CHAPTER 28 SUN, WIND, AND WATER ENERGY FUELED BY THE SUN CHAPTER 28 SUN, WIND, AND WATER ENERGY FUELED BY THE SUN A tiny island makes big strides with renewable energy

FUELED BY THE SUN A tiny island makes big strides with renewable energy28 Learning Outcomes At the end of this chapter you will know: Characteristics of sustainable energy sources and how alternative technologies capture energy. Links between conservation strategies and meeting global energy demands. Combined actions that can result in an energy-positive system.

FUELED BY THE SUN A tiny island makes big strides with renewable energy28 Main Concept Reliable, renewable energy with acceptable social and environmental consequences is necessary for a sustainable future. With options already available, and research in process, we can become more self-reliant and move away from our global dependence on fossil fuels.

28 Reliance on renewable energy is a characteristic of a sustainable ecosystem and society Case: The island of Samso is in the midst of a transition from fossil fuel dependence to energy independence through the use of multiple alternative energy strategies. They have set goals to become the greenest and cleanest, energy- independent place on Earth. Offshore wind turbines supply most of the energy needs of this island community. They were challenged by the Danish government to become energy sustainable with a minimum of environmental impact.

28 To become sustainable, Samso would harness the power of one of its most plentiful natural resources TERMS TO KNOW: Renewable energy Sustainable energy source Wind energy Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) = billions kJ/6.15 million For this transformation, Samso installed a total of 21 wind turbines on land and offshore. About 75% of the electricity used by the islanders now comes from wind energy. Their use of wind is equivalent to 81,300 barrels of oil.

28 To become sustainable, Samso would harness the power of one of its most plentiful natural resources TERMS TO KNOW: Renewable energy Sustainable energy source Wind energy Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) = billions kJ/6.15 million For 2010, renewable sources of energy contributed 3.46 trillion kWh of total energy production worldwide for about 18% of the total. This amount is expected to double by Biomass and hydroelectric make up the largest proportion.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Renewable energy Sustainable energy source Wind energy To become sustainable, Samso would harness the power of one of its most plentiful natural resources Wind turbines, large or small, work by the same principle: Spinning blades turn a shaft inside a generator and produce electricity.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Renewable energy Sustainable energy source Wind energy To become sustainable, Samso would harness the power of one of its most plentiful natural resources

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Renewable energy Sustainable energy source Wind energy To become sustainable, Samso would harness the power of one of its most plentiful natural resources

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Renewable energy Sustainable energy source Wind energy To become sustainable, Samso would harness the power of one of its most plentiful natural resources

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Renewable energy Sustainable energy source Wind energy To become sustainable, Samso would harness the power of one of its most plentiful natural resources The downside of wind energy: Wind is intermittent Turbines are expensive Noise can be a problem Turbines pose a real threat to birds and bats—they are unable to nest or feed near the turbines or are killed by the spinning blades. Placement near migratory routes must be avoided.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Solar energy Photovoltaic (PV) cells Active solar technologies Solar thermal system The most popular source of sustainable energy is the one that powers the entire planet—the Sun Samso is pursuing several methods to help it produce enough renewable energy to meet all its needs. Energy received from the Sun = 4 million exajoules One exajoule = a million trillion joules New technologies allow for more effective use of the Sun as our limitless energy source.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Solar energy Photovoltaic (PV) cells Active solar technologies Solar thermal system The most popular source of sustainable energy is the one that powers the entire planet—the Sun Wind is an indirect form of solar power. Solar energy is energy harvested from the Sun in the form of heat or light. Wind results from the differences in temperature between different areas of Earth. The Sun can be used with passive or active technologies.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Solar energy Photovoltaic (PV) cells Active solar technologies Solar thermal system The most popular source of sustainable energy is the one that powers the entire planet—the Sun Sanso uses several methods to produce energy.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Solar energy Photovoltaic (PV) cells Active solar technologies Solar thermal system The most popular source of sustainable energy is the one that powers the entire planet—the Sun Sanso uses several methods to produce energy.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Solar energy Photovoltaic (PV) cells Active solar technologies Solar thermal system The most popular source of sustainable energy is the one that powers the entire planet—the Sun Sanso uses several methods to produce energy.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Solar energy Photovoltaic (PV) cells Active solar technologies Solar thermal system The most popular source of sustainable energy is the one that powers the entire planet—the Sun Passive solar homes are constructed to maximize solar power potential. Placement of windows, trees, awnings… Active solar technologies capture and convert solar energy for another use.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Passive solar technologies Geothermal energy Geothermal heat pump Payback time Geothermal power plants Energy that causes volcanos to erupt and warms hot springs can also heat our homes Geothermal energy takes advantage of the heat generated from radioactive decay deep in the Earth. Geothermal-heat pumps and power plants represent a wide range of applications.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Passive solar technologies Geothermal energy Geothermal heat pump Payback time Geothermal power plants Energy that causes volcanos to erupt and warms hot springs can also heat our homes Geothermal energy takes advantage of the heat generated from radioactive decay deep in the Earth. Geothermal heat pumps and power plants represent a wide range of applications.

28 Energy that causes volcanos to erupt and warms hot springs can also heat our homes Geothermal energy takes advantage of the heat generated from radioactive decay deep in the Earth. Geothermal-heat pumps and power plants represent a wide range of applications.

28 Power can be generated from moving water—but at potentially significant environmental and social costs From watermills to hydro power, falling water has provided power for thousands of years. About 10% of the electricity in the United States and 20% worldwide is supplied by water. Like wind, hydropower is an indirect form of solar energy. Grand Coulee Dam in central Washington State.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Hydropower Conservation The true cost of various energy technologies can be difficult to estimate The most basic approach to saving electricity is conservation—making energy choices that require less electricity to begin with.

28 TERMS TO KNOW: Hydropower Conservation The true cost of various energy technologies can be difficult to estimate The most basic approach to saving electricity is conservation – making energy choices that require less electricity to begin with.

28 Meeting our energy needs with renewable sources becomes more likely when we pair them with energy conservation measures

28

28

28

PERSONAL CHOICES THAT HELP28

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE28

28

ANALYZING THE SCIENCE28 Graph 1 Graph 2 Graph 3

ANALYZING THE SCIENCE28 Graph 2 Graph 3 Graph 1

ANALYZING THE SCIENCE28 Graph 1 Graph 2 Graph 3 Graph 2

ANALYZING THE SCIENCE28 Graph 1 Graph 2 Graph 3

ANALYZING THE SCIENCE28 Graph 1 Graph 2 Graph 3 Table 1

EVALUATING NEW INFORMATION28 clean.html

MAKING CONNECTIONS28