Energy Sources

Energy Sources There are two forms of energy sources: Non-renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources. Non-renewable energy sources are energy sources that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out. Renewable energy sources are natural energy sources which do not get used up.

Total Primary Energy Supply (World)

Non-renewable Energy Non-renewable energy is the more traditional source of energy and is most commonly known as fossil fuels. Examples of non-renewable energy are: Coal. Oil. Natural Gas. Non-renewable sources of energy are much cheaper than renewable sources but are harmful to the environment.

Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an atom. Nuclear energy can be used to make electricity. But first the energy must be released. It can be released from atoms in two ways: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Nuclear energy plants are very expensive to build. It does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere but can be very dangerous due to radioactivity.

Renewable Energy Renewable energy is a source of energy that does not get used up. There are many different forms of renewable energy: Wind energy. Solar energy. Bioenergy. Ocean energy. Hydroelectricity (Inniscarra Dam).

Wind Energy The energy that travels in the wind can be captured and converted to provide electricity. Wind turbines are used to create electricity from the energy in the wind. Wind turbines are located onshore and offshore.

Solar Energy Solar energy is reasonably predictable, and is not associated with any environmental risk. There are two main ways that solar energy is used in our buildings : 1. Solar Heat 2. Solar Electricity Solar light (light from the sun) can be exploited in building design to even further minimise the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

Ocean Energy Ocean energy uses the power from the sea to create electricity. It uses energy from waves or from tidal currents. Ireland has one of the greatest ocean energy resources in the world.

Ocean Energy Resource European Wave Energy Atlas, Average Theoretical Wave Power (kW)

Bioenergy Bioenergy is energy which comes from biomass (Plants and other organic material). Biomass can be burned to provide heat or converted to steam to drive engines. Certain plants can be converted to fuel (biofuel) and special cars can run on this biofuel.

Hydroelectricity A dam is built to trap water, usually in a valley where there is an existing lake. Water is allowed to flow through tunnels in the dam, to turn turbines and thus drive generators. Hydro-electric power stations can produce a great deal of power very cheaply.

Homework Pick one form of non-renewable energy and one form of renewable energy. Write about how each form of energy works. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. Give your opinion as to which is better and should be used more. For information look up www.tinyurl.com/energyproject.