Types of Energy: Week of February 17th-21th

Key Concepts

Renewable Energy

• Definition: Energy resources that replenish naturally and can be utilized without depleting.

• Types:

  1. Hydropower

  2. Solar Power

  3. Wind Power

  4. Geothermal

  5. Biomass

  6. Ocean/Tidal Energy

Non-Renewable Energy

• Definition: Energy sources that cannot be replenished within a human lifetime.

• Types:

  1. Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas)

  2. Nuclear Energy

Importance of Energy

Daily Usage

• Individuals rely on energy for:

  • Travel

  • Housing

  • Entertainment

  • Education

  • Lighting

  • Heating

  • Recycling

  • Food Preparation

Factors Driving the Need for Energy

• Population Growth: Increased demand for food and water leads to higher energy needs.

• Technological Advancements: Growing reliance on electronic devices and machinery.

Fossil Fuels Overview

• Types of fossil fuels:

  • Coal: Sedimentary rock; burns easily, contributes to air pollution.

  • Oil: Liquid fossil fuel; refined for gasoline and other products.

  • Natural Gas: Cleaner burning; generates energy with fewer emissions compared to coal and oil.

Renewable Energy Sources

Hydropower

• Utilizes moving water to generate electricity.

• Can meet peak electricity demand but may disrupt water flow.

Solar Energy

• Harnesses sunlight to produce electricity through solar panels.

• Environmentally friendly but requires substantial space.

Wind Energy

• Converts wind currents into electricity using turbines.

• Clean energy but can create noise pollution.

Geothermal Energy

• Uses heat from beneath the Earth's surface.

• Limited to specific geographic areas; high initial costs.

Biomass Energy

• Derived from organic materials; carbon neutral.

• Challenges include efficiency and transportation.

Tidal Energy

• Generated from the rise and fall of ocean tides.

• Predictable but expensive and limited to coastal areas.

Risks and Benefits of Renewable Resources

Benefits

• Sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

• Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and improves air quality.

Risks

• Initial costs can be high for setup.

• Environmental concerns regarding land use and wildlife impact for certain sources.

Question/Practice

• Analyze which renewable energy type is best suited for different environments (e.g., solar for sunny areas, wind for open fields).

Summary of Energy Usage in the US

• Breakdown of energy sources:

  • Non-renewable sources dominate energy usage at 79.1%.

  • Renewable sources make up only 20.9% of total consumption.

Key Statistics

• Fossil Fuel Consumption:

  • Natural Gas: 120,000 TWh

  • Coal: 100,000 TWh

  • Oil: 80,000 TWh

Learning Standards

• Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about energy resources.

• Analyze and interpret data regarding renewable and non-renewable energy forms.

• Develop an understanding of the origin and consumption of energy resources.