Alternative Energy Resources TSW – Identify alternative energy resources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels. 5.7C

Resources A natural resource is something that is supplied by nature and helps us take care of a need An energy resource is a resource that is used to supply us with energy to do things like heat our homes, run our cars, produce electricity, etc.

Alternative Energy An alternative energy resource is energy coming from a source other than those made from fossil fuels.

Alternative Energy Includes… Common alternative energy resources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels. Wave Energy and Tidal Energy are also considered alternative sources.

Why Use Alternative Energy? Fossil fuels are commonly used to produce the energy we need, but they are harmful to the environment and one day we will run out of these non-renewable resources.

Fossil Fuels are Harmful Burning fossil fuels contributes to pollution, the green house effect and acid rain. Using alternative energy can help avoid many environmental problems.

Wind Energy Wind energy uses the power of moving air to turn a turbine which can then be used to generate electricity. Wind energy is rapidly growing in popularity because it is clean and cost effective. turbines

A wind farm is an area with many high- speed, modern windmills used to generate electricity.

Solar Energy Solar energy is energy from the Sun that reaches the Earth. It can be changed into other forms including heat and electricity. Solar panels collect energy from sunlight and are used to generate electricity.

Solar Energy is Used to Power Many Things Including…

Hydroelectric Energy When water flows or falls, energy can be generated. Hydroelectric Energy is energy that is generated by water power plants using falling water to spin turbines. This energy is used to produce electricity.

Hydroelectric power plants rely on dams to create falling water like the ones shown.

Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy uses heat stored inside of the Earth to generate electricity. Heat is used to turn water into steam which can turn turbines.

Biofuels Biofuels are alternative energy sources that are created from plants or other organic matter. Fossil fuels are NOT considered biofuels because they are what alternative fuels are replacing.

Ethanol – An example of Biofuels Ethanol is a clear fuel made from grains (primarily corn) which can be added to gasoline to help conserve fossil fuels It is cleaner burning and so it reduces air pollution

New ideas… Wave and tidal energy is energy that comes from the moving water in the oceans. There is a great deal of energy that could be used from waves, but it is a relatively new idea and has just begun to be used.

Questions for Thought… In the future, which alternative energy resources do you think you will be using? Why? Why is it important to be developing alternative energy now if we still have energy from fossil fuels available? Explain. What other ways might we be able to generate electricity?

Which is it? Look at the following pictures and decide which alternative energy source is represented.

That was a trick! Oil is a fossil fuel and is NOT an alternative energy resource. Were you fooled? Name one reason we need to cut back on the amount of oil we are using.

Which resource might you use if… You lived in sunny California? You lived in the windy city of Chicago? You lived near an area with lots of geysers? You lived where you can grow your own crops? You lived in an open area with lots of space? You lived near a fast moving river?