Sources of Energy Group 5
Sources of Energy Group 5
future
Introduction
Energy powers our daily lives, from homes and
vehicles to industries. It comes from two main
types of sources: Non-renewable, like fossil fuels,
and Renewable. Non-renewable energy sources,
such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are limited,
take millions of years to form, and harm the
environment by contributing to pollution and
climate change. By embracing cleaner energy,
we can reduce environmental impact and build a
healthier, resilient future.
Renewable
energy
Renewable energy comes from natural
resources that are continuously replenished,
such as sunlight, wind, water, and
geothermal heat. Unlike non-renewable
sources, renewable energy has a lower
environmental impact and does not run out,
making it a sustainable choice for reducing
pollution and combating climate change.
Common forms of renewable energy include
solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass.
water energy
Water energy, also known as hydroelectric or
hydropower, is generated by harnessing the
movement of water, usually from rivers or
dams. This energy is produced when flowing
water spins turbines connected to
generators, converting kinetic energy into
electricity. Hydropower is renewable and
widely used, with minimal direct emissions,
making it an environmentally friendly option.
However, large-scale dams can impact local
ecosystems and communities.
Advantages of challenges of
hydropower energy hydropower
• Environmental Impact
• Finite Resource
• Price Volatility
Natural gas
Natural gas energy is derived from the
combustion of natural gas, a fossil fuel primarily
composed of methane (CH₄). It’s extracted from
underground reservoirs and is used for electricity
generation, heating, and as a fuel source in
industries. When burned, natural gas releases
energy with relatively lower emissions of
pollutants and carbon dioxide compared to coal
and oil, making it a cleaner fossil fuel. It’s
efficient for power generation and can be used in
combined-cycle plants, where waste heat is
converted into additional electricity, improving
energy efficiency.
Advantages of challenges of
Natural Gas energy Natural Gas energy
• Environmental Impact
• Carbon Capture and Storage
• Finite Resource and Mining
Impact
• Health Concerns
Nuclear
Energy
Nuclear energy is a form of energy released by
nuclear reactions, either by splitting atomic nuclei
(fission) or combining them (fusion). In nuclear
fission, used in power plants today, heavy atoms like
uranium-235 or plutonium-239 are split into smaller
atoms, releasing large amounts of energy as heat.
This heat generates steam to drive turbines and
produce electricity. Nuclear energy is a low-carbon
power source because it produces no greenhouse
gas emissions during operation. However, it raises
concerns due to radioactive waste, the risk of
nuclear accidents, and the complex management
required for safe operation and waste disposal.
challenges Associated with nuclear energy
• Radioactive Waste
• Safety Concerns
• Non-Renewable Resource
• Cost and Economics
• Public Perception and
Acceptance
Impact of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy has had a significant impact on the world, offering a
powerful, low-carbon source of electricity that helps reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and combat climate change. Since nuclear power plants
do not produce carbon emissions during operation, they serve as an
alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner energy mix.
Economically, nuclear energy can provide reliable power with lower
operational costs once plants are built, although high initial
construction costs and long-term waste management are challenges.
However, concerns about radioactive waste, potential accidents (like
those at Chernobyl and Fukushima), and nuclear weapons proliferation
highlight risks associated with nuclear technology, creating debate
about its long-term role in sustainable energy.
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