energy security

types of power

fossil fuels wind power solar powerhydroelectric power tidal power biofuel energy to waste

fossil fuels 

stored chemical energy from ancient decomposed organisms. combustion (burning) to heat water, creating steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity.

reliability; they provide high energy density and are supported by extensive, existing infrastructure,

relatively low running costs.

non-renewable and finite.

release of vast amounts of co2 (the major greenhouse gas) upon combustion, contributing to climate change.

air pollution (like acid rain)

risk of accidents such as oil spills.

China and the USA are major users

wind power

wind turns the blades of a turbine, which connects to a generator to produce electricity.

clean and renewable

producing zero emissions

costs of generation are rapidly decreasing.

land beneath the turbines can still be used for agriculture. intermittency

unreliable visual and noise pollution, require vast land or offshore areas, potential threat to birds and bats. The initial capital cost is also high. Germany and Denmark are key countries

Solar Power

harnesses energy from the sun. Photovoltaic uses cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

clean and silent

highly flexible, allowing for decentralized use

low ongoing maintenance.

intermittency

manufacturing of the panels involves the use of some toxic materials. China India

hydroelectric power

relies on the gravitational potential energy of water stored in a reservoir behind a large dam. When released, the falling water turns a turbine to generate electricity. reliability; the reservoir acts as energy storage, allowing the output to be controlled and adjusted to meet demand

long lifespan and offer benefits like flood control.

initial capital cost is exceptionally high

significant habitat destruction and the displacement of human populations, and the decomposition of submerged vegetation in the reservoir can lead to methane ch4 emissions. Canada and Brazil

Tidal Power

harnesses the kinetic energy of the reliable, predictable movement of the tides. This can be done using a barrage (a dam structure) across an estuary or using underwater turbines placed in tidal streams.

predictability and reliability; since tides follow a known gravitational cycle, power generation can be accurately forecast years in advance.

the initial capital cost for construction is very high, and the large-scale structures (like barrages) can cause severe, localised environmental impacts on coastal habitats, altering sedimentation patterns. Suitable geographical sites for implementation are also very limited globally.

Biofuel

liquid or gaseous fuels derived from recently living organic matter (biomass), such as energy crops (sugarcane, corn) or agricultural waste.

burned for heat/power or used directly as a transport fuel.

considered carbon-neutral if grown sustainably, as the plants absorb co2 while growing,

ethical issue is the 'food vs. fuel' debate, where arable land is used for energy crops instead of food, potentially driving up food prices and leading to deforestation.

total lifecycle emissions (including farming, processing, and transport) mean they are not truly carbon-neutral.

waste-to-energy 

controlled incineration (burning) of municipal solid waste (trash) to heat water, generate steam, and drive a turbine for electricity.

reduces the volume of waste that needs to be sent to landfill, local energy source.

expensive to build and operate, and if not properly filtered, the combustion process risks releasing toxic air pollutants (such as dioxins) into the atmosphere.

produces a considerable amount of toxic ash that still requires careful, controlled disposal. Sweden and Denmark