Alternative Energy Resources

Energy from fossil fuels add to air pollution and increases our carbon footprint. Instead of using fossil fuels people can use other sources of energy such as: water, wind, and sunlight.

These resources are not burned like fossil fuels, so they contribute little to no pollution. They are also renewable, and will not be used up as fossil fuels will be one day.

Solar Power Solar power is energy from sunlight. The sun’s energy can be collected and used. Solar heaters use sunlight to heat water and buildings. This saves electricity, oil, and gas. Solar panels generate electricity like used in solar powered calculators.

Solar Power

Hydroelectric Power The energy from moving water, called hydroelectric power, can be used to generate electricity, too. Hydroelectric power plants are built on rivers and dams. As water enters the intake of the dam and moves downhill, it spins a large machine called a turbine.

Hydroelectric Power

Turbines Turbines turn the parts of machines called generators. The generator then produces electricity. The electricity is then transported in cables to homes and businesses or wherever it is needed.

Turbines

Wind Power Wind power gets its energy from moving air that pushes and turns the blades of wind turbines. Wind turbines are very tall and are usually grouped together in wind farms. These are most productive in windy areas near cities.

Wind Power

Pros & Cons Hydroelectric power is the most common source of renewable energy. Solar energy still costs more than energy from fossil fuels, but it is becoming more common.

Pros & Cons Wind farms in the windiest parts of the United States could generate enough electricity to power the whole country!

Pros & Cons There are many challenges and problems left to solve, but renewable resources will be an important part of your future.

The Sun’s Importance Recall that energy from the sun powers the water cycle, evaporating the water that eventually forms clouds. When it rains, this water returns to Earth’s surface and flows into rivers.

The Sun’s Importance The sun is driving force for hydroelectric power as well as the movement of air and winds. In fact, most forms of energy-renewable and nonrenewable- can be traced back to the sun.