Alternative Energy Sources

1. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

2. ‘Absolute Black’Solar Panels Absorb Almost All Sunlight A company called Natcore Technology reports it has developed “absolute black” silicon wafers for solar panels that will absorb 99.7 percent of the visible light falling on them. Why do you think they are using the color black? Still though, solar panels today are on about 25-39% efficient!

3. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

4. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel Positives: • Sustainable • Non-polluting • Proven technology Negatives • No wind = No power • Dangerous to wildlife (bats and birds) Ex. California and Maybe DE?

5. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

6. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel Positives: • Sustainable • Non-polluting • Little environmental impact Negatives • Only available near volcanic areas and plate boundaries • Ex. Iceland & New Zealand • and California

7. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

8. Alternative Energy Sources Positives: • Sustainable • Non-polluting • Compact Negatives • Negative environmental impact • Expensive • Only built in certain areas • Ex. Hoover Dam • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

9. Salmon Steps

10. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

11. Alternative Energy Sources Positives: • Non-polluting • Lots of hydrogen • Energy can last 3x’s longer Negatives • H2 is an energy carrier • Not an energy source!! • No H2 Fuel stations! • Ex. GM’s Hy-wire • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

12. Alternative Energy Sources • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

13. Alternative Energy Sources Positives: • Sustainable • Lower CO2 emmisions than oil • Renewable Negatives • Negative environmental impact • Need a bunch of Corn! • Food shortages • Increase in food costs! • Ex. corn, switchgrass, and soybeans • Nuclear • Solar • Wind • Geothermal • Hydroelectric • Hydrogen Fuel • Biodiesel

14. Ethanol at the Gas Pumps

15. Future of Biofuels: Algae Positives: • can produce 100x more fuel per acre than corn crops  • it doubles in mass every four hours.  • uses 95% less water • grows year-round • it lives on sunlight, carbondioxide, and brackish water (fresh and salt water)

16. Future of Biofuels: Algae Negatives: • New technology • hasn't been any real testing done with yet algae biodiesel and actual cars • open pond growing is extremely risky -- the water has to be an exact temperature • Carbon dioxide has to be pumped into the ponds, and there is a high risk of contamination

17. Future of Biofuels: Algae

18. How much renewable energy do we really use?