Chapter 8 Nonrenewable & Renewable Energy

what accounts for most of energy use in the US

Nonrenewable energy

what does non renewable energy include

fossil fuels

nuclear fuels

is non renewable energy infinite or finite

Finite there is a limited amount

what are fossil fuels?

derived from biological materials ex) includes coal, oil, methane, gas

are nuclear fuels radioactive

yes

which energy source dominates energy consumption and by how much

fossil fuels by 91 %

what are commercial energy sources ?

energy sources that are bought and sold include coal oil and methane gas

what are subsistence energy sources ?

gathered by individuals for their own use

includes: wood, charcoal, and animal waste

what is true about subsistence energy and developed countries

as countries become MORE developed,

They use LESS Subsistence energy

what is the 2nd law of thermodynamics

energy will ALWAYS be lost when energy is used

what is always needed to obtain additional energy

ENERGY

what percent of energy use is used for transportation

27 %

what fuels are used to generate electricity in the US

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what is the most rapidly growing source of electricity

wind energy

what are some pros of wind energy

• no pollution

• no greenhouse gases

• no cancer

• the land under turbines can serve other purposes

what are some cons of wind energy

• have to rely or back up on battery- storage

  • sources need to be close to point of use to avoid excessive transmission line losses

• not a constant source of power

• ugly

what is the number 1 killer for birds

cats

what are pros and cons wind power

what are solutions to making more sustainable energy future

provide subsidies and tax credits for the use of renewable energy

encourage government purchase of renewable energy

phase out coal subsidies and tax breaks

levy taxes on coal and oil use

phase out nuclear power subsidies, tax breaks, and loan guarantees

what strategy is needed to meet the future energy challenges we will face

• conservation

• more use of renewable sources

• increase energy efficiency

• make new technology to improve energy storage and distribution

what is an advantage of geothermal energy

• highly efficient

• lower CO₂ emission than fossil fuels

• low cost at FAVORABLE SITES

• low land use

• moderate environmental impact

what are cons of geothermal energy

• lack of suitable sites

• environmental cost ARE NOT included in market price

• noise and odor

• high air pollution

  • can be rapidly depleted

how does geothermal energy work

it uses heat from natural radioactive decay of elements deep within the earth.

doesn’t use sunlight as a source of energy

primary user of geothermal is ICELAND

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