Question

2. What are the advantages and the disadvantages of the following Renewable Energy sources?

• Solar energy
• Biomass energy
• Wind power
• Hydropower
• Ocean energy
• Geothermal energy

Answer 1

RENEWABLE ENERGY	NON- RENEWABLE ENERGY
The sources of renewable energy can be renewed / recycled in accordance to their usage	The sources of non- renewable energy are non- renewable.
The major sources include natural resources that can be replenished.	The major source of energy are non- replenish able materials such as fossil fuels.
They are mostly pollution free forms of energy	Their usage leads to an increase in pollution levels.

I) SOLAR ENERGY

The energy harnessed from the sun that play an important role in a wide range of applications is known as Solar energy.

Advantages

1) Source of energy is limitless: The source in this case is the sun, and hence the energy can be harnessed as long as the sun is present.

2) Solar energy as a renewable source: It is the best form of energy that can be continuously replenished.

3) Pollution free energy; The energy is directly derived from the sun without any extra steps that may result in pollution.

4) Aid in different industries:The energy generated can be used to drive buildings, industries etc.

5) Cheaper than other forms of energy.

6) Substitute for conventional energy sources: Due to it's wide availability. solar energy can even be generated in remote areas where the reach of conventional energy sources become difficult.

Disadvantages

1) Very high cost of equipments: The equipments required for harnessing energy and it's installation charges are very high and cannot be afforded by many people.

2) Weather changes: Weather changes can adversely effect the amount of energy generated.

3) Space requirement: The solar panel also take a large amount of open space area which is not available in many situations.

II) BIOMASS ENERGY

It is the energy derived from organic materials(dead and decaying plant and animal material)

Advantages

1) Wide availability: The source of biomass Energy are the Energy material contained in plants and animals hence it can be generated in almost all areas.

2) Alternative fuel: Biomass can be used to produce alternative sources of fuel such as biodiesel.

3) Reduction in waste production: A large number of waste generated in our day to day life can be put to good use in the form of a biomass source.

4) Reduced carbon production: The carbon produced when using fossil fuels can be reduced to an extent by substituting them with biomass energy.

Disadvantages

1) Space requirement: In order to convert the organic waste material into energy rich forms a large amount of space is required.

2) Cost of utilis ation: The cost of maintaining and extracting biomass production are higher as compared to other renewable sources of energy.

3) Lack of efficiency: Compared to the existing energy sources the efficiency of biomass energy is relatively lower.

4) Effect on environment: Forest areas may be exploited to meet the large demands.

III) WIND POWER

It is the energy derived from converting the mechanical power of wind into electrical power.

Advantages

1) It is another renewable and sustainable form of energy.

2) Space requirement: Contrary to other energy sources, the space required for wind Anergy production is very low.

3) Clean energy: The energy produced does not release carbon making it a pollution free form of energy.

4)Efficient form of energy: They can produce a large amount of energy when in comparison to the amount of resources utilized.

5) Rural areas: Just as solar energy, wind energy can also be used as a best alternative for energy in rural areas.

Disadvantages

1) High cost: The equipments required for wind energy generation are very expensive

2) Sound Generated: The turbines produce large sounds when they work.

3) Effect on Environment: The wind turbines are a source of death for birds that get trapped in them, also the areas required for them may be created by clearing forests.

4) Weather conditions: The wind blowing on a particular area may increase or hinder the production of wind energy.

IV) HYDRO POWER

It is generated by converting the energy present in the flowing water into electricity.

Advantages

1) Renewability: It is an utilized renewable form of energy.

2) Reliability: It is present throughout without much changes in it's energy production.

3) Carbon emission free: Since the water is continuously reused, there is no production of carbon in it's energy generation process.

4) Help in development of areas: The creation of dams helps in the development of nearby areas into towns.

5) Hydro plants: These plants can increase or decrease the flow and control the energy produced.

Disadvantages

1) Impact on environment: The dams constructed restrict the flow of water and in a way take up the breeding ground of fishes.

2) Drought conditions: Theses can greatly effect the performance of a hydro electric plant.

3) High cost of equipments.

4) Flood vulnerability: The low lying towns near a dam are susceptible to floods.

V) OCEAN ENERGY

This is the energy derived from the movement or unique abilities of oceans(tide, waves etc)

Advantages

1) Greenhouse gas emission: The energy produced does not create any greenhouse gas emission.

2) Predictability: It is constant throughout hence can be utilized without any concern of drastic changes.

Disadvantages

1) Habitat destruction: The utilis ation of tides and waves can lead to habitat destruction on the nearby environments.

2) Suitable locations for constructions are rare.

3) High cost of equipments.

VI) GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

The energy harnessed from the internal heat of the earth

Advantages

1) It is a renewable source of energy

2) It can be utilized without any concern of changing environments.

3) It is a rapidly evolving technology

Disadvantages

1) It can cause harmful environmental changes.

2) It can be a factor for earthquakes.

3) It is specific to certain zones of the earth.