Post on 17-May-2015
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RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable energy is generated from sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and
geothermal heat.
This energy is therefore naturally replenished.
In this time of climate change, high oil price, and peak oil concerns, it is
critical that these renewable sources of energy are utilized more often.
SOLAR
WIND
HYDROELECTRICITY
BIOMASS
CURRENT USE OF ENERGY
• CMO (cubic mile of oil)
is a measure of energy
consumption
• The world consumes
slightly more than one
CMO worth of energy
from oil per year
• Total global
consumption from all
energy sources is the
equivalent of three
CMOs
• Over 80% of total
energy usage comes
from fossil fuels
http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2008/04/25/the-future-of-renewable-energy/
SOLAR ENERGY•Utilizes electromagnetic radiation
from the sun
•Visual light can be converted into
electricity and heat through the
use of what is commonly known as
a solar panel or cell
•Most widely used applications are
for water and space heating
ADVANTAGES•Virtually free after
initial cost
recovered
•Virtually unlimited
supply
•Decrease in green
house gas
emissions
freshairblog.com/images/solar_panels.jpg
WIND ENERGY
•Converts kinetic
energy into
mechanical
energy or
electricity
•Windmills, or
more modern
wind turbines,
are used to
create wind
energy
•Popular uses
include
generation of
electricity and
pumping water
ADVANTAGES•Infinitely
sustainable
•Does not
require fuel
•Pollution-free;
does not
contribute to
greenhouse
gases or
produce toxic
waste
•Quiet, non-
disruptive, and
not threatening
to wildlife
•Uses minimal
landa248.e.akamai.net/.../wind_energy_img_B.jpg
HYDROELECTRICITY
•Utilizes the cycle of water
evaporation, precipitation,
and the flow of water due
to gravity
•Water released from the
dam to turbines, which
drive generators to
produce electricity
•Most popular form of
renewable energy
ADVANTAGES•Cost-effective energy source
•Dependable supply; continuously renewable
•Non-polluting
•No fuel cost; essentially inflation proof
•Reliable and flexible operation
www.radford.edu/.../itaipu.better.jpg
BIOMASS•Utilizes the release of stored chemical
energy, which is contained in the fuels
made from biomass
•Found in many waste products such as
agriculture, forest, and municipal
•Controlled use of fire creates energy
ADVANTAGES•Does not increase
atmospheric carbon
dioxide
•Growing biomass can
prevent erosion, as well
as provide better flood
control, and foliage
that increases nutrients
in soil
•Benefits to other local
industries farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2705240054_60560
COSTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
content.edgar-online.com/edgar_conv_img/2008/
This graph shows that solar and hydro energies are
among the most expensive renewable sources.
Bioenergy is slightly less expensive and wind energy is the
least expensive renewable energy source.
CYCLE OF NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES
www.vsjf.org/.../images/SD.jpg
CYCLE OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES
www.thebiggreenbus.org/images/CarbonCycle.jpg
REFERENCES
Natural Resources Canada. “CanREN.” 20 Sept. 2008.
<http://www.canren.gc.ca/default_en.asp>.
“The Future of Renewable Energy – Ain’t Oil Grand?” fivecentnickel.com:
Because Money Matters. PlanetB Media. 4 Sept. 2008.
<http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2008/04/25/the-future-of-renewable-
energy/>.