physics energy resources

8

coal

• not renewable

• high reliability

• used for heating, electricity generation, transport

• releases more CO2 than oil/gas

• worst fuel for climate change

• cheap, high energy density

• health risk, hazardous waste

oil

• not renewable

• high reliability

• used for heating, electricity generation, transport

• produces less CO2 than coal

• large supply

• pollutes air and water, releases harmful chemicals

natural gas

• not renewable

• high reliability

• used for heating, electricity generation, transport

• produces less CO2 than oil

• cleaner than coal and oil

• can leak methane, disturbs wildlife and water resources

nuclear

• not renewable

• high reliability

• used for electricity generation, heating, not transport

• produces minimal CO2 emissions

• concerns about radioactive waste and safety.

biomass

• renewable

• variable reliability based on availability

• used for heating, electricity generation, not transport

• can produce CO2, but considered carbon-neutral if sourced sustainably

• can lead to deforestation and habitat loss if not managed properly, takes up farmland etc.

solar

• renewable

• variable reliability based on sunlight availability

• used for electricity generation, heating, not transport

• produces no CO2 emissions during operation

• requires space for installation and energy storage solutions.

wind

• renewable

• variable reliability based on wind availability

• used for electricity generation, not heating or transport

• produces no CO2 emissions during operation

• requires significant space for turbine placement.

geothermal

• renewable

• reliable energy source based on geothermal activity

• used for electricity generation and direct heating, not transport

• produces minimal CO2 emissions, no pollution

• requires specific geographic locations for effective energy extraction.

hydro electric

• renewable

• relies on water flow and elevation changes

• used for electricity generation, not heating or transport

• produces no CO2 emissions during operation

• requires rivers or dams for effective energy production

• doesn’t release pollution harmful to air/water

tidal

• renewable

• depends on gravitational forces and ocean currents

• used for electricity generation, not heating or transport

• produces no CO2 emissions during operation

• requires coastal locations for tidal energy systems

• low running cost

• high manufacture cost

waves

• renewable

• generated from ocean surface movements

• used for electricity generation, not heating or transport

• produces no CO2 emissions during operation

• requires coastal locations for effective energy extraction

• variable output depending on weather conditions

• no fuel costs, low running costs