U2L4: Renewable Resources

Solar energy is renewable energy from the sun that can be converted into electrical energy. Solar energy is free and clean.

However, the technologies for solar energy aren’t widely used. Also, sunlight does not fall evenly over Earth.

Energy from fast-moving rivers/water flowing downhill through dams to turn generators and produce electricity.

It requires large volumes of water which can risk flooding.

Flooding the land to produce reservoirs can destroy habitats, and dams can disrupt migratory paths of fish and lead to erosion.

Blowing wind causes the blades of wind turbines to turn. This turns a generator & produces electricity.

Wind energy doesn’t produce any pollution.

However, it depends on strong winds and can harm birds that fly too close to the blades. It can also be very loud

Geothermal energy is extracted from heat stored within Earth.

It is available near hot springs, geysers, or active volcanoes.

Water or steam is heated by geothermal energy & then used to generate electricity.

Found only in specific areas on Earth - some of which are in national parks (which means we can't access it).

Biomass includes living or recently dead organic material that can be used as fuel.

Examples are trees, crops, & decaying organic matter.

Biomass materials are burned directly or converted into fuels.

Burning biomass releases carbon dioxide.