RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy is generated from sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and

geothermal heat.

This energy is therefore naturally replenished.

In this time of climate change, high oil price, and peak oil concerns, it is

critical that these renewable sources of energy are utilized more often.

SOLAR

WIND

HYDROELECTRICITY

BIOMASS

CURRENT USE OF ENERGY

• CMO (cubic mile of oil)

is a measure of energy

consumption

• The world consumes

slightly more than one

CMO worth of energy

from oil per year

• Total global

consumption from all

energy sources is the

equivalent of three

CMOs

• Over 80% of total

energy usage comes

from fossil fuels

http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2008/04/25/the-future-of-renewable-energy/

SOLAR ENERGY•Utilizes electromagnetic radiation

from the sun

•Visual light can be converted into

electricity and heat through the

use of what is commonly known as

a solar panel or cell

•Most widely used applications are

for water and space heating

ADVANTAGES•Virtually free after

initial cost

recovered

•Virtually unlimited

supply

•Decrease in green

house gas

emissions

freshairblog.com/images/solar_panels.jpg

WIND ENERGY

•Converts kinetic

energy into

mechanical

energy or

electricity

•Windmills, or

more modern

wind turbines,

are used to

create wind

energy

•Popular uses

include

generation of

electricity and

pumping water

ADVANTAGES•Infinitely

sustainable

•Does not

require fuel

•Pollution-free;

does not

contribute to

greenhouse

gases or

produce toxic

waste

•Quiet, non-

disruptive, and

not threatening

to wildlife

•Uses minimal

landa248.e.akamai.net/.../wind_energy_img_B.jpg

HYDROELECTRICITY

•Utilizes the cycle of water

evaporation, precipitation,

and the flow of water due

to gravity

•Water released from the

dam to turbines, which

drive generators to

produce electricity

•Most popular form of

renewable energy

ADVANTAGES•Cost-effective energy source

•Dependable supply; continuously renewable

•Non-polluting

•No fuel cost; essentially inflation proof

•Reliable and flexible operation

www.radford.edu/.../itaipu.better.jpg

BIOMASS•Utilizes the release of stored chemical

energy, which is contained in the fuels

made from biomass

•Found in many waste products such as

agriculture, forest, and municipal

•Controlled use of fire creates energy

ADVANTAGES•Does not increase

atmospheric carbon

dioxide

•Growing biomass can

prevent erosion, as well

as provide better flood

control, and foliage

that increases nutrients

in soil

•Benefits to other local

industries farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2705240054_60560

COSTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

content.edgar-online.com/edgar_conv_img/2008/

This graph shows that solar and hydro energies are

among the most expensive renewable sources.

Bioenergy is slightly less expensive and wind energy is the

least expensive renewable energy source.

CYCLE OF NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES

www.vsjf.org/.../images/SD.jpg

CYCLE OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES

www.thebiggreenbus.org/images/CarbonCycle.jpg

REFERENCES

Natural Resources Canada. “CanREN.” 20 Sept. 2008.

<http://www.canren.gc.ca/default_en.asp>.

“The Future of Renewable Energy – Ain’t Oil Grand?” fivecentnickel.com:

Because Money Matters. PlanetB Media. 4 Sept. 2008.

<http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2008/04/25/the-future-of-renewable-

energy/>.