Renewable energy

How are coal, oil, and natural gas formed?

Coal forms from dead plant matter buried in swamps under heat and pressure over millions of years. Oil and gas form from microscopic marine organisms buried on the sea floor under high heat and pressure.

Classify the 9 major energy resources as non-renewable or renewable.

Non-renewable: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and nuclear power. Renewable: Biofuels, geothermal, hydro-electric, tidal, wave, solar, and wind power.

How do most thermal power stations generate electricity using fuel?

Fuel is burned (or nuclear reaction occurs) to heat water into steam, steam turns a turbine, and the turbine drives a generator to produce electricity.

How is electricity generated using hydro-electric power (HEP)?

Water stored behind a dam flows downhill through pipes, spinning a turbine connected to a generator.

How is electricity generated using geothermal energy?

Cold water is pumped deep underground into hot rocks, turns to steam, and returns to the surface to spin a turbine and generator.

How is electricity generated using wind power?

Wind blows against turbine blades, causing them to rotate and directly turn a generator.

How is electricity generated using solar power?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells absorb sunlight and convert it directly into electrical energy, or solar thermal mirrors heat fluid to make steam.

How is electricity generated using tidal and wave energy?

Tidal: Water flowing in and out of estuaries through barrages turns turbines. Wave: Surface ocean waves move air or pistons that drive generators.

How are biofuels used to generate electricity?

Organic materials (wood, bioethanol from crops, or biogas from waste) are burned to boil water, producing steam to drive a turbine and generator.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of non-renewable energy resources?

Advantages: High energy density, reliable power output regardless of weather. Disadvantages: Finite supply, produce greenhouse gas emissions (and air pollution or radioactive waste).

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy resources?

Advantages: Sustainable (will not run out), low or zero carbon emissions during operation. Disadvantages: Weather dependent/intermittent (most types), high initial setup costs, large land/space requirements.

What 5 main factors affect the global demand for energy?

1. Domestic demand 2. Industrial demand 3. Transport needs 4. Personal and national wealth 5. Climate (heating/cooling requirements)

What are 4 domestic strategies for reducing energy consumption?

1. Adding home insulation (roof/wall) 2. Turning off unused electrical devices 3. Using energy-efficient appliances (e.g., LED lights) 4. Driving fuel-efficient or electric vehicles

How can energy be generated from waste cooking oil?

Used cooking oil can be collected and refined into biodiesel to fuel vehicles or heat buildings.

What is fracking (hydraulic fracturing) and why is it used?

A method of extracting shale gas/oil by pumping water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure underground to fracture rock; used to exploit previously inaccessible fuel reserves.

What strategies can governments use to conserve energy in transport?

Promoting public transit, building cycle lanes, imposing fuel taxes, enforcing speed limits, and encouraging electric vehicles.

What are the main causes of marine oil pollution?

Off-shore oil drilling spills, pipeline leaks, tanker accidents, and routine ship maintenance/flushing.

What are the ecological impacts of oil pollution on marine ecosystems?

Birds: Feathers get coated, losing insulation and buoyancy. Marine mammals: Ingest/inhale toxic oil. Coral reefs/beaches: Suffocation and toxic chemical exposure.

What is MARPOL and how does it prevent oil pollution?

An international treaty (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) that regulates ship pollution and mandates safer operations and equipment.

How do double-hulled oil tankers reduce the risk of oil spills?

They have an inner and outer hull space so that if the outer hull is damaged in a collision, the inner tank holding the oil remains intact.

What are 3 main physical and chemical methods used to clean up oil spills?

1. Booms (floating barriers to contain oil) 2. Skimmers (devices that scoop oil off the water surface) 3. Detergent sprays / dispersants (break oil down into smaller droplets)