Alternative Energies Notes

Alternative Energy

  • Energies that are not fossil fuels. Most are renewable.
  • The following are renewable: ______, ______, ______, ______, ______, ______, ______, and ______.
  • Research toward alternative energies started in the 70’s due to the oil embargo, and are continuing today due to foreign oil dependency and environmental concerns.
  • About ______of today’s energy in the U.S. is renewable.

Hydropower

  • This uses the mechanical power of flowing water to generate electricity. Power depends on the amount of water (_____) and the distance it falls (______). (diagram pg. 450)
  • Accounts for ______of U.S. renewable energies and is the largest renewable source for electricity – 10%.
  • Will not increase in the U.S. because most suitable sites have been used.

Impacts:

 ______, ______, and ______.

 Costly to build and funds to build new dams have not been approved in more than a decade.

 Dams disrupt the environment and create different habitats.

 Dams can fill with ______becoming useless if not maintained.

 Hydropower is on the decline

Wind

  • Use of wind to spin turbine to generate electricity.
  • Researches are looking for ways to store energy and reduce cost.
  • Fastest growing energy source in the world. (costal Europe)
  • Electricity is almost as cheap as fossil fuel in areas with strong winds.
  • Most effective on ______, ______, and ______.
  • Winds farms now exist in PA, West Virginia, and New York
  • Accounts for only _____ of our alternative energy.

Impacts

 Few environmental impacts (noise, space, damage to bats and birds)

 No air pollution

 Limited globally due to varying winds

Biomass

  • The burning of ______, ______, ______, ______, and ______This also includes fuels made from organic matter.
  • Various methods are used to create fuels that can be used for heating or transportation. (could possibly replace petroleum)
  • Sugar crops and grains can be converted through fermentation by yeast to produce ______. (can be blended with gasoline)
  • ______is a substitute for diesel engines and is made from ______or ______.
  • Use is increasing with new technologies. (see turkey oil article)
  • Accounts for close to _____ of alternative energy in this country.
  • Major source for ______.

Impacts

 Some air pollution.

 Processing of some organic wastes release hazardous chemicals.

 Responsible for forest destruction and soil erosion in rainforests. (burning of wood)

Geothermal

  • Uses the natural heat (dry heat, steam, or hot rock) tapped in the earth to heat homes or produce electricity. (diagram pg. 476)
  • Power plants must be near the source because too much energy is lost during transportation.
  • ______, ______, ______, and ______have the potential .
  • Accounts for 6% of our renewable energy.

Impacts

 It is limited to certain areas.

 Nothing is burned so there is limited air pollution.

 Harmful gases can sometime be vented with heat and land surfaces may collapse.

Tidal

  • converts the mechanical energy from ocean tides to electricity.
  • Limited to coastal regions and therefore will never be a major energy source in this country. (______, ______, and ______)

Wave – Waves force water up a large tower pushing the air up over a turbine to generate electricity. (Norway)

Hydrogen Fuel – the changing of hydrogen gas into a fuel source (gas or liquid)

  • Makes up ______of the universe and is the lightest element.
  • Requires water and ______is the only product given off when burned
  • The ______is looking into expanding its use (fuel cell technology)
  • It would require new equipment and engines to burn it (fuel cells)
  • Hydrogen fueled cars have been made.

* Check out this web site: www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/

Impacts

 Pollution free.

 It is too expensive and difficult to store.

 It could one day replace gasoline engines and our dependency on foreign oil.

 A transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen fuel will take a lot of time and money.