Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Sources

Learn about renewable and non-renewable energy sources and their pros and cons for a cleaner future!

Where Our Energy Comes From Types of Energy ResourcesEnergy resources are either renewable or non-renewable. Non-renewable resources are used faster than they can be replaced, so the supply available to society is limited. Renewable resources will not run out because they are replaced as quickly as they are used. Can you think of some renewable and non-renewable energy sources?Non-Renewable ResourcesFossil fuels — coal, oil, and natural gas — are the most common example of non-renewable energy resources. Fossil fuels are formed from fossils, the partially decomposed remains of once living plants and animals. These fossils took millions of years to form. When fossil fuels are burned for energy, they release pollutantsinto the atmosphere. Fossil fuels also release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are causing global temperatures to rise.Renewable ResourcesRenewable energy resources include solar, water, wind, biomass, and geothermal. Generally, they are considered to be cleaner that nonrenewable resources. These resources are either virtually limitless like the Sun, which will continue to shine for billions of years, or will be replaced faster than we can use them. Amounts of falling water or wind will change over the course of time, but they are quite abundant.Biomass energy, like wood for fire, can be replaced quickly.The use of renewable resources may also cause problems. Some are expensive and less available, while some, such as trees, have other uses. Some cause environmental problems (ex: turbines can harm different types of birds or burning items for biomass energy). As the technology improves and more people use renewable energy, the prices may come down. At the same time, as we use up fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, these non-renewable resources will become more expensive. At some point, even if renewable energy costs are high, non-renewable energy will be even more expensive. Ultimately, we will have to use renewable sources.Source: Sort it Out! Classify each as renewable or non-renewable Renewable Wind energy Hydroelectric Geothermal Biomass Solar Non-renewable Coal Natural gas Petroleum Name it! Click on the blue dot and label each picture using one of the following energy sources:electrical, coal, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, oil, wind, nuclear electical geothermal solar nuclear hydroelectric oil wind coal oil A major advantage of solar energy is - it is inexpensive to build the equipment needed the Sun is not always shining the energy provided is a clean source it provides energy from a fossil fuel A disadvantage of coal as a energy source is - it is difficult to transport it is found only in very limited locations it is more expensive than alternative energy sources it generates air pollution when burned Which form of energy is renewable but requires large pieces of equipment that might harm birds? solar energy petroleum geothermal wind Which form of energy requires a dam to be built that can cause flooding of land and damage to wildlife? geothermal hydroelectric solar biomass Which renewable energy source produces air pollution? coal oil biomass nuclear In Summary!Select the best word to fill in each blank. Renewable energy sources are also known as clean energy sources. Nonrenewable energy sources are coal, oil, natural gas, known as fossil fuelsand nuclear energy. In general, renewableenergy sources are better for the environment because they use naturally cleanenergy. However, renewable energy sources are generally more expensive and less available.In general, nonrenewableenergy sources are cheaper and more readily available. However, nonrenewable energy sources usually generate pollution and are more harmfulto the Earth. To mark a word click its first letter then click its last. DISADVANTAGE NONRENEWABLE NATURALGAS EXPENSIVE RENEWABLE POLLUTION BIOMASS NUCLEAR ENERGY CLEAN COAL WIND OIL