Renewable Forms of Energy (Also called Alternative Energy or Sustainable Energy)

Solar Power Solar panels change the sun’s light energy to electrical energy.

Solar Power Solar panels change the sun’s light energy to electrical energy by storing energy in a battery first.

Wind Power The wind spins large turbine blades that spin a generator. The generator changes this motion into electrical energy.

Hydroelectric Power Stopping a river creates a dam and reservoir. The falling water passes through a power plant. This gravitational energy from the water spins the turbine blades and changes it into electricity.

Hydroelectric Power The electrical power lines carry the electricity from the dam to homes and cities.

Tidal Power As the ocean comes in and goes out (high tide and low tide), the motion in the water makes the blades on the turbine spin. The turbine and generator change it to electrical energy.

Tidal Power As the ocean comes in and goes out (tides), the moving water makes the blades on the turbine spin. The generator changes it to electrical energy.

Geothermal Power Heat inside the earth warms water on the Earth’s surface. The hot water changes from a liquid to a gas inside a power plant. The power from the steam gas moving spins the turbine blades (think of a teapot). This steam motion changes to electrical energy.

Biomass and Biofuel Biomass energy comes from burning plant and animal waste. Biomass energy from corn, sugarcane, or vegetable oil can also run our cars. Biomass energy can also come from turning garbage into energy.

Reflection and Perspective What are other ways we might think about these sustainable and renewable energies? What other perspectives are there? Are these energies REALLY sustainable? What are the challenges each energy faces? Are there negative impacts on the Earth? What makes you say that?