Lesson 11: Choosing the best energy source

 MUST state the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources  SHOULD interpret and evaluate information about energy sources

 You need to be able to define the following:  Power output

1)Biofuel 2)Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution; reduces deaths due to their extraction; reduces damage to environment. 3)Nuclear power stations are very expensive to build; would not be worth it on a small scale in a remote place. 4)Fossil fuels generate electricity at a relatively low cost per kWh.

5)Hydroelectric schemes produce electricity very efficiently. 6)Wind turbines need replacing more often than coal- fired power stations; many are needed to give a sizeable output; but even a large number of them are cheaper to build than a power station; wind is free. Coal-fired power stations produce large amounts of electricity per power station relatively cheaply for decades; but we must pay for the fuel;, and at the end of their life they are very expensive to replace. Wind turbines may be as cost-effective over a long timescale.

Activity 2 (Standard demand)  Situation 1: wind turbines; other possible options are solar, waves, biofuel generator; reasons are that wind blows almost constantly; wind turbines can be easily installed in small areas; there is too little sunshine for high output from solar power; wave and biofuel generators are not well developed yet.  Situation 2: fossil fuel; other possible options are nuclear; wind, biofuel; reasons are that a large amount of electricity is needed, and transport links for fuel deliveries is good; the region is too heavily populated for nuclear power to be accepted as a safe option; the region is not hilly enough for reliable wind power; biofuel generators are not well developed.