Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
RENEWABLE ENERGY - Coggle Diagram
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Types of renewable energy
solar
Energy from sunlight is captured in solar panels and converted into electricity.
Advantages
potentially infinite energy supply
single dwellings can have own electricity supply
maintenance and upkeep costs are low
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
On a flying wind farm there are turbines which collect wind and produce energy out of it.
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 electricity grid
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 wind farms are dangerous for birds and other wildlife
wind is an unreliable source of constant energy
biomass
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.
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
hydrogen
To separate it from other gases, the gas itself yields high energy while producing almost no pollution.
geothermal
Tapping magma deep within the Earth can produce heated steam to run turbines and generate electricity.
Advantages
potentially infinite energy supply
used successfully in some countries, such as New Zealand and Iceland
Disadvantages
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
ocean
hydropower
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.
Advantages
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
Disadvantages
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
humans
Some system that a person wears which produces electricity out of human activity.
nuclear waste
Fast reactors can be redeveloped to harness up to 95% of the energy nuclear fuels can generate.