Alternative Energies Notes
Alternative Energy
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Energies that are not fossil fuels. Most are renewable.
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The following are renewable: _________, __________, _________, __________, _________,
________, ___________, and __________.
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About ______of today’s energy in the U.S. is renewable.
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Why did we start research alternative energy?
Hydropower
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This uses the mechanical power of flowing water to generate electricity. Power depends on the amount
of water (_____) and the distance it falls (______). (diagram pg. 450)
Accounts for ________ of U.S. renewable energies and is the largest renewable source for electricity –
10%.
Why will we not be able to significantly increase use of Hydropower in the US?
Impacts:
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__________, __________, and ______________.
Costly to build and funds to build new dams have not been approved in more than a decade.
Dams disrupt the environment and create different habitats.
Dams can fill with _________ becoming useless if not maintained.
Hydropower is on the decline
Wind
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Use of wind to spin turbine to generate electricity.
Researches are looking for ways to store energy and reduce cost.
Fastest growing energy source in the world. (costal Europe)
Electricity is almost as cheap as fossil fuel in areas with strong winds.
Most effective on ________, ____________, and ___________.
Winds farms now exist in PA, West Virginia, and New York
Accounts for only _____ of our alternative energy.
Impacts
 Few environmental impacts (noise, space, damage to bats and birds)
 No air pollution
Why is wind power limited?
Biomass
 The burning of ______, __________, ___________, _______, and ____________ This also includes
fuels made from organic matter.
 Various methods are used to create fuels that can be used for heating or transportation. (could possibly
replace petroleum)
 Sugar crops and grains can be converted through fermentation by yeast to produce __________. (can be
blended with gasoline)
 ___________ is a substitute for diesel engines and is made from _____________ or ____________.
 Use is increasing with new technologies.
 Accounts for close to _____ of alternative energy in this country.
 Major source for ___________.
What are the Impacts of using Biomass?
Geothermal
 Uses the natural heat (dry heat, steam, or hot rock) tapped in the earth to heat homes or produce
electricity. (diagram pg. 476)
 Power plants must be near the source because too much energy is lost during transportation.
 __________, ________, ________, and ________have the potential .
 Accounts for 6% of our renewable energy.
What are the Impacts of using Geothermal?
Tidal
 Converts the mechanical energy from ocean tides to electricity.
 Limited to coastal regions and therefore will never be a major energy source in this country.
(__________, _______, and ________)
Wave – Waves force water up a large tower pushing the air up over a turbine to generate electricity.
(Norway)
Hydrogen Fuel – the changing of hydrogen gas into a fuel source (gas or liquid)
 Makes up __________ of the universe and is the lightest element.
 Requires water and ___________ is the only product given off when burned
 The _______________is looking into expanding its use (fuel cell technology)
 It would require new equipment and engines to burn it (fuel cells)
 Hydrogen fueled cars have been made.
* Check out this web site: www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/
What are the Impacts?