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Renewable energy resources - Coggle Diagram
Renewable energy resources
Solar energy
Origin
Energy from sunlight is captured in solar panels and converted into electricity. It is the most abundant renewable energy in the world. There are two technologies that harness solar energy such as solar photovoltaics and solar thermal. Solar photovoltaics convert sunlight into direct electricity by using semiconductors. Solar thermal technology utilizes the heat from the sun for heating or electricity production.
Advantages
potentially infinite energy supply, single dwellings can have own electricity supply, maintenance and upkeep costs are low; doesn't emit any greenhouse gases
Disadvantages
manufacture and implementation of solar panels can be costly, energy is only supplied during the daytime and when there is enough sun; energy can be stored but this is expensive; solar farms can take up large areas of land
Wind energy
Origin
Wind turbines (modern windmills) turn wind energy into electricity
Advantages
potentially infinite energy supply; versatile in terms of size and number of turbines; can supply energy to rural areas that are not connected to the electricity grid; No direct CO2 emissions
Disadvantages
manufacture and implementation of wind farms can be costly, some local people object to on-shore wind farms, arguing that it spoils the countryside;some argue windfarms are dangerous for birds and other wildlife; wind is an unreliable source of constant energy
Tidal energy
Origin
Tidal energy comes from the movement of tides driving turbines. A tidal barrage (a kind of dam) is built across estuaries, forcing water through gaps. In the future underwater turbines may be possible out at sea and without dams. Portugal is already successfully using it. They can be constructed only along coastlines. Tidal energy is created by tidal barrages, tidal fences, tidal turbines. Tidal barrages are the most efficient resources.
Advantage
ideal for an island such as the UK; potential to generate a lot of energy; tidal barrage can double as a bridge, and help prevent flooding; it is easy to install; no direct emission of greenhouse gases; a low environmental impact. It is a predictable energy source.
Disadvantage
construction of barrage is very costly; only a few estuaries are suitable; opposed by some environmental groups as having a negative impact on wildlife; may reduce tidal flow and impede the flow of sewage out to sea. They do not provide sufficient capacity to satisfy demand
Wave energy
Origin
The movement of seawater in and out of a cavity on the shore compresses trapped air, driving a turbine.
Advantage
ideal for an island country; more likely to be small local operations, rather than done on a national scale
Disadvantage
construction can be costly; may be opposed by local or environmental groups.
Geothermal energy
Origin
In volcanic regions, it is possible to use the natural heat of the Earth. Coldwater is pumped underground and comes out as steam. Steam can be used for heating or to power turbines creating electricity.
Advantage
potentially infinite energy supply; used successfully in some countries, such as New Zealand and Iceland
Disadvantage
can be expensive to set up and only works in areas of volcanic activity; geothermal and volcanic activity might calm down over time, leaving power stations redundant; dangerous elements found underground must be disposed of carefully
Hydroelectric Power (HEP)
Origin
Energy harnessed from the movement of water through rivers, lakes and dams. Modern hydroplants produce electricity by turbants and generators. There are two main types of hydroelectricity production: dams and run of river. Hydrodams utilize a potential energy from water to produce electricity. Run of river uses turbines and generators, but relies on natural water flow rates of rivers.
Advantages
creates water reserves as well as energy supplies; potentially a good option for countries with high rainfall; pumped storage can supply energy at peak times and then return water to storage using surplus energy when demand is low
Disadvantages
costly to build; can cause the flooding of surrounding communities and landscapes; dams have major ecological impacts on local hydrology; build up of plant and other material reduces storage over time
Biomass energy
Origin
Biomass energy is generated from decaying plant or animal waste. It can also be an organic material which is burned to provide energy, eg heat, or electricity. An example of biomass energy is oilseed rape (yellow flowers you see in the UK in summer), which produces oil. After treatment with chemicals it can be used as a fuel in diesel engines.
Advantages
a cheap and readily available source of energy; provides constant, reliable energy; if the crops are replaced, biomass can be a longterm, sustainable energy source
Disadvantages
when burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants; contributes to build-up of greenhouse gases; if crops are not replanted, biomass is a non-renewable resource
Wood energy
Origin
Wood is obtained from felling trees, burned to generate heat and light.
Advantages
a cheap and readily available source of energy; if the trees are replaced, wood burning can be a longterm, sustainable energy source
Disadvantages
when burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants; contributes to build-up of greenhouse gases; if trees are not replanted, wood is a non-renewable resource