A-level Graphic Products/Edexcel/Unit 3 :Designing for the Future/Sustainability/Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy
Burning fossil fuels is a great source of power, however it releases CO2 emissions that are harmful to the Earth's atmosphere; this causes more of the Sun's heat to pass through, heating up the planet. This can cause further problems such as flooding and desertification. Is there are solution?
The 'Sandals' versus the 'Nukes'[1]
[edit | edit source]'Sandals'
[edit | edit source]Sandals are people that strongly believe that we should be using renewable, Earth 'friendly' sources of power such as: wind, solar and bio-fuels. They think we should be more integrated with the natural environment.
'Nukes'
[edit | edit source]Nukes are people that are the opposite of 'Sandals' they think that we should use technology rather than nature. They like power sources like: nuclear energy and carbon-scrubbed natural gas. They think we should be less dependent on nature.
Renewable energy sources
[edit | edit source]Energy source | Process | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Wind | The wind pushes a wind turbine to generate electricity |
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Water | Running water turns a turbine that generates hydroelectric power (HEP) |
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Solar | Hot water and/or electrically generated solar energy sourced from solar panels or photovoltaic cells |
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Biomass & Bio-fuel | Plant material are either incinerated to produced heat and electricity, or bio-gas is produced from anaerobic digestion. |
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Non-renewable energy sources
[edit | edit source]Energy source | Process | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Nuclear | A controlled nuclear chain reaction that creates heat that can be used to heat, water, produce steam that turns a turbine. |
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Fossil Fuels | Burning hydro-carbons such as: oil coal and gas, used to produce heat and power. |
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