Energy Resources

Introduction of the different types

Classifications of Energy

Non-renewable vs. Renewable (click links for video)

Non-renewable: Energy source which cannot be reused

http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=28a3da59-46cd-464d-aeb5-f465b8a194aa

Renewable: Energy source which can be reused but may have limitations

http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=28a3da59-46cd-464d-aeb5-f465b8a194aa

Non-renewable

Fossil Fuels: Type Definition Pros Cons

Coal Combustible rock used to heat

-cheap-abundant -continuous power

-carbon dioxide/methane -global warming-severe safety impacts

Natural gas A hydrocarbon gas, methane, that is naturally found

-widely used around world-cleanest fossil fuel-no waste

-explosive-80-95% methane-store under high pressure

Nuclear Power Plant Splits uranium ore through fission process to provide electricity

-large energy output-small amount ore needed-low carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas release

-nuclear meltdowns-release radiation-waste storage problems

RenewableType Definition Pros Cons

Solar Radiant/heat energy from the sun- need solar panels

-near 0 operating costs-high efficiency-no pollution

-sun limitations-need backup source-intermittent

Geothermal Energy coming from and stored in the Earth

-near emission free-no fuel required-smallest land footprint of energy supplies

-prime location specific/far from population centers-need >350 oF temperature-high construction costs

Biomass Energy from organic material or trash that is burned

-naturally distributed-abundant supply-convert waste to energy

-deforestation-pollution when burned-compete with food growth

Wind Energy from the wind- need wind turbines

-low cost-very clean-free power after install

-limited wind-large turbine space-wildlife impact

Locations

Where the various types are found and used

The following link is from GE electric companies from 2010 statistics based on the top using countries for the various sources and the amounts used http://www.gereports.com/a-good-look-at-renewable-energy-around-the-world/

The United States ranked 1st in use for Geothermal and Biomass energy, and 2nd for solar and wind

Costs

Costs to install or use energy sources

Biomass: free- uses trash and wastes

Solar- from $15 -20,000 for average sized house

Geothermal- ~$18,000 for pump and installation

Wind- 10kW turbine ~ $35-50,000/per turbine

Reference

-Siegel, R.P. (2012). Retreived from triplepundit.com

-Marsh, B., Lamb, R. (n.d.) How Nuclear Power Works. Retreived from howstuffworks.com

-Time For Change: Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power. Retrieved from timeforchange.org

-GE Reports (2010). Retrieved from http://www.gereports.com/a-good-look-at-renewable-energy-around-the-world/

-Conserve-energy-future.com

-Discoveryeducation.com