FORM 2 -PHYSICS-TOPIC 9-SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Sustainable energy, specifically renewable energy or green energy, is an energy source which can be replenished, that is essentially inexhaustible. Sustainable sources of energy include solar, wind, water, biomass and geothermal. Non renewable energy sources include coal, oil and natural gas.
Water Energy
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Sea Wave Energy
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal as a Source of Energy
Explain Geothermal as a source of energy
The word “geothermal” means “Heat”, so geothermal energy is the energy generated by the flow of heat from the earth’s surface. It is the energy associated with areas of frequent earthquakes and high volcanic activity.
Areas like Kilimanjaro and Oldonyo in Tanzaia; and Rift valley in Kenya are geologically well structured to produce efficient geothermal system. The hot spring can cause rocks to be hotter than the earth’s surface. Thermal energy is obtained from radioactive materials that naturally occur in the rocks.
The energy produced can be used in:
- Heating buildings
- Driving generators
- Heating water
The Conversion of Geothermal Energy to Electric Energy
Explain the conversion of Geothermal energy to electric energy
Energy is obtained in the earth’s interior; it is necessary to drill through rocks. This creates vents where pipes are laid to bring the steam from the hot zone to the earth’s surface.
Once the steam has risen to the surface, it is directed into turbines. The steam drives turbines, which again are used to drive electric generators that produce electricity.
