Energy Types - Pros and Cons

Cons of this energy type include:

Although it is carbon neutral the use of human and animal waste produces methane (a greenhouse gas).

Plants need lots of space to grow.

Can lead to deforestation.

Energy is not as efficient as burning fossil fuels.

Clearcutting land leads to increased habitat loss and soil erosion.

• Solar

• Hydroelectric

• Nuclear

• Biomass

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Pros of this energy type include:

Zero carbon emissions during operations.

Domestic source of energy.

Renewable form of solar energy.

Dams may provide a source of drinking water and recreation for local communities.

• Hydroelectric Power

• Solar Power

• Coal

• Natural Gas

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Pros of this energy type include:

Its carbon Neutral meaning that CO2 emitted by combustion will be absorbed by other plants.

Use of waste materials clears up landfill space.

Less money on foreign oil.

Is always available.

• Biomass

• Coal

• Wind Power

• Geothermal Energy

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Cons of this energy type:

Only available in certain locations.

High initial cost.

Heat production may decrease or die out entirely.

May cause surface instability and cause more frequent or more intense earthquakes.

• Wind Power

• Hydroelectric Power

• Solar Power

• Geothermal Energy

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Pros of this energy source:

Produces large amounts of energy with no carbon emissions.

Very reliable source of energy.

• Coal

• Nuclear Energy

• Wind Power

• Oil

Cons include:

Expensive

Good wind-based sites are normally far from cities where the electricity is needed the most.

Wind farms can impact local wildlife.

Turbines can only be placed in certain areas where the wind is constantly blowing.

• Solar Power

• Hydroelectric Power

• Wind Power

• Natural Gas

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Cons of this type include:

Can impact local wildlife and fish migration.

Can impact water quality and natural flow of water.

Can be affected by drought, when water is not available the plants cannot produce electricity.

High cost for the dam.

• Hydroelectric power

• Coal

• Biofuels

• Nuclear Power

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Pros Include:

Commonly used

Cheap

Easy to Obtain

• Wind Power

• Nuclear Power

• Coal

• Biofeuls

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Cons of this type:

Pipeline spills pose a risk to land and especially water if they leakBurning Emits Harmful Air Pollutants

• Oil

• Wind Power

• Geothermal

• Solar Power

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Pros of this type include:

Cheap

Cleaner than other fossil fuels

• Hydroelectric

• Natural Gas

• Wind

• Nuclear

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