1. Renewable energy How can we also get energy from rubbish?
Renewable energy doesn’t run out. It comes from things like the sun, wind, waves, rivers and heat from underground.
• We can also get energy from burning fuels like wood or straw, which can be grown so that they will never run out.
How can we
also get energy
from rubbish?

2. Why are solar cells better than batteries in some ways?
Solar energy
Solar cells are a very clever invention. They can turn sunlight into electricity.
This calculator is solar powered. Light falling on the solar cells is used to make electricity, so no battery is needed.
Why are solar cells better than batteries in some ways?

3. Solar panels Can you think of another problem with solar panels?
Lots of solar cells can be put together to make solar panels. Some schools have solar panels on the roof. The solar panels make electricity to use inside.
Solar panels cause no pollution or noise. They are expensive to make, though, and don’t generate a lot of electricity.
Can you think
of another problem
with solar panels?

4. Wind energy Is there a wind farm near you? This is a wind farm.
These turbines generate a lot of electricity from the wind.
One large turbine can supply energy to hundreds of homes.
Some wind farms are built out at sea where there is more wind.
There are also smaller wind turbines that generate
electricity for one building.
Is there a wind
farm near you?

5. How a wind turbine works
The wind pushes against the curved blades, making them spin.
The spinning makes a machine inside the top of the turbine work. This machine is called a generator.
The generator produces electricity, which travels along cables underground, and into houses.
What happens if
the wind changes
direction?

6. Water energy Can you think of any problems with this form of energy?
Most of the renewable energy in the UK is generated by burning biofuels like wood and waste.
After that comes energy from moving water. Dams can be built across valleys with rivers. The dam stops the water flowing.
The water can then pass through holes in the dam, making turbines spin. This energy is called hydroelectric energy.
Can you think of
any problems with
this form of energy?

7. The advantages of renewables
There’s almost no pollution.
Their energy sources will not run out.
They do not contribute much to global warming.
There are some disadvantages to renewables:
They don’t produce the same amount of energy all the time.
They are often more expensive to build.
Some people don’t like to live near wind farms.
Are there any
other forms of
renewable energy?