Alternative Energy Sources

Alternative Energy Sources

Energy sources are categorized as renewable or non-renewable.

Renewable energy is collected from renewable resources. A source of energy is considered renewable if it comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished.

Non-renewable energy sources don’t replenish, and are formed when prehistoric plants and animals died

Renewable sources of energy

• Wind power

• Water power

• Solar power

• Geothermal power

Wind power

• One of the oldest sources of energy.

• Advantages (New windmills are 100 metres high and make electricity. A farm of new windmills can provide enough power for a large city).

• Disadvantages (if you try to build wind farms on the land, local farmers complain because of the noise and the damage to farming. If you put them out of the sea, local fishermen complain because of the damage to fishing).

How windmills work?

• Wind blows past the blades.

• Sensors detect the direction of the wind and turn the blades to face it.

• The blades rotate around a shaft inside the head.

• The rotating shaft powers a generator to convert the energy into electricity.

• Electricity is sent via pylons ans cables to homes around the country.