Topic 3 Flashcards
(53 cards)
What are renewable energy resources?
Renewable energy resources are those that can be replenished naturally over short periods of time, either through human action (e.g., planting new trees) or natural processes (e.g., the water cycle).
What are non-renewable energy resources?
Non-renewable energy resources are those with a finite amount that will eventually run out once all reserves are used up. Examples include coal, gas, and oil.
What are the benefits of using coal as an energy source?
Benefits of using coal include it being a ready-made fuel that is cheap to mine and convert to electricity, and it lasts longer than oil or gas.
What are the disadvantages of using coal as an energy source?
Disadvantages of using coal include the release of atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases, when it is burned.
How is wind energy generated?
Wind energy is generated when the wind moves the blades on a wind turbine, which creates wind energy that is then converted into electrical energy.
What are the two ways renewable resources can be replenished?
Renewable resources can be replenished through human action (e.g., replanting trees) or natural processes (e.g., the water cycle).
What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are carbon-based fuels formed from the fossilized remains of once-living organisms.
Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using coal as an energy source?
Advantages of using coal: It is a ready-made fuel that is cheap to mine and convert to electricity, and it lasts longer than oil or gas. Disadvantages: When burned, coal gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using oil as an energy source?
Advantages of using oil: It is a ready-made fuel that is cheap to extract and convert into energy, and it is used in industry and transport. Disadvantages: When burned, oil gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases, and there is a limited supply of oil.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using natural gas as an energy source?
Advantages of using natural gas: It is a ready-made fuel that is relatively cheap, used in houses for heating and cooking, and is a slightly cleaner fuel than coal and oil. Disadvantages: When burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases, and there is a limited supply of gas.
What are the benefits of using solar energy?
Advantages of using natural gas: It is a ready-made fuel that is relatively cheap, used in houses for heating and cooking, and is a slightly cleaner fuel than coal and oil. Disadvantages: When burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases, and there is a limited supply of gas.
What are the benefits of using solar energy?
Benefits of using solar energy: It provides a potentially infinite energy supply, and single dwellings can have their own electricity supply.
What is a disadvantage of using solar energy?
Disadvantage of using solar energy: The manufacture and implementation of solar panels can be costly.
How is wind energy converted into electricity?
Wind energy is converted into electricity using wind turbines (modern windmills). The wind turns the blades of the turbine, which generates electricity.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy?
Advantages of wind energy: It is a potentially infinite energy supply and can be found singularly or in wind farms. Disadvantages: The manufacture and implementation of wind farms can be costly, and some local people object to onshore wind farms, arguing that they spoil the countryside.
How is hydroelectric power (HEP) generated?
Hydroelectric power (HEP) is generated by harnessing the movement of water through rivers, lakes, and dams.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of hydroelectric power?
Benefits of hydroelectric power: It creates water reserves as well as energy supplies. Drawbacks: It is costly to build, can cause flooding of surrounding communities and landscapes, and dams have major ecological impacts on local hydrology.
How is geothermal energy harnessed?
Geothermal energy is harnessed in volcanic regions by using the natural heat of the earth. Cold water is pumped underground and comes out as steam, which can be used for heating or to power turbines creating electricity.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy?
Advantages of geothermal energy: It is a potentially infinite energy supply and has been used successfully in countries like New Zealand and Iceland. Disadvantages: It can be expensive to set up, only works in areas of volcanic activity, and geothermal and volcanic activity might calm down, leaving power stations redundant. Dangerous elements found underground must be disposed of carefully.
What is Malta’s primary source of electricity production?
Malta’s primary source of electricity production is fossil fuels, with most electricity generation derived from natural gas.
How has Malta transformed its energy mix in recent years?
Malta has transformed its energy mix by moving from heavy fuel oil and gasoil to a more sustainable combination of natural gas, electricity imports via the Malta-Italy subsea connection, and increased use of renewable energy sources.
What is the EU 2030 Climate Target Plan?
The EU 2030 Climate Target Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to at least 55% below
1990 levels by 2030.
What is Malta’s commitment towards carbon neutrality?
Malta’s commitment towards carbon neutrality is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
What is the most common renewable energy source in Malta?
The most common renewable energy source in Malta is solar power, which accounts for 37% of all renewable energy.
