Renewable energy
There are a range of renewable energy resources available. These are solar, wind, wave, tidal, geothermal and hydroelectric.
Solar
Solar energy involves harnessing energy from the sun using panels and converting it into electricity.
Advantages
The main advantages of solar energy is that it is infinite. Individual buildings can potentially power themselves using solar panels. Land where turbines have been located can also be used for farming.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of solar energy is that it is expensive to set up.
Wind
Wind energy involves harnessing the energy of wind via turbines. The wind turns the turbine which then generates electricity.
Advantages
The main advantages of wind energy is that it is infinite.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of wind energy include the initial expense of the wind turbine, the opposition from local residents to wind turbines and it is not always windy!
Case study
Out Newton Wind Farm
Wave
The movement of water in and out of a cavity which compresses trapped air which drives a turbine.
Advantages
The main advantages of wave energy is that it is an infinite source of energy.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of wave energy is that it is costly to set up. Also, it can only only by used in countries that have a coastline.
Tidal
Tidal energy involves harnessing the power of tides. Tidal water drives a turbine which then generates electricity.
Advantages
The main advantages of tidal energy include the dual use of tidal barrages e.g. bridge, there is the potential to generate a significant amount of electricity and they can be used to control flood waters.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of tidal energy are that they are costly to set up, can have a negative environmental impact and can only be developed along certain estuaries.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy involves harnessing heat below the surface of the earth. Cold water is pumped into the ground which then turns to steam. The steam then drives a turbine.
Advantages
The main advantage of geothermal energy is that it is an infinite source of energy.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of geothermal energy include it being expensive to set up, geothermal activity can be unpredictable and they only work efficiently in areas of volcanic activity.
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric energy involves harnessing the power of flowing water. Water from rivers, reservoirs or lakes from through a dam. The flowing water drives a turbine which then generates electricity.
Advantages
The main advantages of hydroelectricity is that reservoirs can create water reserves.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of hydroelectricity include the environmental impact of creating reservoirs, they are costly to build and it can cause flooding.
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