Hydroelectric Energy

Hydroelectric energy is a clean, sustainable way of producing energy.

How is hydroelectricity generated?

A large dam is built by a lake or a river. The placement of the dam is done as to create high pressure. Water is allowed to pass through the dam, and the momentum of the water spins the turbine around rapidly. The turbine then generates electricity from the movement, and the water is released into a nearby river.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectricity

The advantages of hydroelectric are that it’s clean and sustainable, and can produce huge amounts of energy.

The disadvantage is that a significant source of water is required for this to happen. Dry, desolate countries are unable to use this energy source. As a side effect, displaced water can cause floods, destroying houses and animal habitats.

 

Wind Energy 

Wind energy is another form of clean, sustainable energy.

How is wind energy generated?

A large number of turbines are placed in a flat field. When there is enough wind, the turbines begin to turn, continuously generating electricity. The electricity is then stored in a battery.

Advantages and disadvantages of wind energy

Wind energy has many advantages.

• It has a tiny footprint.
• It’s incredibly cheap.
• It’s sustainable, because you can’t consume wind.
• It has no negative impact on the environment, like coal.
• It requires no maintenance.  

The disadvantage is that although the footprint is small, the turbines have to be placed a certain distance away from each other, to maximise efficiency. Consequently, they take up a lot of space.

Biomass Energy 

Biomass is the release of biological energy obtained from the Sun.

How is biomass energy generated?

For those who take biology, you know that plants get their energy from the sun. When plants are burned, this energy is released. The heat then turns a shaft, which in turn produces electricity.

Is biomass a good solution?

Biomass is not that great of a solution. It’s only advantages are that it’s renewable and that it’s carbon neutral.

Solar Energy 

Solar energy is yet another form of clean but sustainable energy.

How is solar energy generated?

A solar panel is placed facing south. This is important because the sunlight is coming from the south when it’s at its strongest. There also exist solar panels which follow the sun, but they are not worth the extra price. The solar panel absorbs heat from the sun. The thermal energy is then converted to electricity using a thermoelectric converter. It is then stored in a battery.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy

The advantages of solar energy are many. Firstly, any countries near the equator can get a huge energy boost from this. Secondly, sunlight is free; money only needs to be invested into a small amount of maintenance

Nuclear Energy 

Nuclear energy is the result of a process called nuclear fission.

How is nuclear energy generated?

large uranium nucleus is split in half by a neutron fired at high velocity. As a consequence, a lot of energy is produced. The nucleus releases three neutrons, which collide with three more of the same nuclei. The process is repeated until the uranium block is consumed. This chain reaction releases tons of energy in the form of heat energy. The heat energy is transferred to water, which evaporates instantly. The movement of the steam then turns an energy turbine, which in turn generates electricity.

Energy per gram = 24,000,000 kWh

Price per gram of pure uranium = 7,000 (varies)

Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy?

The advantages are that it is:

• Very clean
• Highly efficient
• Energy per gram of fuel is very high

The disadvantages are that:

• It takes a long time to build
• It costs alot to build and mantain
• There is the risk of a nuclear meltdown
• Nuclear waste is difficult to store

 

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