The document discusses different types of renewable energy sources including solar, geothermal, wind, hydropower, biomass, and their pros and cons. It explains that solar panels can cover heating needs, geothermal energy uses heat from the earth's core, wind turbines convert kinetic wind energy to electricity, hydropower uses water flow through turbines, and biomass burns organic materials. While each source has benefits, the best option depends on various factors as there are environmental tradeoffs to consider for each.

1. ACTIVITY 5

2. H O W D O E S
R E N E W A B L E
E N E R G Y W O R K ?
There are many types of renewable energy that
have come to successfully replace the traditional
sources of energy. Each of these renewable energy
types uses different natural sources for generating
power and covering all your energy and water
usage needs.
Solar Energy: Solar panel is pretty much one of
the most common types of renewable energy.
Having a solar panel at your company, will be able
to cover your air and water heating needs.Solar
panels are installed on unshaded, pitched roofs and
don’t require much maintenance.

3. Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is taken
from the heat that’s stored under the earth’s
surface. It can also be captured from the absorbed
heat present in the atmosphere and
oceans.The earth’s heat is turned into electricity by
means of geothermal energy.
Wind Energy: The kinetic energy of the wind is
processed into mechanical energy and
electricity. The technologies used for getting wind
energy are wind turbines which are small single
building applications to large onshore or offshore
wind farms. Wind energy could be a good idea for
those businesses that possess a large unused
space for installing the wind turbines.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

4. Hydropower: Water also comes with kinetic energy
that can be turned into electricity. In this
case, the water flow is sent to turbine blades that spin
making the electrical generator attached to the
turbine spin as well thus generating electricity.
Biomass Energy: This type of renewable energy is
generated from organic materials such as
wood, straw and other crops. The energy is generated
by burning these materials. Biomass is
considered renewable because its inherent energy is
extracted from the sun, besides it can be
replenished within short time periods. When trees are
burned, they emit the same amount of carbon dioxide
as when they die naturally. Thus, using
biomass energy, you will not harm the environment in
any unnatural or additional way.

5. W H Y I S R E N E W A B L E
E N E R G Y
I M P O R T A N T ?
The main factors that make renewable energy important:
Cleaner and Greener Environment: Renewable energy
usage will greatly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas
emissions that come with the traditional energy sources. The
environmental impact of renewable energy sources is close
to none.
Infinite Energy Source: With renewable energy you can
be sure that you are providing the coming generations not
only with a better environment but also with an energy that
will hardly ever run out. Besides, as noted above, it keeps
getting cheaper which means that children will have a chance
of paying close to nothing for the electricity they use.

6. Economy: Renewable energy sources function
on certain facilities (solar panels, wind turbines,
etc.) that require well-thought workmanship. This
means that the higher the demand for
renewable energy sources, the more new jobs
will be created for people who create these
facilities and install them. Besides, the economy
also grows as the US sells renewable energy
systems overseas as well.
Fight against Global Warming: As more and
more people start using renewable energy, the
biggest threat of our era - global warming might
start its retreat. With the help of clean energy
you will be able to contribute to climate change
in a positive way.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

7. W H A T ’ S T H E B E S T
S O U R C E O F
R E N E W A B L E
E N E R G Y ?
The best renewable energy source is
debatable because there are pros and
cons to each type. However, they can all
have a positive impact and create jobs
and investment. Let’s look at the primary
renewable energy sources.
Lets see them:

8. Wind
Wind is available globally and offers lots of untapped potential generation.
Once the wind blows, it is a clean and efficient way to generate
electricity .
The environmental cost comes in the material to build the vast windmills,
potential unsightliness in wilderness areas, noise pollution, and its effect
on local wildlife. Offshore wind is becoming much more popular, taking
wind farms away from human populations.
Solar
Solar works well in sunny climates, giving consistent power on clear days
and providing some power on cloudy days. They don’t work at night, but
batteries can store excess energy for later use.

9. IT IS A VERY CLEAN
AND RELIABLE ENERGY
SOURCE. STILL, IT DOES BRING
VISUAL POLLUTION WITH
POWER PLANTS THAT MAY
ALSO RELEASE BAD SMELLS,
NOISE, AND SOMETIMES CAUSES
SOIL SUBSIDENCE. THIS TYPE
OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IS
ONLY AVAILABLE IN AREAS
WITH GEOTHERMAL WATERS.
Geothermal

10. Hydropower
Hydrower is similar to geothermal in that it’s a very
clean and reliable energy source. Issues arise from
the environmental damage caused by installing
hydroelectric stations, changing river courses. In
many cases, governments flood basins and dam
them to create a reliable water flow.
Flooding can result in displaced populations and
considerable changes to the local environment, with
temperature changes and wildlife issues.

11. Nuclear
Nuclear energy is a renewable energy source. It’s
relatively reliable, secure, and forms a part of many
national grids.
Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an
atom. Atoms are tiny particles that make up every
object in the universe. There is enormous energy in
the bonds that hold atoms together. Nuclear energy
can be used to make electricity. ... Nuclear power
plants use nuclear fission to produce electricity.