Science Energy
Analysis at Work
Renewable and Non-renewable energy sources &Fuels:
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly and sustainably replenished. The most common renewable energy sources are biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind power and solar power. Sunlight is the source of most renewable energy power; the sun can be used to produce solar energy which is electricity for heating, cooling, lighting homes and transportation. [1] Non-renewable energy is energy that comes from the ground and is not replaced in a relatively short amount of time. Fossil fuels are the main category of non-renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels include; coal, oil and natural gas. These resources come from animals and plants that have died millions of years ago and then decomposed to create a useable source of energy for humans. [2]
Pros and Cons:
Non-renewable energy Sources and fuels:
Types | Pros | Cons | Oil Crude oil is a fossil fuel that is refined into many different energy products (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil). Oil forms underground in rock such as shale, which is rich in organic materials. | High net energy yield Easily transported within and between countries Low land use | Causes air pollution when burned Releases CO2 when burned Increases dependency on countries that are major oil producers | Natural Gas Natural gas is a mixture of gases, the most common being methane. It also contains some ethane, propane, and butane. Natural gas is usually not contaminated with sulphur and is therefore the cleanest burning fossil fuel. | Less air pollution than fossil fuel Lower CO2 emission than fossil fuel Moderate environmental impact | Lacks portability Releases CO2 when burned Extraction side effects | Nuclear In most electric power plants, water is heated and converted into steam. In a nuclear power plant; the fission of uranium atoms in the reactor
Renewable and Non-renewable energy sources &Fuels:
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly and sustainably replenished. The most common renewable energy sources are biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind power and solar power. Sunlight is the source of most renewable energy power; the sun can be used to produce solar energy which is electricity for heating, cooling, lighting homes and transportation. [1] Non-renewable energy is energy that comes from the ground and is not replaced in a relatively short amount of time. Fossil fuels are the main category of non-renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels include; coal, oil and natural gas. These resources come from animals and plants that have died millions of years ago and then decomposed to create a useable source of energy for humans. [2]
Pros and Cons:
Non-renewable energy Sources and fuels:
Types | Pros | Cons | Oil Crude oil is a fossil fuel that is refined into many different energy products (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil). Oil forms underground in rock such as shale, which is rich in organic materials. | High net energy yield Easily transported within and between countries Low land use | Causes air pollution when burned Releases CO2 when burned Increases dependency on countries that are major oil producers | Natural Gas Natural gas is a mixture of gases, the most common being methane. It also contains some ethane, propane, and butane. Natural gas is usually not contaminated with sulphur and is therefore the cleanest burning fossil fuel. | Less air pollution than fossil fuel Lower CO2 emission than fossil fuel Moderate environmental impact | Lacks portability Releases CO2 when burned Extraction side effects | Nuclear In most electric power plants, water is heated and converted into steam. In a nuclear power plant; the fission of uranium atoms in the reactor
References: PRACTICAL ACTION,(N.D) article on micro-hydro system http://practicalaction.org/micro-hydro-power Accessed 18th October 2012 Cnclusion Both large and small scale hydroelectricit power plants are good ways to generate electricity but I think that large scale hydroelectricity is good in the fact that it will become a cost effective method of energy generation in the long run. It is also a renewable source of energy and will generate jobs and careers for local townspeople. it very difficult to find a location best-suited for such a method, as large mountainous areas is where they’re only considered to work effectively. On the other hand while a small scale hydroelectricity is a goood idea because of how the maintance fees are so low compared to the large hydroelectricity, it seems like a better choice as it has better efficency but it creates problems for local wild life because their habitats are likely to change. However i would say that a large hydroelectricty power plant is a better choice.