The Energy Crisis Our energy supplies are running out. We must think how to produce energy in the future.

Everyone of us uses energy all day, every day!

Most of our energy comes from burning fossilized fuel, such as coal, gas and oil.

Fossilized fuel is running out and is polluting our world. We will need almost 60% more energy in 30 years. Oil experts estimate that we will use all our oil within the next 40 years!

Imagine that you are running the country. What kind of energy would you use? Wind, sea, nuclear, solar, coal? Look at the different kinds of energy and then discuss your choices.

Coal, gas and oil AdvantagesDisadvantages Reasonably cheap to produce but prices are rising. The resources are running out. Most scientists believe that they are warming our planet. They pollute the air that we breathe and produce acid rain which harms buildings and crops. Oil experts estimate that we will have used all our oil within the next 40 years! Others say that we will discover more. a

wind energy Wind energy on the land can provide valuable income to rural Wales, especially to farming communities in highland areas. AdvantagesDisadvantages Sustainable Does not pollute. Technology that has already been proven. It does not produce energy when the wind is not blowing. Local inhabitants often oppose the developments because they change the local landscape.

sea energy The sea around the coast of Wales has the potential to produce plenty of electricity through harnessing the power of the tide, the current and the waves. Wales has strong currents in the sea and some of the highest tidal ranges in the world. AdvantagesDisadvantages Sustainable. Does not pollute. New technology. Local inhabitants often oppose the developments because they change the local landscape. Plans are being discussed for Swansea Bay, the Severn Estuary and Liverpool Bay.

nuclear energy AdvantagesDisadvantages Reasonably cheap to produce. It does not contribute towards the greenhouse effect. It produces a lot of energy without using much fuel. Nuclear power produces poisonous radioactive waste which will remain for tens of thousands of years. Nuclear power stations, the trains, the lorries and the ships that carry nuclear waste could be an easy target for terrorists. There are 16 nuclear power stations at present in Britain – each power station will close by The idea is that other renewable energy sources will displace nuclear power and will ease Britain’s dependence on fossilized fuel. However, at present the government are being advised to build more nuclear power stations if they are to meet the targets of greenhouse gas emissions. This picture shows the nuclear power station at Trawsfynydd in the Snowdonia National Park. It was shut down in The nuclear reactors are still kept within the building.

different type of nuclear energy Nuclear power is usually created by splitting atoms (nuclear fission). Scientists are developing a new type of nuclear power which is very safe and combines atoms (nuclear fusion). Another 30 years is needed to develop nuclear fusion. Fusion gives energy to the sun. There is plenty of fusion fuel available and it does not produce greenhouse gases when it ‘burns’. It is safe because it extinguishes when it malfunctions, and although radioactive materials are produced, they are not of a high level nor do they last for a long period of time.

solar energy AdvantagesDisadvantages Technology that has long been proven. Very appropriate to provide energy in single homes or buildings. They are expensive to buy. Much energy is used to create them. Solar roof tiles use the sun’s light to create electricity or warm water. Houses with a lot of tiles can produce more electricity than is needed – the excess electricity could be sold back to local electricity companies.

solar tubes Solar tubes reflect natural daylight through a tube into the home or office. They are a good means of saving energy during the day.

natural light Saint Fagan’s ‘Green House’. The southern face of the house is glazed in order to take full advantage of solar energy.