Renewable Energy and Sustainability Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to renewable energy, its importance, and the challenges faced in the transition to sustainable energy systems.

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from natural resources that can be replenished in a short period.

Renewable Resources

Natural resources that can be naturally replenished over time without depletion.

Solar Energy

Energy captured from the sun by solar panels, converted into electricity.

Wind Energy

Energy harnessed from the kinetic energy of wind using wind turbines.

Hydropower

Electricity generated by utilizing the gravitational force of falling or flowing water.

Biomass Energy

Energy generated from organic materials through processes such as combustion and gasification.

Energy Storage

Technologies that store excess energy produced from renewable sources to ensure consistent supply.

Smart Grids

Advanced communication and control systems that manage energy distribution efficiently.

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Small-scale power sources that allow homes and businesses to produce their own clean energy.

Carbon Neutrality

A state where the carbon dioxide emitted by biomass combustion is balanced by the CO₂ absorbed during plant growth.

Intermittency

Inconsistency in energy production from renewable sources like solar and wind.

Infrastructure Upgrades

Improvements necessary for existing power grids to support renewable energy sources.