Grade 7 - Unit 1
Sustainability
Lesson 1
Hydroelectric Power
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Solar Energy
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Wind Power
Another option for generating energy is by using the power of the wind. This is done through the construction of large wind turbines (similar to windmills) where the turning motion of the rotor blades allows for the creation of energy. Many of these wind turbines are needed to gain decent supplies of energy and their appearance has been criticized. Despite these concerns, technology is increasingly improving the efficiency of the turbines and their green potential is clearly significant. Wind farms can be constructed offshore so that they are out of the way. After initially being expensive to set up they are typically cheaper to run and maintain.
Thermal Power
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/9/6/129644643/published/geothermal.png?1665320477)
Geothermal power involves the use of the heat from the earth. Volcanic areas, such as Iceland, are the most favorable for this to be practical. The heated rocks under the Earth’s crust are used to heat water and produce steam which is used to drive turbines. This is a renewable resource as there are constant sources of heat and pollution does not occur when this method is used.
The disadvantages of geothermal energy are that the number of sites is limited and the dangers of volcanic or earthquake disturbances in these areas can be a threat. New technologies are allowing geothermal energy to be created in the home by using a bump to push cold water down into the ground and have the heated water rise up to generate small quantities of electricity.
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