Alternative Energy Sources

1. Solar Wind Hydrogen Bioenergy Geothermal Nuclear Hydro Alternative Energy Sources

2. Solar Energy • The Sun is the first source of all energy on Earth. • Photovoltaic cells capture energy from the sun. • Inexhaustible source – won’t run out • No pollution.

3. Wind Energy • Convection currents cause wind. • Wind turns turbines which produces electricity. • Works best in coastal areas and high altitudes. • Not reliable because wind strength varies.

4. Geothermal Energy • Use the Earth’s intense internal heat (from magma) for energy. • Steam from inside Earth turns turbines. • Only possible on certain areas of the Earth and could run out.

5. Hydro Energy • Many forms • Most widely used alternative energy. • Flowing water turns turbines. • Dams flood large areas of land and destroy habitats.

6. Nuclear Energy • Lots of energy produced by combining (fusion) or splitting (fission) atoms. • No green house gases. • Radiation leaks could be devastating.

7. Biomass fuel • Photosynthesis stores solar energy in the form of chemical energy. • Fuel comes from burning things that were once living like cow manure, ethanol, wood, biodiesel. • Process for creating fuel takes awhile.

8. Hydrogen • The main gas that fuels the burning of the Sun. • Easy to mass produce. • Hydrogen fuel cells are expensive.