Unit 5 Study Guide: Renewable Energy and Waste Management

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, water, geothermal, and biomass.

Nonrenewable Energy

Energy from sources that are finite and will be depleted, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Global Energy Consumption

81% comes from fossil fuels including petroleum, natural gas, and coal.

Fossil Fuel Impacts

Includes air pollution, global warming, and ocean acidification.

Kinetic Energy

Energy captured by wind turbines from the movement of wind.

Capacity Factor

The ratio of actual output over a period of time to the potential output if the turbine operated at full capacity.

Battery Storage

Technology that helps offset the intermittency of wind energy.

Wind Power Efficiency

Wind turbines can operate effectively about 65-80% of the time despite wind variability.

Wind Turbine Syndrome

A term not recognized medically; no evidence of harm to health caused by wind turbines.

Energy Return on Investment (EROI)

The ratio of energy produced to energy invested; for wind power, it's around 20.

Cost of Wind Power

Approximately $0.03 per kilowatt-hour.

Types of Solar Technology

Includes passive solar, photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar water heaters, and concentrated solar power (CSP).

Passive Solar Energy

Utilizes natural light and heating without mechanical devices.

Active Solar Energy

Involves the use of technology like PV panels to convert sunlight into energy.

Advantages of Solar Energy

Available almost anywhere with minimal emissions.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

High initial cost and intermittent effectiveness.

Biomass Energy

Energy derived from plant material that absorbs CO2 during growth.

Carbon Neutral

When biomass is managed sustainably, its net carbon emissions can be neutral.

Hydropower

Energy produced from the sun-driven hydrologic cycle, typically through methods like dams and run-of-river systems.

Impoundment

A method of hydropower production using dams and reservoirs.

Run-of-River

Hydropower method that diverts the river flow without large dam structures.

Hydropower Contributions

Represents 38-39% of global renewable energy consumption.

Ocean Energy Sources

Includes tidal and wave energy, as well as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC).

Geothermal Energy

Energy sourced from the heat of the Earth's interior.

Sanitary Landfills

Sites designed to contain waste and prevent contamination of groundwater.

Leachate

Chemical-filled water that can form in landfills and requires careful monitoring.

Incineration

A waste disposal method that reduces waste volume and may generate energy.

Bioremediation

Process using living organisms to break down environmental pollutants.

Biomedical Waste

Waste from healthcare facilities including medical tools and tissues.

Household Hazardous Waste

Common hazardous items found in homes that require special disposal methods.

Hazardous Waste Categories

Includes source-specific, nonspecific, and discarded commercial chemicals.

Environmental Impact of Waste

Proper waste management protects human health and the environment.

Wind Energy Growth Rate

Wind power is the fastest growing renewable energy source, increasing at about 24% annually.

Solar Energy Intermittency

Solar energy effectiveness is dependent on sunlight availability, which can vary.

Land Clearing and Biomass

The process of removing land for biomass production can lead to environmental issues.

Ocean Energy Limitations

High costs and limited geographical areas for effective deployment.

Future of Wind Energy

Projected to reach 10% of global energy with significant cost reductions.

Geothermal Installation Growth

New geothermal installations expected to grow by 10-20% per year in the U.S.

Wind and Solar Complementarity

Wind energy often helps meet energy demands at night when solar isn't available.

Environmental Benefits of Wind Energy

Wind energy has minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.

Hydropower Ecosystem Disruption

Potential negative effects on local ecosystems from hydropower installations.

Waste Reduction by Incineration

Incineration can reduce waste volume by approximately 95%.

Recycling Importance

Critical for minimizing waste and conserving resources.

Indicators of Sustainable Energy Use

Factors that demonstrate effective and responsible energy resource utilization.

Energy Recovery from Landfills

Methane recovery from landfill sites can be converted to energy.

Ecosystem Disruption from Waste Management

Landfills and incinerators can harm local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Public Health Impacts of Waste

Improper waste management can lead to health risks for communities.

Waste Composition Trends

Regional variations in the types and amounts of waste generated influence waste management approaches.

Carbon Cycle

The process of carbon dioxide being absorbed by plants and released through biomass combustion.