1. Energy and Food
Compiled By: Nicholas Mavrelis ’13, Adrian Drobenko ’13, Ryan O’Hara ’13, Alexander Adamis ’13, Taso Velis ’13, Keith Spiteri ’13, Peter Abrahamsen ’13, Eugene Dolphin ’13, and Michael Puerto ‘13

2. Eight Different Types of Renewable Energy
Biofuel
Biomass
Geothermal
Solar Energy
Hydroelectricity
Tidal Power
Wind Power
Wave Power
Think! How does energy affect food?
Why should you care?

3. What is a Biofuel?
A biofuel is a type of fuel whose energy is derived from the biological reduction of carbon dioxide to organic compounds by living organisms.
A bus powered by biofuel.

4. Pros and Cons of Biofuels
Helps keep the environment clean
Can possibly cause other environmental problems and emit other greenhouse gases
Uses natural resources efficiently
Requires a mass production of crops
Can be easily implemented
Requires more energy than it can generate
Just as efficient as regular gasoline
Seen as a temporary replacement, but not a permanent solution

5. What is Biomass?
Biomass is a biological material from living, or recently living, organisms. It can either be used directly or converted into other energy products.
Wood is a common source of biomass.

6. Pros and Cons of Biomass
Made locally with minimal cost
Large areas of land are required to use to its full potential
Converts waste into fuel
If overused, other environmental issues could develop
Renewable, and does not depend on fossil fuels
Some materials are not available all year around
An abundance of organic waste and agricultural waste
Very expensive to implement properly

7. What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth.
The Earth generates thermal energy from the original formation of the planet and from radioactive decay of minerals.
A pool fed by a hot spring.

8. Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal plants are inexpensive to operate and maintain
Geothermal plants and required tools, such as drills, are expensive to start
Almost completely non-polluting
Only usable in certain regions
Can be used as a direct power source
Current geothermal sources may not be a permanent source of energy
Fossil fuels are not required
No guarantee that sites will provide desired quantities

9. What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is a radiant of light and heat from the sun and has been used by humans since ancient times.
Different technologies, such as solar panels, allow humans to harness solar energy more efficiently.
A solar power plant in the United States

10. Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
Solar panels give off no pollution
Solar panels are extremely costly
Solar energy is produced quietly
Can only produce energy during the daytime
Can be very efficient in large areas
The weather can affect the efficiency of energy production
Reduces the use of fossil fuels
Doesn’t completely dispose of fossil fuels

11. What is hydroelectricity?
Hydroelectricity is electricity being generated by hydropower.
More specifically, it is the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water.

12. The Gordon Dam Located in Tasmania.

13. Pros and Cons of Hydroelectricity
Dams can store water directly from a river itself
Dams require flooding of entire valleys and other areas
In case of a drought, the dam can still have a constant supply of water to produce energy
Dams disrupt natural seasonal changes in the river, which could result in destroyed ecosystems
Dams are inexpensive to maintain and operate
Dams are expensive to build
Dams can be shut down instantly
Dams can break in a massive flash flood

14. What is Tidal Power?
Tidal power is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power, primarily electricity.
A tidal stream generator that shows the power in the tidal current

15. Pros and Cons of Tidal Power
A completely non-polluting source of energy
Requires a thorough inspection
A renewable energy
Exposure to rotating turbines that manipulate the water can drastically alter marine life
A reliable source of energy
Has specific, geographical requirements
Pays off in the long run
A high initial investment

16. What is Wind Power?
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy.
Often requires wind turbines to make electricity, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping, or sails to propel ships.
A Wind Pump

17. Pros and Cons to Wind Power
Does not pollute the environment such as fossil fuels, coal, and nuclear energy
Has several environmental impacts
It’s renewable
Wind is simply unpredictable
Good availability for wind
Requires specific, geographical regions
Cost efficient to operate and maintain
Expensive to implement

18. What is Wave Power?
Wave power is the transport of energy by ocean surface waves, and the capture of that energy to produce electricity.

19. Pros and Cons of Wave Power
Consistent power
Devices that harness energy can easily break down
Causes no pollution
Harms marine life
Renewable energy
High initial cost
Efficient in harnessing energy
Very few are actually implemented

20. How does this all relate to food?
Food is one of the primary sources for biofuels.
If an energy source was cheaper and a more efficient energy source was in place, food would be extremely cheaper
Cheaper food to produce + Better Economy = More People Well Fed