Question

Compare the similarities and differences of the following renewable energy sources:

Ocean thermal – Geothermal (2 points)

High head hydroelectric vs tidal (2 points)

Answer 1

Ocean thermal power generation uses the temperature difference between warmer surface ocean water and cooler deep sea water.OT power can be generated without disturbing the ocean structure.Mixing of deep ocean water with shallower water brings up nutrients and makes them available to shallow water life.OT power generation is limited to certain areas only depending on the geological position.

Geothermal power generation uses the hot temperature deep below earth crust.geothermal power generation is limited to certain areas only.plant construction causes tectonic instability resulting is thousands of small scale tectonic movements.

High head hydroelectric power generation uses the gravitational energy from the stored water from high reservoirs.comstruction of hydroelectric power reservoirs may cause huge displacement of population and also huge ecological impact on the environment due to immerion of forest from the backwaters from the reservoir and also causes ecological imbalance by stoppage of water flow.hydroelectricity generation is limited to places where water flow availability or river flow is more.

Tidal power generation involves converting the energy from tidal waves into the electricity.tides are more predictable and efficient compared to the wind .Tidal power can have effects on marine life. The turbines can accidentally kill swimming sea life with the rotating blades. Some fish may no longer utilize the area if threatened with a constant rotating or noise-making object. Marine life is a huge factor when placing tidal power energy generators in the water and precautions are made to ensure that as many marine animals as possible will not be affected by it.