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RENEWABLE ENERGY - Coggle Diagram

- - - - potentially infinite energy supply
      - single dwellings can have own electricity supply
      - maintenance and upkeep costs are low
    - - 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
  - - - potentially infinite energy supply
      - versatile in terms of size and number of turbines
      - can supply energy to rural areas that are not connected to electricity grid
    - - 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
  - - - 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
    - - 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 flow of sewage out to sea
  - - - potentially infinite energy supply
      - used successfully in some countries, such as New Zealand and Iceland
    - - 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
  - - - 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
    - - 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
  - - - 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
    - - 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
  - - - ideal for an island country
      - more likely to be small local operations, rather than done on a national scale
    - - construction can be costly
      - may be opposed by local or environmental groups