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http://www.kidrex.org/
https://wonderopolis.org/wonders?q=energy+resources

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As the global population continues to increase and existing fuel supplies begin to run out, countries will have to find ways to increase energy supplies.

Renewable energy

Renewable technologies offer a way to increase energy supplies, however they are often more expensive or less efficient at producing energy than fossil fuels . Therefore they often require government subsidies.

1. Biomass - this is recently-formed material derived from living things, eg chicken droppings. 'Energy from waste' plants burn biomass and non-recyclable rubbish to generate electricity. The UK has many 'energy from waste' plants, eg Allington Quarry in Maidstone, Kent.

2. Hydroelectric power (HEP) - HEP is generated when river water is trapped behind a dam and used to turn turbines . The UK generates 1.5% of its electricity this way. Most suitable locations for dam building have already been used.

3. Wave power and tidal power - the UK is an island nation, yet it generates very little energy using the sea. Wave energy harnesses the power of small movements on the surface of the sea. The technology is new and currently expensive. Tidal energy harnesses larger movements of the tides. There are plans for tidal lagoons to be built in the UK.

4. Geothermal power - this uses heat within the Earth to generate electricity. This is easier where geothermal heat is more accessible, eg Iceland. There are few suitable locations so geothermal energy is rare in many countries. Ground source heat pumps are a similar idea, but they use the heat from the Sun that is stored within the surface of the Earth.

5. Solar power - the UK government wants to increase the use of solar power by 2020. Solar panels can be fitted onto buildings or within fields. They turn sunlight into electricity. New technology is making solar panels able to generate electricity on cloudy days, which would be good for the UK.

6. Wind power - wind turbines convert air movements into electricity. In the UK wind speeds are consistent and so this is a good way to generate electricity. The UK generates more wind energy using turbines on the land (onshore). As an island nation, the UK could build more turbines in the sea (offshore) though these are more expensive than onshore turbines.

Non-renewable energy

Global energy use is still dominated by non-renewable energy. The use of non-renewable can be made more efficient . This could increase energy supplies as less fuel would be used.

1. Fossil fuels - coal and gas power stations can now re-use wasted heat in. These are called combined-cycle systems. Re-using heat makes the most out of the fossil fuel. Also, some power stations now burn small amounts of biomass alongside fossil fuels. This is called co-firing and it makes the fossil fuel last longer. Fracking could exploit shale gas, which would increase supplies of fossil fuels.

2. Nuclear power - uranimum fuel rods still have some uranium left within them after they have been used. Reprocessing recovers the uranium from spent fuel rods so that it can be reused. This doesn't create new supplies of uranium, but it does use the existing supplies more efficiently. This means that uranium supplies will last longer.

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Strategies to increase energy supply - Energy supply and consumption - AQA - GCSE Geography Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize

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As the global population continues to increase and existing fuel supplies begin to run out, countries will have to find ways to increase energy supplies. Renewable technologies offer a way to increase energy supplies, however they are often more expensive or less efficient at producing energy than fossil fuels .

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From: Solarschools.net

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Non-Renewable Energy - Knowledge Bank - Solar Schools

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A healthy and stable climate is vital to sustain our life on earth. After all, humans rely on the natural environment to provide everything from food and water to the air we breathe.

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How they formed/Uses/ Advantages & disadvantages

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Chapter 7 pages 142+

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Copy of Sustainability and Availability - Planning Document Energy Debate 

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Planning Document

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Efficiency and other factors - Planning Document Energy Debate 

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Planning Document

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Efficiency and other factors - Planning Document Energy Debate 

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US info

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Renewable energy sources including biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar provide 9% of the energy used in the United States. Most renewable energy goes to producing electricity.

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From: Solarschools.net

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From: Office of energy efficiency and renewable energy

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Advantages and Challenges of Wind Energy

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Advantages and Challenges of Wind Energy

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What Is Hydroelectric Energy?

Water is pretty powerful stuff! You know this if you have stood in a flowing stream and felt the water rushing past you. Or, if you've gone whitewater rafting down a raging river. Even mere images of a place like Niagara Falls help you appreciate just how strong moving water is. This is not a new observation, and water has been used to produce different forms of energy for a very long time. When electricity is generated from flowing water, this is called hydroelectric energy, and the prefix 'hydro' refers to water.

Hydroelectric energy is considered a renewable energy resource because it's an energy resource that regenerates in a short time period. You can think of this like the hair on your head. If you get a bad haircut that you don't like, you don't have to worry about it too much because it will grow back in a reasonable amount of time. However, if you lose an arm, you certainly can't regenerate that! Your hair is a renewable resource, whereas your arm is a non-renewable resource.

Sunlight, wind and heat generated from the earth are similar types of renewable energy resources. Just like you can't stop water from flowing, you can't stop the sun from shining or the wind from blowing. The resource 'renews' itself as it is used, and unlike things such as minerals and metals, does not occur on Earth in a limited supply.

Hydroelectric energy is a very important energy source, both nationally and worldwide. About 19% of the world's total electricity production comes from hydroelectric energy and about 7% of the power in the U.S. When we look at hydroelectric energy for the U.S. in terms of renewable energy sources (so comparing this to things like solar power, wind power, geothermal energy and biofuels), it makes up 96% of renewable energy electricity production. That means that almost all of our energy production that comes from renewable energy sources comes from water!

Water Generates Electricity

So, how exactly is electricity generated from water? This usually occurs through a hydroelectric dam that is built along a flowing waterway. Think of the water at Niagara. The water flowing over the falls is travelling faster than the water approaching the falls. As water travels downhill, it picks up speed and power.

To take advantage of this, dams are constructed along the waterway where there is a large elevation drop. This is exactly why you wouldn't expect to find dams in flat places like Florida, but would expect to find them in the hilly, mountainous regions of the Southwest U.S.

Like going down a slide at the playground, water is pulled downhill by gravity and picks up speed as it goes (you're moving faster at the bottom of the slide than at the top, right?). Inside the dam are turbines that get spun by the moving water - similar to how a pinwheel gets spun by the wind blowing by.

The spinning turbine shafts are connected to a generator, and the spinning of the turbines themselves creates electricity inside the generator. The generator is connected to power lines, which transmit the electricity to homes and buildings just like they do with coal-fired and natural gas power plants.

Just like wind blowing past the pinwheel is not affected by the pinwheel itself, water flowing by the turbines is not affected as it passes through the dam. It flows on downstream as if nothing has happened. You can see why this is such a valuable and widely used energy resource all around the world! However, with every source of energy, there are pros and cons. Let's look at the benefits and drawbacks that come with harnessing the amazing power of moving water.

Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Energy

As you already know, hydroelectric energy is beneficial because it's a renewable resource. The water is not affected as it flows through the dam and spins the turbines - water will flow whether there's a dam there or not! This also means that there is minimal pollution, unlike the air and water pollution generated from coal and nuclear power plants.

Because water flows along naturally, we also do not have to create any water to run through the dam. Water is provided by nature, and we simply have to sit back and let it do all the work! This also means that maintenance and operational costs are relatively low for the dam itself.

One reason that hydroelectric energy is so popular is its reliability. Wind power is great, but if the wind isn't blowing, you don't generate any electricity. Solar power has a similar issue. If the sun isn't shining, you're not generating any electricity from the sunlight. Dams, however, are specifically designed to hold water behind them. This provides a steady, constant flow of energy from the water that runs through it. So instead of depending on rainfall to deliver water, we know that the water will be there waiting to spin those turbines inside the dam.

While hydroelectric energy can be a very beneficial renewable resource, there are also drawbacks to using water to generate electricity. While the maintenance costs are low after the dam is built, they're very expensive to construct and require large up-front investments.

And you know those reservoirs behind the dam? For the most part, these are a steady, reliable source of water. But they are dependent on water coming from their own sources, such as rain. If it doesn't rain, the reservoir may dry up. It's like having a slow leak in your bathtub. If you sit in there long enough and you don't turn the water back on to refill the tub, eventually you'll be sitting in a dry tub, which doesn't work very well!

Dams can have serious impacts on the surrounding environment as well. Think of it this way: There is a busy street that runs through the center of town that seems to move along pretty well. All of a sudden, a large wall gets constructed across the road that reduces it from four lanes to one. Traffic will likely get backed up, and some people will simply not be able to make it to work any longer. And, any homes, plants and animals will be forced to move where the wall was constructed.

A dam has the same effect on a river environment. The water is not allowed to flow downstream as it would without the dam, so it backs up, creating the reservoir behind it. The reservoir can only be made by flooding the land behind the dam, so people, plants and animals are displaced. Since the flow is altered at the dam, the downstream areas get less water than they would normally.

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advantages & disadvantages - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Hydroelectric Energy: Definition, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Water is pretty powerful stuff! You know this if you have stood in a flowing stream and felt the water rushing past you. Or, if you've gone whitewater rafting down a raging river. Even mere images of a place like Niagara Falls help you appreciate just how strong moving water is.

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Last updated: 23 November 2023

✔ Slash your energy bills by installing solar panels

✔ Reduce your carbon footprint with solar panels

✔ Solar panels can increase your property value
Did you know that the energy the sun provides to the earth for one hour could meet the global energy needs for one year? Undoubtedly, the sun is a powerful energy source, and even though we are not able to collect a fraction of this energy, harnessing this power by installing solar panels can make a significant difference to the planet.

While it has been widely criticised for being expensive or inefficient, solar energy has now proved to be extremely beneficial - not only for the environment but also for the private economy. It can save you lots of money on your energy bills and can increase your property value. But there's much more to it than that, so let's dive into the pros and cons of solar energy.
Interested in joining thousands of homeowners who have already saved money and helped the planet by installing solar panels? Our service is completely free and comes with no obligations. Just click the button below to get started on your solar journey.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Thanks to available solar panel grants, as well as, the increasingly competitive prices in the market, solar energy has become the main source of energy for more and more families. The technology has been drastically improved the last years and has been complemented by solar battery storage systems, turning solar into a significantly more efficient source of clean energy. However, solar battery prices are something worth thinking about.

However, there are always downsides no matter the energy source you choose to analyse. GreenMatch has outlined the key advantages and disadvantages of solar power in the following points:

What are the advantages of solar energy?

There are many benefits of using solar energy to power your home. These include:

It's a renewable energy source, meaning it can last forever (as long as we have the sun!).

It doesn't require the mining of fossil fuels. It's clean and pollution free: no carbon emissions and no greenhouse gases.

It can reduce your energy bills. Solar energy is free and can be stored in a battery to maximise use.

Solar panels require little to no maintenance, saving you time and money.

In the sections below, we'll discuss all of the advantages you can benefit from in more detail.

1. Renewable energy source

Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy.

Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.

2. Reduces electricity bills

Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage. This can be found in our ' is it worth getting solar panels?' guide.

For example, if you are a business using commercial solar panels this switch can have huge benefits because the large system size can cover large chunks of your energy bills.

Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill, but there is also a possibility to receive payments for the surplus energy that you export back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). If you generate more electricity than you use (considering that your solar panel system is connected to the grid).

3. Diverse applications

Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity ( photovoltaics) or heat ( solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distil water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space.

Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not long ago Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.

4. Low maintenance costs

Solar energy systems generally don't require a lot of maintenance. You only need to keep them relatively clean, so cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. If in doubt, you can always rely on specialised cleaning companies, which offer this service from around £25-£35.

Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty.

Also, as there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity and heat ( solar PV vs. solar thermal). Apart from the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure your solar power system runs at maximum efficiency.

So, after covering the initial cost of the solar system, you can expect very little spending on maintenance and repair work.

5. Technology development

Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will intensify in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can potentially increase the effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of the solar power systems.

Don't want to wait any longer to reap all of these solar benefits? By opting for solar panels, you're not only reducing your energy costs, but you're also making a positive impact on the environment. GreenMatch can help you take the first step by securing the best quotes for your needs.

By filling out our form now you'll receive up to 4 free quotes from trusted local installers and begin your journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future in less than a minute. Say goodbye to hours spent vetting and requesting quotes from installers in your area.
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Disadvantages of solar energy

1. Cost

Theinitial cost of solar panels is fairly high. This includes paying for solar panels, inverter, batteries, wiring, and the installation. Nevertheless, solar technologies are constantly developing, so it is safe to assume that prices will go down in the future.

2. Weather-dependent

Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to effectively gather solar energy. Therefore, a few cloudy, rainy days can have a noticeable effect on the energy system. You should also take into account that solar energy cannot be collected during the night.

On the other hand, if you also require your water heating solution to work at night or during wintertime, thermodynamic panels are an alternative to consider.

For a breakdown of how effective solar panels are in the winter, check out our video:

3. Solar energy storage is expensive

Solar energy has to be used right away, or it can be stored in large batteries. These batteries, used in off-the-grid solar systems, can be charged during the day so that the energy is used at night. This is a good solution for using solar energy all day long but it is also quite expensive.

In most cases, it is smarter to just use solar energy during the day and take energy from the grid during the night (you can only do this if your system is connected to the grid). Luckily your energy demand is usually higher during the day so you can meet most of it with solar energy.

4. Uses a lot of space

The more electricity you want to produce, the more solar panels you will need, as you want to collect as much sunlight as possible. Solar PV panels require a lot of space and some roofs are not big enough to fit the number of solar panels that you would like to have.

An alternative is to install some of the panels in your yard but they need to have access to sunlight. If you don't have the space for all the panels that you wanted, you can opt for installing fewer to still satisfy some of your energy needs.

5. Associated with pollution

Although pollution related to solar energy systems is far less compared to other sources of energy, solar energy can be associated with pollution. Transportation and installation of solar systems have been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases.

There are also some toxic materials and hazardous products used during the manufacturing process of solar photovoltaic systems, which can indirectly affect the environment.

Nevertheless, solar energy pollutes far less than other alternative energy sources.

Make the transition to solar energy today!

There are pros and cons to solar energy, but if this article has sparked your interest, you can check out our 7-step guide that will help you find the best solar panels for your home. We cover everything from roof suitability, solar panel type, cost, how to save with solar panels, and maintenance.
Has this sparked your interest in solar energy? We can help you find your best deal! Simply fill in the contact form at the top of this page and we will get back to you with up to 4 quotes from our professional installers. Take a minute to complete the form and save hours of research! Our service is totally free and non-binding!

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Aris Vourvoulias is the Head of Content in GreenMatch. Aris is a passionate author and marketer with an educational background in journalism. He continuously writes, reviews, and educates himself in the areas of business, finance, and renewable energy. He has managerial experience in many European markets, including UK, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. He and his content team have been featured on reputable sites like GreenPeace, Guardian, iNews, Gizmodo, and more

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Advantages & Disadvantages of Solar Energy | GreenMatch

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Adopt solar as your renewable energy source to save on your electricity bills. Learn about 10 compelling pros and cons of installing solar panels at home.

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As the various issues caused by our use of fossil fuels come to light, more is being done to find suitable alternatives.

While the likes of solar power, wind turbines and similar large alternatives tend to steal the headlines, there are other fuel sources out there that also have great potential.

Many consider biomass energy to be in that latter category. As a carbon neutral fuel source, it cancels out many of the climate change issues associated with fossil fuels, plus it has other advantages besides. On the surface it appears to offer the perfect solution to a lot of the issues caused by our use of non-renewable energy sources.

This raises the question of why biomass energy hasn't been adopted on a wider scale. Here we aim to provide an answer by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of biomass energy.

The Advantages

Biomass energy has been used in various forms long before people really spoke about energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

This would not have been the case if this form of energy did not have its advantages. Availability of biomass fuels has always been a major reason for their use, but there are many more besides.

As the march continues towards finding alternatives to fossil fuels, biomass energy has gained prominence as a frontrunner as a good replacement.

These are the reasons why.

It Is Renewable

Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished after use. As a lot of biomass fuels - such as wood and plant life - can be regrown, it is a truly renewable source.

As long as efforts are made to maintain the resources used for biomass energy through dedicated replanting and replenishment, it is a fuel source that has the potential to far outlast traditional fossil fuels.

The key difference between this and other renewable energy sources, such as the sun and water, is that need for maintenance. While plant life is abundant, using it without making efforts to replenish stocks can lead to large amounts of it still being wasted, as we see with deforestation.

Carbon Neutrality

The amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere is a major contributor to climate change. Biomass reduces this because the fuel is a natural part of the carbon cycle, unlike oil and other fossil fuels.

The only carbon that is released into the atmosphere from biomass fuels is what was absorbed by the plants during their lifecycles.

As these plants are replenished, the new ones then absorb the same amount of carbon again, creating a neutrality that sees no new carbon created. This makes biomass fuels exceptionally clean.

Less Dependency on Fossil Fuels

The more we use biomass energy, the less we need to depend on the fossil fuels that are major contributors to climate change and other environmental issues.

The abundance of biomass materials available also far outweighs that of fossil fuels, making it a more readily available fuel source.

Better yet, if non-renewable materials, such as oil, aren't being used for fuel, the limited supplies that we have can be used elsewhere.

It Is Versatile

Biomass energy is also amongst the most versatile alternatives available. It can be converted into many different fuel sources, each of which has varied applications.

For example, biomass can be processed to create biodiesel for vehicles, but it can also be used to farm methane gas and a range of other biofuels.

Furthermore, wood can be used to generate heat, while the steam produced by some forms of biomass can also power turbines to create energy.

Availability

Biomass fuels are abundant. Much like with the sun and water, they can be found practically anywhere on the planet.

This abundance means that we will not run into the issues that we currently have with fossil fuels when it comes to availability.

However, it is also crucial that this abundance is maintained. While biomass fuels will always be available because they are part of the natural lifecycle of the planet, this should not lead to irresponsibility in their use.

Low Cost in Comparison To Fossil Fuels

In comparison to drilling for oil or creating gas pipelines, the costs involved in collecting biomass fuels is extremely low.

This low cost can also be passed onto consumers, whose energy bills can then no longer be dependent on issues like availability and the decisions of the companies who supply energy.

These low costs also make biomass more attractive to producers, as they can enjoy higher profits for less output.

It Reduces Waste

A lot of the waste that we produce is biodegradable and plant matter, which could be put to more efficient use elsewhere.

Biomass energy is often able to make use of the waste that would often sit and fester in landfills. This reduces the effects that such sites have on the natural environment, which are particularly pronounced in regards to contaminating local habitats and damaging wildlife.

This reduction in waste also opens up more areas for humans to live in, as less space is needed to create landfills.

Domestic Production

Biomass fuel can also take the control of energy production out of the hands of larger companies. This means that people no longer need to be beholden to power companies and their charges.

The nature of biomass means that practically anybody could produce and use it on a domestic level.

While this does take some work, even something as simple as burning wood instead of using a central heating system can save money and have a more beneficial effect on the environment.

The Disadvantages

While the advantages of biomass are numerous, it is not a perfect energy source.

As with all sources, the disadvantages must also be considered. This is crucial if they are to be confronted properly in order to allow biomass energy to work for the people who need it.

Some of these disadvantages are related directly to the use of the fuel, whereas others are indirect consequences of its production or application.

All are important to keep in mind to have the complete picture in terms of the usefulness of biomass energy.

It's Not Completely Clean

While biomass is a carbon neutral fuel source, it is not completely clean.

Burning wood and other plant life does create other emissions in addition to carbon. These can pollute the local environment, even if the effects are not as drastic as they may be from fossil fuels.

Some organizations, such as the Partnership for Policy Integration, point to biomass fuels as air polluters. When compared to other renewables, such as water, this lack of clean emissions is a major disadvantage.

High Costs In Comparison To Other Alternatives

While the cost of extracting biomass fuels is lower than most types of fossil fuels, they still generally exceed those of many other forms of renewable energy.

In some cases, biomass projects are considered not to be worth the price of completion, especially when solar, water and wind alternatives are available.

This cost comes from the need of biomass resources to be maintained, and for extracted biomass to be replanted. Furthermore, the cost of the machinery used in extraction is also a factor, as it transportation of the biomass.

Possible Deforestation

Though biomass fuels are renewable, they also need to be maintained. Failure to do this can lead to widespread deforestation.

This is a major environmental issue. It massively cuts down on the habitable areas available to scores of species of wildlife, leading to extinctions.

This is a major factor that holds back the use of biomass fuels on a large scale, as replanting efforts may not be able to keep up with the amount of fuel needed.

Space

A large amount of space is needed to grow the materials that are used in biomass energy. This space is not always going to be available, particularly in built-up areas, like cities.

This also limits the areas where biomass energy power plants can be built, as they need to be close to the sources of the fuel to cut down on transportation and other costs.

This makes them less favorable when compared to solar power, which requires less space and is installable in cities and other populated areas. Finally, the land used could also have been used to grow crops, which is particularly important given the large population of the planet.

It Requires Water

An often unseen disadvantage of biomass energy is the amount of water needed in production. All plants need water to live, which means sources must be available at all times.

Not only does this lead to increased costs in terms of irrigation, but it may result in water sources becoming less available to people and wildlife.

Furthermore, with water itself being an alternative form of energy, which is also far cleaner than biomass energy, it raises the question of why the water isn't used for that purpose instead.

It Has Inefficiencies

While biomass fuels are natural, they are also not as efficient as processed fossil fuels, like petroleum and gasoline.

In fact, biodiesel and comparable biofuels are often combined with small amounts of fossil fuels to make them more effective.

This, in turn, reduces these biofuels' effectiveness as a means to cut down on use of fossil fuel resources.

It's Under Development

More needs to be done to harness the potential that biomass energy has. However, it is held back as an alternative fuel source by many of the disadvantages mentioned here.

When compared to the likes of solar and water sources, biomass is inefficient and under-researched.

In fact, scientists are still working on ways to make it more efficient. Until that barrier is crossed, it is unlikely that biomass energy will be adopted as a viable alternative fuel source on a wide scale.

The Final Word

The potential of biomass energy is there for all to see. It is a carbon neutral fuel source that offers lower costs that fossil fuels, while also being extremely diverse.

However, there are many issues that are holding it back from wider adoption. In particular, more needs to be done to solve the issue of efficiency as a fuel, plus issues like space and cost need to be considered.

Until this happens, it is unlikely that biomass energy will become a viable alternative for fossil fuels, though this does not mean that it doesn't have its uses. In particular, use of biomass energy on a domestic and local level can lead to a reduction in energy bills.

Do you have any opinions about biomass energy and its potential future? Please let us know in the comments section below or share this article on social media to start a conversation.

Resources
Featured Image Credit: Idaho National Laboratory @ Flickr

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Biomass Energy Advantages & Disadvantages | Renewable Resources Co

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As the various issues caused by our use of fossil fuels come to light, more is being done to find suitable alternatives. While the likes of solar power, wind turbines and similar large alternatives tend to steal the headlines, there are other fuel sources out there that also have great potential.

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Wind power is now comparable in price to fossil fuels, and solar is well on its way, according to a new report that confirms earlier predictions that renewables aren't just the best option for the environment - they're unequivocally the smartest long-term investment you can make on energy.

The report, by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, found that in the second half of 2015, the global average cost of onshore wind energy will be $83 per megawatt-hour of electricity (which is down $2 from the first half of the year), and for thin film solar photovoltaics, the cost is $122 per megawatt-hour (down $7 in the past six months).

The costs as they are now, and the steady drops we've seen in price over the past six months alone, suggest that as the technology to eke out more and more electricity from solar and wind energy gets ever-more sophisticated, those prices can only continue to fall.

"You start to go from a world where renewables are expensive, to a world where renewables are actually cheap. And that's very meaningful," said Seb Henbest, head of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa analysis for Bloomberg New Energy Finance. "Onshore wind is today competitive in many places in the US and around the world with coal and gas fired generation technology."

The report based its analysis on what's known as the 'levelised cost of electricity', which takes into account several factors such as interest rates, capital expenditures, and the operating costs of facilities, and uses these to compare different energy sources on a dollar value. The team analysed over 55,000 projects around the world to come up with their global average figures.

In terms of breaking it down more specifically into locations, the report found that while coal-fired electricity costs $75 per megawatt-hour in North and South America (up from $66 per megawatt hour), in Europe, you'll have to fork out $105 for the same amount. And gas-fired electricity costs $82 in the Americas, on average (up from $76 per megawatt hour), and $118 in Europe.

Those higher costs for fossil fuels in Europe - due in large part to government-regulated carbon policies - make it even more of a no-brainer for them to be getting into renewables, with the report finding that the average cost of wind is $85 per megawatt-hour in the UK and $80 in Germany, while the combined average for coal and natural gas was more than $100 per megawatt hour in both countries.

"In China, by contrast, coal-fired electricity generation remained extremely cheap - just $44 per megawatt hour," Chris Mooney reports for The Washington Post. "Wind, in contrast, cost $77 and solar photovoltaics, $109."

Mooney adds that the US is also not quite there yet, with the incredibly cheap average price of coal- and gas-fired electricity sitting at $65, while wind sit at $80 per megawatt-hour and solar at $107. The good news is that a lot of the cost of renewables is up-front - installation, construction, and the initial period of energy harvesting.

Unlike the process used to convert fossil fuels to electricity, converting renewable energy to electricity doesn't require fuel, which means solar, wind, and even the currently expensive wave power sources will continue to get cheaper.

"Clean energy solutions like wind and solar are getting more affordable and more accessible by the day, meaning they are increasingly the smartest long-term financial investments for utilities and other electricity producers across America," Michael Brune, the executive director of US-based environmental organisation, the Sierra Club, said in a statement. "The transition to a clean energy economy is going full speed ahead and pushing dangerous, dirty fossil fuels to the back of the line."

You can download the report here.

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Wind Energy Is Now as Cheap as Natural Gas, And Solar Is Getting Close

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Wind power is now comparable in price to fossil fuels, and solar is well on its way, according to a new report that confirms earlier predictions that renewables aren't just the best option for the environment - they're unequivocally the smartest

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In this section we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. Nevertheless, most organizations related to nuclear energy are already positioned for or against the use of nuclear energy. On this site we try to make an objective analysis about this question, giving all the relevant information and offering a space for different conclusions.

The advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy have made this alternative energy source one of the most controversial on the market today. Understanding the pros and cons of this energy source can help you make a more informed decision about your own energy use.

Advantages of nuclear energy

The generation of electricity through nuclear energy reduces the amount of energy generated from fossil fuels (carbon and petroleum). Less use of fossil fuels means lowering greenhouse gas emissions (CO ² and others).

Currently, fossil fuels are consumed faster than they are produced,so in the next future these resources may be reduced or the price may increase becoming inaccessible for most of the population.

Another advantage of nuclear energy is the required amount of fuel: less fuel offers more energy. It represents a significant save on raw materials but also in transport, handling and extraction of nuclear fuel. The cost of nuclear fuel (overall uranium) is 20% of the cost of energy generated.

The production of electric energy is continuous. A nuclear power plant is generating electricity for almost 90% of annual time. It reduces the price volatility of other fuels such as petrol.

This continuity benefits the electrical planning. Nuclear energy does not depends on natural aspects. It's a solutions for the main disadvantage of renewable energy, like solar energy or eolic energy, because the hours of sun or wind does not always coincide with the hours with more energy demand.

It's an alternative to fossil fuels, so the consumption of fuels such as coal or oil is reduced. This reduction of coal and oil consumption benefits the situation of global warming and global climate change. By reducing the consumption of fossil fuels we also improve the quality of the air affecting the disease and quality of life.

Disadvantages of nuclear energy

We've previously discussed the advantage of using nuclear energy to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Organizations often use this argument in favor of nuclear energy but it's a partial truth. Much of the consumption of fossil fuels is due to road transport, used in heat engines (cars, trucks, etc.). Savings in fossil fuel for power generation is fairly low.

Despite the high level of sophistication of the safety systems of nuclear power plants the human aspect has always an impact. Facing an unexpected event or managing a nuclear accident we don't have any guarantee that decisions we took are always the best. Two good examples are Chernobyl and Fukushima.

The Chernobyl nuclear accident is, by far, the worst nuclear accident in the history. Different wrong decisions during the management of the nuclear plant caused a big nuclear explosion.

Referring to the Fukushima nuclear accident, the operations done by the staff were highly questionable. Fukushima nuclear accident is the second worst accident in the history.

One of the main disadvantages is the difficulty in the management of nuclear waste. It takes many years to eliminate its radioactivity and risks.

The constructed nuclear reactors have an expiration date. Then, they've to be dismantled, so that main countries producing nuclear energy could maintain a regular number of operating reactors. They've to built about 80 new nuclear reactors during the next ten years.

Nuclear plants have a limited life. The investment for the construction of a nuclear plant is very high and must be recovered as soon as possible, so it raises the cost of electricity generated. In other words, the energy generated is cheap compared to the cost of fuel, but the recovery of its construction is much more expensive.

Nuclear power plants are objectives of terrorist organizations.

Nuclear power plants generate external dependence. Not many countries have uranium mines and not all the countries have nuclear technology, so they have to hire both things overseas.

Current nuclear reactors work by fission nuclear reactions. These chain reactions is generated in case control systems fail, generating continous reactions causing a radioactive explosion that would be virtually impossible to contain.

Probably the most alarming disadvantage is the use of the nuclear energy in the military industry. The first use of nuclear energy was the creation of two nuclear bombs dropped on Japan during World War II. This was the first and the last time that nuclear energy was used in a military attack. Later, several countries signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but the risk that nuclear weapons could be used in the future will always exist.

Advantages of nuclear fusion versus nuclear fission

Currently the generation of electricity in nuclear reactors is done by nuclear fission reactions. For the moment, nuclear fusion is not valid to generate electric power. Once developed, if nuclear fusion is really practicable, it will provide great advantages over nuclear fission:

Virtually inexhaustible sources of fuel.

No accidents in the reactor due to the chain reactions that occur in fissions.

The waste generated will be much less radioactive.

Last review: December 20, 2018

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear energy

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In this section we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. Nevertheless, most organizations related to nuclear energy are already positioned for or against the use of nuclear energy. On this site we try to make an objective analysis about this question, giving all the relevant information and offering a space for different conclusions.

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A secondary school revision resource for Edexcel Additional GCSE Science about energy, radioactivity and Nuclear powers

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Recent article about fossil fuels running out

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Recent article about fossil fuels running out

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THE latest research shows we will probably run out of oil in 2051. Gas reserves may run out by 2061. Coal reserves are expected to run out by the end of the century.

These numbers, however, do not take into account that rising economies in the world will consume more fossil fuels as they grow; therefore, bringing forward the date of total finis.

The depletion dates, however, should not be our main reason for using less fossil fuels as sources of energy.

With human-caused climate change, we are already seeing the effects of rising temperatures and higher water levels. Storms are getting stronger, heatwaves more punishing and floods more frequent.

Many of Malaysia's cities may potentially be flooded. Farmers may find their crops failing more often because of uncompromising weather; putting at risk a large segment of our society's food security.

With more weather-related emergencies, more people will be displaced, more victims will be forced out of their homes, pulled out of their daily routines and work.

Storms such as the one that hit Penang recently may become a normality. The stability we enjoy is at stake.

For our children, the future looks despairing. How will they cope?

How can Malaysia strive towards a high-income status if we continually have to spend billions of ringgit on fixing damage caused by climate-related disasters?

While our friends in the West debate climate change, we can no longer wait for them to come to a decision.

We must not be afraid to take the reins of responsibility in determining the future of our children.

As with all issues, the first step is for us to collectively agree that we have an unstoppable train steamrolling towards us.

But, rather than panicking, we need to think of solutions; alternatives for us to continue growing while maintaining a clean atmosphere without emitting more greenhouse gases.

Domestically, we need to fundamentally shift our conversation to the bigger picture.

We can no longer waste our time squabbling over things like weekly fuel prices.

Soon, there won't be much fuel left to quarrel about.

Everyone in Malaysia needs to accept that the norms we hold true today, may not be available in the future.

The first step to solving an issue is to recognise there is one in the first place.

Some of us focus too much on issues affecting us today that we completely ignore the fact that certain demands may prove detrimental to our children tomorrow.

Some public voices demand cheaper oil, lower toll and cheaper cars. Yet, such demands will lead to more cars on the road, thereby increasing our emission of greenhouse gases.

Are we really that selfish that we cannot take on segmented sacrifices for the good of our children?

In the long term, we need to focus on climate change and ways to curb its effects. But, in the short term, it is crucial that we give equal priority to the institutions that have thus far protected us from certain traditional threats, such as extremism and radicalism.

The military and police are our main security nets. While we continue to carry segments in our society away from extremist options, these men in arms protect us from attacks and foil attempts to destabilise our region.

The issue at first may seem overwhelming. But with time and effort, solutions will arise. We can and will find the light at the end of the tunnel.

With more people thinking about the issue, our chances of producing renewable clean energy are good.

Solutions will come up. We need to be pioneering the idea of sustainability in the future. There is no more time to rely on others. This is why we need to engage in more dialogue.

The Kuala Lumpur International Youth Discourse, therefore, is a genuine platform for our youths to talk and engage with their policymakers.

This programme recognises that beyond strengthening our institutions of security, we need to focus also on curbing threats of climate change and energy sustainability.

It's important that youths come to the event to ask questions, to give their proposals and ideas on issues that may devastate their future.

We no longer live in an era where leaders and policymakers know best all the time. There is too much at risk for one to not share opinions of a possible way forward.
The writer is Umno Youth vice-chief and a senator

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THE latest research shows we will probably run out of oil in 2051. Gas reserves may run out by 2061. Coal reserves are expected to run out by the end of the century. These numbers, however, do not take into account that rising economies in the world will consume more fossil fuels as they grow; therefore, bringing forward the date of total finis.

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Fuels and Energy Resources Page of the OLP

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Fuels and Energy Resources Page of the OLP

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Twig videos and other resources covering all the energy resources. Good place to start your research.

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Nuclear energy is one of the sources of electricity. Although nuclear power is considered a great alternative source of non-renewable electricity producer, it also has several flaws. . Around 15% of the world's electricity relies on nuclear energy with the United States, along with other European countries, uses nuclear energy to generate electricity although fossil fuels and hydroelectric energy are also. Here are the positive and negative sides of this popular energy source:.

List of Advantages of Nuclear Energy

1. High Efficiency Level
One characteristic of nuclear energy is its higher efficiency level over other energy sources such as fossil fuels. This is due to the high density of the energy produced by nuclear power plants. Moreover, less fuel is required to process nuclear energy as opposed to processing oil and coal.

2. Abundant Supply
Uranium is the significant element in the process of nuclear fission and with the world having enough supply to last for 70 to 80 years, depletion is never a problem. Also, since nuclear plants are capable of meeting the demands for energy without interruption for at least a year so long as no maintenance work is required, this type of energy source is ideal.

3. Environment-friendly
Carbon emitted in the air from various sources result to pollution and aggravates global warming. Unlike coal and natural gas that are pollutants, nuclear energy does not release carbon dioxide and is cleaner. Moreover, it has lower greenhouse emissions.

4. Low Maintenance
Investing in nuclear power plants to produce energy since these plants do not need regular maintenance as well as operation can last between 40-60 years. Consequently, there is no need to shut down the plants any time soon once they have been built. Also, with the abundant supply of Uranium, there is an assurance of sufficient supply even if demands increase.

List of Advantages of Nuclear Energy

1. Harmful
Although the process of producing nuclear energy has lesser greenhouse gas emissions, it has an increasing number of nuclear reactors which puts the health and safety of the people living near the vicinity in line. During the 1970s, the core of one of the reactors was damaged while in Ohio, an accident almost occurred during inspection and was said to have been a result of poor maintenance. Also, Plutonium, which is produced when used fuel is re-processed, is important in creating bombs. If this gets stolen by bad people, it can result to death and destruction.

2. Expensive
Despite the low maintenance costs of nuclear power plants, a substantial amount of investment is needed to build these plants. In fact, around $2 billion dollars is needed to build a 1,000-megawatt power plant and time table can take up to five years.

3. Nuclear Waste Disposal Issues
One of the major setbacks of nuclear power plants is the lack of long-term waste disposal facilities. Wastes are stored on the grounds of these power plants and sooner or later, there will be no space left to contain these nuclear wastes.

4. Leak Potential
Accidents can happen despite the safety systems applied to nuclear reactors. If leaks happen, the radioactive byproduct of nuclear energy is toxic and can cause burns, cancer, blood diseases and bone decay.

The use of nuclear energy to produce electricity has its advantages and disadvantages. This is why it is essential for the leaders to continuously monitor the effects of this energy source on the environment and the people.

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8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

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Nuclear energy is one of the sources of electricity. Although nuclear power is considered a great alternative source of non-renewable electricity producer, it also has several flaws. . Around 15% of the world's electricity relies on nuclear energy with the United States, along with other European countries, uses nuclear energy to generate electricity although fossil fuels and hydroelectric energy are also.

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Do you look forward to the day when you'll be able to drive your own car? Just think of the freedom! You'll be able to go where you want whenever you want! Of course, there's one downside to that freedom: you'll have to pay to fill up your gas .

With the price of gasoline inching upward year after year, you might start thinking more and more about renewable sources of . After all, fossil fuels will one day be gone. Future generations must develop new technologies that will allow them to harness renewable sources to be able to continue to our modern lives.

You're probably aware of some popular renewable sources, such as wind and hydroelectric power. Did you realize, though, that there's a source of renewable right underneath your feet? What are we talking about? Geothermal , of course!

Geothermal gets its name from the Greek words "geo" and "therme," which mean "earth" and "heat." Simply put, geothermal is in the form of heat inside the Earth. Did you realize that there's heat inside the Earth? In fact, the farther you go inside the Earth, the hotter it gets.

Earth's inner can reach temperatures approaching 10,800º F. That's about the same temperature as the surface of the Sun! Between the inner and the surface of the Earth, there are thousands of miles of countless layers of superheated substances, including rock, water, and steam.

Evidence of geothermal can be seen on Earth's surface in many areas. Volcanoes that , geysers that shoot steam and hot water into the sky, and hot springs that offer a soothing are all examples of the heat inside the Earth rising to its surface.

Some of the heat within the Earth is a of the events that formed the Earth over four billion years ago. The remainder of the heat comes from the of radioactive elements deep inside the Earth.

Those who research and develop geothermal seek to tap these sources of heat inside the Earth to both heat homes directly and generate electricity. Since the inside of the Earth keeps producing heat, geothermal is a renewable source that can be relied upon for the foreseeable future.

In areas with hot springs or geothermal reservoirs near the surface, hot water can be pumped directly to homes and businesses to heat them. In other areas, geothermal heat pumps circulate water through loops of pipes buried in the ground where the temperature stays a 50º-60º F all the time. These systems can both heat homes and businesses in the winter and cool them in the summer.

Engineers have even found ways to pipe steam and hot water from deep underground to geothermal power plants to produce electricity. Compared to other types of , geothermal is considered to be more , cost-effective, and cleaner than burning fossil fuels. Today, the United States is the world's largest producer of geothermal , but experts believe that current production levels are only the tip of the iceberg of what is possible.

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Do you look forward to the day when you'll be able to drive your own car? Just think of the freedom! You'll be able to go where you want whenever you want! Of course, there's one downside to that freedom: you'll have to pay to fill up your gas .

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How do summarise and put together information you find?

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How do summarise and put together information you find?

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Strategies to help you recall key information from different resources
ActivLearn pages 144-145

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Debating Tips:

Always stand and be visible when speaking

Take notes as the other team is speaking so you can use their facts against them

Face your opponents but also open yourself to the audience (do not speak with your back to them)

Be confident:  eye contact / clear and audible voice

Try to emphasise key points

Rehearse your speeches and memorize as much as you can. Use cue cards if you need to. You should not be reading directly off your paper.

Prepare and practice (use all your time as most efficiently as possible)

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What should be included in each speech.....

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Fuels and Energy Resources Page of the OLP

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Fuels and Energy Resources Page of the OLP

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Twig videos and other resources covering all the energy resources. Good place to start your research.