

US usage: World usage: World Usage: Only 2.48 percent of the us renewable energy is water.

Wind energy- the use of air flow through wind turbines to provide the mechanical power to turn electric generators. Benefits of using wind power it is and inexhaustible source of energy, doesn't pollute the air like power plants,  it doesn’t produce atmospheric emissions that cause acid rain or greenhouse gases, is a virtually a limitless resource, and natural physical resource. The disadvantages are it is not possible without huge government subsides, it is a unreliable energy source, requires areas of large open land, noise pollution, and maintenance cost of wind turbines.

Areas in where wind is high produced, no area where hurricanes can knock down the poles, coastal areas, at the top of rounded hills, and gaps in mountains.

Solar Energy Melisa Dominguez Solar Energy – Energy from the sun that is converted to electrical energy or thermal energy. 

U.S. Solar Energy Usage  World Solar Energy Usage 

Circumstances in which it's the best choice Benefits  1. solar energy is a renewable energy source  2. reduces electricity bills 3. Solar panel manufacturers include a 20- to 25-year warranty with their solar panels. 4.Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity or heat  Circumstances in which it's the best choice  Solar energy is a good alternative to replace fossil  fuel as the major energy source because solar power is renewable and easy to get depending on the location.                          Disadvantages 1. location- not all locations receive the same amount of annual sunlight 2. season- during the summer, the sun is closer to earth that it is in winter  3. reliability- solar energy relies on the sun, therefor it's useless during a storm, a cloudy day, and the night.  4. cost- the cost of purchasing a solar system is high.