CHAPTER 3 Production and Distribution of Electrical Energy

electricity generation is the process of generating electric energy from other forms of energy. Power stationFunction Oil Natural Gas Coal Geothermal Biomass Nuclear Wind Solar Tidal Hydroelectric wave energy derived from the heat(hot water or steam ) in the interior of the earth materials that can be burned and used as a source of fuel.( Wood, waste, Crops …) Uses the fission of uranium nuclei uses wind energy as mechanical energy Uses light energy uses running water as mechanical energy transforming heat energy from burning oil into mechanical energy

a.Renewable Energy: Energy comes from nature which cannot be exhausted(unlimited). b. Non Renewable Energy. Energy obtained from sources that are exist in a limited amount on Earth. Example: sunlight, wind, tides, rain, geothermal heat, biomass. Example: Coal, natural gas.

COAL Advantages Disadvantages found in lots of places inexpensive Large amounts of electricity can be produced Coal can be easily transported to the power stations. Burning coal produces polluting gases which make acid rain. To dig up coal, we have to create mines which can be dangerous

Petroleum AdvantagesDisadvantages Oil Transportation is easy can be built almost anywhere found in lots of places Burning this fuel contributes to ‘global warming’ The price of oil and gas will increase because supplies are running out and lots of people will want it

Solar Advantages Disadvantages free leaves no waste products If there is no light(cloudy or at night) there is no energy expensive Wind Advantages Disadvantages freeexpensive leaves no waste products very few safety risks No wind, no energy Finding a suitable site can be difficult

Hydro-Electric Advantages Disadvantages freeexpensive leaves no waste products Electricity is produced constantly Finding a suitable site can be difficult the nearby area has to be flooded and this could affect nearby wildlife and plants.