Renewable Energy - Air & Ground
Science: KS3, topic 3.1.21
Generating Electricity From the Air and Ground
Because fossil fuels are running out, we are constantly finding ‘greener’ methods of producing electricity. We can use energy resources above and below the ground to do it.
Wind
- Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity.
- Positives:
- No carbon dioxide produced.
- Negatives:
- Can be an eyesore (look ugly).
- Wind speed fluctuates through the day and year so the turbines may not work at peak times.
Solar
- Energy from the Sun is converted into electricity.
- The Sun’s energy is captured in photovoltaic (PV) cells.
- These cells should not be confused with solar water heating cells (solar cells) that use the Sun’s energy to heat up water in your homes.
- Positives:
- No carbon dioxide produced.
- Reduces electricity bills.
- Renewable.
- Negatives:
- Not always sunny.
- A high cost of installation and maintenance.
Geothermal
- Deep underground in volcanic regions, ‘hot’ rocks heat up water.
- These rocks are hot because of radioactive processes.
- Water is pumped down over the rocks.
- The water gains thermal energy and turns to steam, which then turns a turbine.
- Positives:
- No carbon dioxide produced.
- Renewable as the water is reused.
- Negatives:
- Expensive to set up a station.
- They can only be located in areas of volcanic activity.
Test yourself on Renewable Energy - Air & Ground
What is a negative of using solar energy to generate electricity?
Geothermal Energy
What type of energy does a wind turbine convert into electricity?
Why can geothermal power stations only be built in volcanic regions?
What positive do wind, solar and geothermal energy all share?