Renewable Energy Sources to Know for AP Environmental Science (AP)

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Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

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35 Terms

1

Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

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2

Solar Thermal Systems

Systems that use mirrors to concentrate sunlight to heat water and create steam for electricity.

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3

Intermittency

Variability in energy production due to reliance on weather.

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4

Hydropower

Electricity generation from flowing water, typically through dams.

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5

Geothermal Energy

Energy harnessed from heat stored beneath the Earth’s crust.

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6

Biomass Energy

Energy derived from organic materials, such as plant residues and animal waste.

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7

Tidal Energy

Energy harnessed from the rise and fall of tides due to gravitational pull.

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8

Wave Energy

Energy captured from the motion of ocean waves.

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9

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Cells that generate electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

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10

Nuclear Fusion

A process that generates energy by fusing light atomic nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.

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11

Baseload Power

Consistent energy production that can meet minimum demand.

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12

Carbon-Neutral

Condition where emissions are balanced by carbon absorption during growth.

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13

Green Hydrogen

Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, resulting in no carbon emissions.

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14

Energy Carrier

A substance or system that stores energy for later use.

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15

Inherent Safety

Safety features that naturally prevent accidents without intervention.

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16

Lunar Cycles

Regular cycles caused by the moon’s gravitational pull, affecting tides.

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17

Renewable Energy Sources

Energy sources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

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18

Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Systems that convert sunlight into electricity using PV cells arranged in panels.

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19

Energy Transition

The shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable energy solutions.

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20

Pump Storage Hydropower

A method of storing energy by using excess electricity to pump water uphill, which can later be released to generate power.

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21

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

A process that generates energy by utilizing the temperature difference between warmer surface water and cooler deep water.

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22

Smart Grid Technology

Electric grid technology that uses digital communication to detect and react to local changes in usage.

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23

Energy Efficiency

Using technology or practices to reduce the amount of energy required to provide the same service.

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24

Distributed Generation

Decentralized power production from renewable sources close to where the energy is used, minimizing transmission losses.

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25

Demand Response

A strategy to adjust the demand for power instead of supply to enhance the reliability of the electrical grid.

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26

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Tradeable certificates that represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour of renewable energy has been generated.

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27

Offshore Wind Farms

Wind power installations located in bodies of water to capture wind energy away from land.

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28

Carbon Neutrality

Achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

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29

Sustainable Energy

Energy that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

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30

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Systems that take advantage of the stable temperatures below the earth’s surface for heating and cooling.

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31

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Vehicles powered by electricity instead of traditional fossil fuels, contributing to reduced emissions.

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32

Hydrogen Economy

An economic system in which hydrogen is used as a clean fuel alternative for power and transportation.

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33

Decarbonization

The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy production and use.

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34

Net Metering

A billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid.

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35

Batteries for Energy Storage

Devices that store electrical energy for use at a later time, crucial for managing renewable energy supply.

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