Unit 5: Energy Resources

renewable energy

energy that comes from natural resources that are replenished constantly

non-renewable energy

energy that comes from finite resources like coal, oil, natural gas, which cannot be replaced once consumed

solar power

energy derived from sunlight, converted into electricity using solar panels, photovoltaic cells or other technologies

wind turbine

a device that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy, which is then used to generate electricity

fossil fuels

energy sources formed under ground from the remains of plants and animals for millions of years

biomass

organic materials such as plants, wood, waste that can be used as fuel

hydropower

the production of electricity by the force of fast moving water

geothermal energy

heat energy, often generated through combustion or geothermal processes

wave energy

a form of renewable energy harnessed from the ocean or sea waves

carbon emissons

carbon dioxide that planes, cars, factories, etc. produce, thought to be harmful to the environment

tidal energy

energy harness from the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun

energy efficiency

using less energy to perform the same task or produce the same outcome, reducing waste

offshore wind farm

generate electricty from wind blowing across the sea

energy transition

the global shift from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy sources to combat climate change

greenhouse effect

the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere due to greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane

energy storage

technologies like batteries or pumped hydrosystems that store energy for later use

sustainable energy

clean, renewable energy

power grid

complex system designed to deliver electricity from producers to consumers

nuclear power

energy produced through nuclear reactions, typically using uranium as fuel in reactors