 Definition  Refers to the measure of quality or useful energy compared to energy wasted in any given production process or activity. Note:  Energy efficiency is inextricably linked to energy conservation (practice of reducing wastage of energy)

(Retrieved from resources.com/energy-efficiency/)

 Energy conservation (EC) involves implementation of energy efficient technologies. Examples of EC Activities:  Driving fuel-efficient cars  Using energy-saving bulbs  Low-energy consuming heating appliances

 U.S.A wastes 84% of its commercial electricity.  The world wastes 43% of energy unnecessarily.  The world further wastes 41 % of the available and produced energy automatically. Examples of energy inefficient activities: 1. Nuclear power stations/plants 2. Internal/conventional combustion engines 3. Incandescent bulbs/lights

Industries  Cogeneration: The process of combining power and heat systems  Improving the quality of light fixtures  Utilization of steam turbines and fluorescent bulbs.

Transportation  Increasing the CAFÉ standards: this will cut fuel consumption by half.  Fuel cells-they depend on hydrogen and oxygen, thus, produces little pollution.  Advocate the use of hybrid cars and regulate conventional vehicles. NB: Hybrid-electric motor vehicles uses battery to power the engine. In turn, the battery is recharged by a small internal combustion engine.

Buildings People can save large amount of energy by:  Proper insulation  Adoption of green roofs: growing plants on roof tops for insulation purposes during summer and winter.  Plugging or fixing leaks  Using cooling, lighting, appliances, heating, and electricity efficiently.  Turning off idle electronic devices, like computers, unused lights, and televisions. Note: Plugging holes/leaks and insulation are the cheapest and easies energy saving methods.

(Retrieved from your-homes-efficiency/)

 Renewable energy refers to the theoretically inexhaustible and naturally occurring energy source.  They include:  Water Energy  Solar Energy  Wind Power

Water Energy (Hydroelectric Power)  Flowing water in streams, waterfalls, and rivers is trapped in a reservoir.  The water is then released at a given angle to spin large turbines, hence producing electricity. Types of Hydropower Wave water plants: uses waves along sea shores to produce hydroelectric power. Tidal power plants Pumped-storage power

Advantages of Hydroelectric Power a) Ensures high efficiency. b) Durable (long-life span). c) Controls flood (Water stored in reservoirs). d) Cheap (ensures low cost electricity). e) Promotes irrigation (Water can be used to irrigate farm lands). f) Facilitates recreation and fishing activities.

Wind Power  This involves generation of electricity from constant winds.  High speed winds spin strategically- located wind turbines as shown

Advantages of Wind Power I. Low impact on the environment: does not produce Co2. II. Land below can be serve agricultural purposes; grazing livestock and growing of crops. III. It is cheap IV. Easy to construct Disadvantage of Wind Power  It may ineffective and unreliable in areas or regions without high speed, steady winds.

Solar Energy  Involves generation of power by tapping in energy from the Sun. Methods of Tapping Sun Rays  Solar panels  Solar thermal systems  Solar batteries/cells

 The following list comprises the benefits associated with energy efficiency: o Saves money o Reduces pollution o Ensures sustainability: reduces environmental degradation. o Creates long-term local job opportunities: community members are employed in power generation plants. o Facilitates realization of high net energy o Functions to prolong the supply of fossil fuels.

(Retrieved from and-renewable-energy-maximize-benefits)

Works Cited Thiede, Sebastian. Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Systems. Berlin: Springer, Print.