Energy Sources Advantages and Disadvantages

Coal Advantages Relatively cheap Easily transported Found in many places Disadvantages Produces most greenhouse gases May contribute to Global Warming Non-renewable resource

Oil Advantages Found in lots of places around the world We can transport oil and gas using pipes, tankers, and ships Disadvantages Could cause environmental change Non-renewable May add to global warming

Natural Gas Advantages Found in lots of places around the world We can transport oil and gas using pipes, tankers, and ships Disadvantages Could cause environmental damage Non-renewable May add to global warming

Nuclear Power Advantages No greenhouse gases Only need a small amount to make a lot of energy Disadvantages The waste is harmful and needs to be disposed of carefully Risk of sabotage or terrorist attack World uranium supply may run out in 50 years

Biomass Advantages Fuel is cheap and we can use things we might throw away Waste is everywhere Disadvantages Greenhouse gases Some people grow biomass crops instead of food May not have enough space

Wind Advantages Wind is free and will not run out No greenhouse gases Very few safety risks Disadvantages Looks ugly Need lots of turbines to make energy Can only be use in windy areas

Hydropower Advantages Water used is free Renewable energy No greenhouse gases made Disadvantages Dams are expensive and harm ecosystems Dependent on rain/water

Geothermal Advantages No greenhouse gases Free and will not run out Disadvantages Not many places to build plants Harmful gases and minerals come up

Solar Advantages Energy is Free Does not produce greenhouse gases The sun will always be there in our lives Disadvantages Relatively expensive Clouds or rain cause problems for energy production Some people don’t like the look