Energy and FoodCompiled By: Nicholas Mavrelis ’13, Adrian Drobenko ’13, Ryan O’Hara ’13, Alexander Adamis ’13, Taso Velis ’13, Keith Spiteri ’13, Peter Abrahamsen ’13, Eugene Dolphin ’13, and Michael Puerto ‘13

Eight Different Types of Renewable Energy1. Biofuel2. Biomass3. Geothermal4. Solar Energy5. Hydroelectricity6. Tidal Power7. Wind Power8. Wave Power

Think! How does energy affect food? Why should you care?

What is a Biofuel? A biofuel is a type of fuel whose energy

is derived from the biological reduction of carbon dioxide to organic compounds by living organisms.

A bus powered by biofuel.

Pros and Cons of BiofuelsPros Cons

Helps keep the environment clean

Can possibly cause other environmental problems

and emit other greenhouse gases

Uses natural resources efficiently

Requires a mass production of crops

Can be easily implemented Requires more energy than it can generate

Just as efficient as regular gasoline

Seen as a temporary replacement, but not a

permanent solution

What is Biomass? Biomass is a biological material from

living, or recently living, organisms. It can either be used directly or converted into other energy products.

Wood is a common source of biomass.

Pros and Cons of BiomassPros Cons

Made locally with minimal cost

Large areas of land are required to use to its full

potential

Converts waste into fuel If overused, other environmental issues could

develop

Renewable, and does not depend on fossil fuels

Some materials are not available all year around

An abundance of organic waste and agricultural

waste

Very expensive to implement properly

What is Geothermal Energy? Geothermal energy is thermal energy

generated and stored in the Earth. The Earth generates thermal energy from

the original formation of the planet and from radioactive decay of minerals.

A pool fed by a hot spring.

Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy

Pros Cons

Geothermal plants are inexpensive to operate and

maintain

Geothermal plants and required tools, such as drills, are expensive to

start

Almost completely non-polluting

Only usable in certain regions

Can be used as a direct power source

Current geothermal sources may not be a permanent source of

energy

Fossil fuels are not required No guarantee that sites will provide desired quantities

What is Solar Energy? Solar energy is a radiant of light and

heat from the sun and has been used by humans since ancient times. Different technologies, such as solar

panels, allow humans to harness solar energy more efficiently.

A solar power plant in the United States

Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

Pros Cons

Solar panels give off no pollution

Solar panels are extremely costly

Solar energy is produced quietly

Can only produce energy during the daytime

Can be very efficient in large areas

The weather can affect the efficiency of energy

production

Reduces the use of fossil fuels

Doesn’t completely dispose of fossil fuels

What is hydroelectricity? Hydroelectricity is electricity being

generated by hydropower. More specifically, it is the production of

electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water.

The Gordon Dam Located in Tasmania.

Pros and Cons of Hydroelectricity

Pros Cons

Dams can store water directly from a river itself

Dams require flooding of entire valleys and other

areas

In case of a drought, the dam can still have a

constant supply of water to produce energy

Dams disrupt natural seasonal changes in the

river, which could result in destroyed ecosystems

Dams are inexpensive to maintain and operate

Dams are expensive to build

Dams can be shut down instantly

Dams can break in a massive flash flood

What is Tidal Power? Tidal power is a form of hydropower that

converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power, primarily electricity.

A tidal stream generator that shows the power in the tidal current

Pros and Cons of Tidal Power

Pros Cons

A completely non-polluting source of energy

Requires a thorough inspection

A renewable energy Exposure to rotating turbines that manipulate the water can drastically

alter marine life

A reliable source of energy Has specific, geographical requirements

Pays off in the long run A high initial investment

What is Wind Power? Wind power is the conversion of wind

energy into a useful form of energy. Often requires wind turbines to make

electricity, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping, or sails to propel ships.

A Wind Pump

Pros and Cons to Wind Power

Pros Cons

Does not pollute the environment such as fossil

fuels, coal, and nuclear energy

Has several environmental impacts

It’s renewable Wind is simply unpredictable

Good availability for wind Requires specific, geographical regions

Cost efficient to operate and maintain

Expensive to implement

What is Wave Power? Wave power is the transport of energy

by ocean surface waves, and the capture of that energy to produce electricity.

Pros and Cons of Wave Power

Pros Cons

Consistent power Devices that harness energy can easily break

down

Causes no pollution Harms marine life

Renewable energy High initial cost

Efficient in harnessing energy

Very few are actually implemented

How does this all relate to food? Food is one of the primary sources for

biofuels. If an energy source was cheaper and a

more efficient energy source was in place, food would be extremely cheaper Cheaper food to produce + Better

Economy = More People Well Fed