Alternative Energy Sources

1. Alternative Energy Sources

2. Hydrogen Fuel Cells • Run on natural gas, converting it to hydrogen. • Combustion of hydrogen produces energy; which is converted to electricity. • The by-product is water. • Fuel Cell Animation

3. Hydrogen Fuel Cells • Pros: Efficient, clean, renewable • Cons: High Cost, uses some fossil fuels, not many places distribute it.

4. Nuclear Fusion • Still experimental. • Fusion is the process that takes place in the cores of stars (the Sun) • Lasers are being used to initiate a fusion reaction, but so far it has not been self-sustaining.

5. Nuclear Fusion • Pros: Tremendous energy potential • Cons: Not available now, high cost

6. Wave Power

7. Wave Power • Pros: Clean, renewable and reliable. • Cons: Corrosion of equipment, startup cost is high, habitat alteration

8. Test –Human Impact on Lithosphere • Explain need for and consequences of land uses such as urbanization, deforestation and agriculture. • Explain ways to mitigate (lessen) human impacts on the lithosphere. • Explain ways to maximize sustainable use of natural resources. • Explain the effects of human activity on shorelines, especially in development and stabilization efforts.

9. Explain the effects of human activity on mountainsides, especially in development and stabilization efforts. • Compare methods of obtaining energy resources: • Harvesting • Mining • Drilling • Critique the benefits, costs and environmental impact of alternative energy sources for N.C. • Evaluate which sources of alternative energy may work best in different parts of the state and why.