Chapter 8 Nonrenewable & Renewable Energy

what accounts for most of energy use in the US? renewable or nonrenewable

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

slide 11 - 13

what is the most rapidly growing source of electricity

wind energy

what are 5 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

does geothermal energy use the sunlight as a source of energy?

NOO

what is passive solar energy used for

it can heat water for a home

solar ovens are useful where wood and charcoal are scarce

how is active solar energy captured

the energy of sunlight is captured using a pump or photovoltaic cell to generate hot water or electricity

what is hydroelectricity ?

electricity generated by the kinetic energy of moving water

what is the 2nd most common form of renewable energy in the world?

hydroelectricity

what is the ultimate source of almost all typed of energy?

the SUN

is it better for the environment to burn wood or fossil fuels?

better to burn biomass such as wood

what is sustainable design

improves the efficiency of the buildings in which we live and work

what are other measures if passive solar energy

double pane windows

dark colored surfaces

are non renewable energy sources permanent or temporary ?

Temporary

are nuclear fuels non renewable or renewable energy ?

non renewable and radioactive

what can be said about the efficiency of coal burning power plants

Most coal power plants convert only about 35% of fuel energy into electricity, making them relatively inefficient. Other fossil-fuel plants can perform better—for example, combined-cycle natural gas plants can reach around 60% efficiency.

how is electricity generated from coal?

Burning coal heats water until it turns into steam. The fast-moving steam spins a large fan-like machine called a turbine. As the turbine spins, it turns a generator. This movement produces electricity, which is then sent into the power grid for people to use.

what percentage of primary energy consumption in the us comes from fossils fuels

79 percent

do fossil fuels provide most of the world’s energy

yes

which three energy sources were formed from the biomass of ancient organisms that died 350- 50 million years ago

coal, oil, and methane

what is coal ?

A solid fuel formed from the remains of trees, ferns, and other plants that were preserved 360-280 million years ago

how many different types of coal exist

4

what are the four types of coal list them from least pressure and time to most pressure and time

lignite

sub- bituminous

bit nous

anthracite

which countries have the largest coal reserves

us, China, Russia Mexico

what are the “ layers” of coal

high wall

coal seam

overburden

bench

coal seam

where is electricity transmitted into for distribution

electrical grid

1. Cleaner than other fossil fuels – Produces less pollution than coal or oil.

2. Efficient energy source – Power plants using natural gas can generate electricity more efficiently.

3. Reliable – Can provide energy anytime, unlike solar or wind which depend on weather.

4. Abundant supply – There is a large amount available in many parts of the world.

5. Lower cost – Often cheaper compared to other energy sources.

❌ Disadvantages

1. Still a fossil fuel – It releases carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

2. Methane leaks – Leaks during production and transport can harm the environment since methane is a strong greenhouse gas.

3. Nonrenewable – It will eventually run out.

4. Extraction impacts – Drilling methods like fracking can damage land and water.

5. Explosion risk – Natural gas is highly flammable and can be dangerous if leaks occur.

    Why is it better to burn biomass such as wood rather than a fossil fuel such as coal?