ENERGY

Where does our Energy come from?

Where does our energy come from for…?

• Electric light• Mobile phones• Power for your mp3• TV• Hot Water

Energy for these things come from Energy Resources, that are converted into energy that we can easily use. Electricity is the main form of energy that we use and can power or charge what we need energy for.

To generate electricity…

1. You need an energy source, e.g. coal2. This is burnt to produce heat or steam3. The heat or steam then drives a turbine4. The turbine then can drive a generator5. The generator then produces electricity6. The electricity is then transported in

cables to where it is needed

Energy in Ohio

Energy Resources can be divided into 2

categories:1. Non-Renewable ResourcesFor example – coal, oil, gas, uranium or

ligniteOnce used these resources CANNOT be used again

2. Renewable ResourcesFor example – wind, water or solarThese resources can be used over and over again

Non-Renewable Resources: COAL

What is it? • Formed underground from decaying plant

materialHow much left in the world?• About 200 yearsAdvantages? • Plenty left• Mining is getting more efficientDisadvantages? • Pollution: CO2 emissions (linked to global

warming), SO2 (linked to acid rain)• Heavy & bulky to transport

Non-Renewable Resources:

OILWhat is it? • Formed underground from decaying animal and

plant materialHow much left in the world? • About 40 years!Advantages? • Quite easy to transport• Efficient in producing energy• Less pollution than coalDisadvantages? • Not much left• Pollution: air and danger of water pollution

through spills

Non-Renewable Resources: NATURAL GAS

What is it? • Formed underground from decaying animal and

plant materialHow much left in the world? • About 60 yearsAdvantages? • Clean, least polluting of all non-renewables• Easy to transportDisadvantages? • Some air pollution• Danger of explosions

Non-Renewable Resources: NUCLEAR

What is it? • Uses uranium, naturally found in some rocksHow much left in the world? • Not knownAdvantages? • Not much waste and few CO2 emissions

released, as well as, few other greenhouse gases

Disadvantages? • High cost to build and close down power

stations.• Waste is radioactive. Problem with getting

rid of waste safely

Coal in Three Stages: Lignite • peat is compressed to about one-fifth of

its original thickness• lowest heating valueBituminous• formed under more heat and pressure than

ligniteAnthracite• highest heating value• comes from highest pressure compression and

temperatures• cleanest burning of all the coals

Why is the term, FOSSIL FUEL used for coal, oil,

gas and lignite?

Renewable Resources: WIND

What is it? It the movement of air from high to low pressure

How much left? EndlessAdvantages? No pollutionDisadvantages? Winds change all the time, not predictable

Renewable Resources: SOLAR

What is it? Energy from the sun

How much left? EndlessAdvantages? No pollution, can be used in remote areas

Disadvantages? Can be expensive, needs sunlight At night it doesn’t work

Renewable Resources: BIO-ENERGY

What is it? Biomass and Biogas – • fermented animal or plant waste• vegetation from sustainable sourcesHow much left? EndlessAdvantages? Good availabilityDisadvantages? Can be expensive to set up

Renewable Resources: HYDRO

What is it? Movement of water drives a turbine

How much left? EndlessAdvantages? No CO2 emissions, can control flooding and provide a good water supply to an area

Disadvantages? Large areas maybe flooded. Visual and water pollution

Renewable Resources: GEOTHERMAL

What is it? Heat from the ground – often used to heat water

How much left? A lotAdvantages? No CO2 emissions

Disadvantages? Expensive and can only be used in certain parts of the world

Renewable Resources: WATER & TIDAL

What is it? Movement of sea drives turbines

How much left? EndlessAdvantages? Can produce a lot of electricity, no CO2 emissions

Disadvantages? Not many suitable sites