Renewable Energy
By: Ryan Haack
Solar energy
Interesting Facts-
Solar Energy is the only source of renewable energy.
California has the largest solar power plant.
Photovoltaic Panels (solar panels) are mainly composed of silicon.
Benefits-
Save money.
Increase your home value.
Solar power is easy to get.
Its better than other power for the environment.
Nuclear energy
General Information- Nuclear energy is heat that is released from an atom during a nuclear reaction. It is frequently used to generate electricity.
Every 2 year the nuclear power plant shuts down to go through cleaning cycle which allows the removal of radioactive waste.
Benefits-
Powerful
Efficient
Cheap Electricity
Geothermal energy
Interesting Facts- In some parts of Iceland, hot water runs from geothermal power plants under pavements and roads to help melt ice.
Benefits-
No pollution
Direct Use
Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
Biodiesel
Interesting Facts- Biodiesel is a relatively clean-burning fuel that can replace the non-renewable petro diesel. Biodiesel is considered readily biodegradable under ideal conditions and non-toxic.
Benefits-
Air quality
Safety
Engine Operation
Tidal power
Interesting Facts- Tides are caused by the gravitational forces between the moon and earth.
Benefits-
Tidal turbines are located beneath the ocean surface and cannot be seen or heard.
Hydropower
Interesting Facts- Hydropower is the oldest power sources.
Doesn't pollute but the construction of the dams can affect natural systems.
Benefits-
Fueled by water.
The hydropower facilities can quickly go from zero power to maximum output.
Wind
Interesting Facts- Wind mills were first developed in China.
A single wind turbine can power 500 homes.
American wind power is a $10 billion a year industry.
As of May 2014, the United States is home to 46,000 operating wind turbines.
Benefits-
Clean source of power
Sustainable
Cost-effective
Biomass
Interesting Facts-
Biomass is all plant and animal matter.
Biomass can be used to make an energy-rich gas called biogas.
Biomass is part of the carbon cycle.
Biomass is not fossilized material.
Benefits-
Reduces need for fossil fuels.
Produce oxygen and use up carbon.
The use of waste material reduce landfill disposal and makes more space for everything else.