Energy Resources Introduction of the different types
Classifications of Energy Non-renewable vs. Renewable (click links for video) Non-renewable: Energy source which cannot be reused d=28a3da59-46cd-464d-aeb5-f465b8a194aa Renewable: Energy source which can be reused but may have limitations d=28a3da59-46cd-464d-aeb5-f465b8a194aa
Non-renewable Fossil Fuels: TypeDefinitionProsCons CoalCombustible rock used to heat -cheap -abundant -continuous power -carbon dioxide/methane -global warming -severe safety impacts Natural gasA hydrocarbon gas, methane, that is naturally found -widely used around world -cleanest fossil fuel -no waste -explosive % methane -store under high pressure Nuclear Power PlantSplits uranium ore through fission process to provide electricity -large energy output -small amount ore needed -low carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas release -nuclear meltdowns -release radiation -waste storage problems
Renewable TypeDefinitionProsCons SolarRadiant/heat energy from the sun- need solar panels -near 0 operating costs -high efficiency -no pollution -sun limitations -need backup source -intermittent GeothermalEnergy coming from and stored in the Earth -near emission free -no fuel required -smallest land footprint of energy supplies -prime location specific/far from population centers -need >350 o F temperature -high construction costs BiomassEnergy from organic material or trash that is burned -naturally distributed -abundant supply -convert waste to energy -deforestation -pollution when burned -compete with food growth WindEnergy from the wind- need wind turbines -low cost -very clean -free power after install -limited wind -large turbine space -wildlife impact
Locations Where the various types are found and used The following link is from GE electric companies from 2010 statistics based on the top using countries for the various sources and the amounts used world/ world/ The United States ranked 1st in use for Geothermal and Biomass energy, and 2nd for solar and wind
Costs Costs to install or use energy sources Biomass: free- uses trash and wastes Solar- from $15 -20,000 for average sized house Geothermal- ~$18,000 for pump and installation Wind- 10kW turbine ~ $35-50,000/per turbine
Reference -Siegel, R.P. (2012). Retreived from triplepundit.com -Marsh, B., Lamb, R. (n.d.) How Nuclear Power Works. Retreived from howstuffworks.com -Time For Change: Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power. Retrieved from timeforchange.org -GE Reports (2010). Retrieved from -Conserve-energy-future.com -Discoveryeducation.com