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

Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

Solar Thermal Systems

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

Intermittency

Variability in energy production due to reliance on weather.

Hydropower

Electricity generation from flowing water, typically through dams.

Geothermal Energy

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

Biomass Energy

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

Tidal Energy

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

Wave Energy

Energy captured from the motion of ocean waves.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

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

Nuclear Fusion

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

Baseload Power

Consistent energy production that can meet minimum demand.

Carbon-Neutral

Condition where emissions are balanced by carbon absorption during growth.

Green Hydrogen

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

Energy Carrier

A substance or system that stores energy for later use.

Inherent Safety

Safety features that naturally prevent accidents without intervention.

Lunar Cycles

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

Renewable Energy Sources

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

Solar Photovoltaic Systems

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

Energy Transition

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

Pump Storage Hydropower

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

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

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

Smart Grid Technology

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

Energy Efficiency

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

Distributed Generation

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

Demand Response

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

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

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

Offshore Wind Farms

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

Carbon Neutrality

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

Sustainable Energy

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

Geothermal Heat Pumps

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

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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

Hydrogen Economy

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

Decarbonization

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

Net Metering

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

Batteries for Energy Storage

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