renewable resources

- abundant in nature - nonpolluting - reusable - cheap - can be found anywhere

non- renewable resources

- limited in nature - pollute the atmosphere - can be used once, and is lost forever after - expensive as there is a limited quantity - occurs in fixed locations

generation of hydroelectricity

Water at a height falls on a turbine, turning it. The kinetic energy of water is converted into mechanical energy. generator connected to the turbine by gears and shafts converst the mechanical energy to electricity.

largest renewable energy source for electricity generation

hydropower

type of river required to produce hydroelectricity

perennial river

aswan high dam

over the nile river

three gorges dam

over the yangtze river.

preferred waterfall

natural waterfalls in hilly areas are preferred

largest hydroelectric power project

three gorges dam

ideal climatic conditions

tropical climate

multipurpose river valley project

consists of a dam, barrages, reservoir, and canals.

disadvantages of multipurpose river valley projects

displaces people, creates flooding, deforestation, leads to widespread siltation that may clog dams

advantages of multipurpose river valley projects

pisciculture, irrigation, flood control ,soil conservation, tourism.

solar power

conversion of solar energy to electricity

photovoltaic technology

the technology used to convert solar rays into power.

second largest hydroelectric power project

itaipu dam over parana river

photovoltaic cells

silicon cells that are arranged in a gridlike structure to make solar panels.

use of solar power

solar cookers, solar powered watches, traffic lights, street lights, lighthouses

advantages of solar power

cheap; clean form of energy; used in isolated islands, remote areas, and desert regions

disadvantages of solar power

not reliable on cloudy days, may not be available constantly.

major producers

germany, france, USA, japan

minimum speed required to generate wind power

a steady speed of 20 kmph

disadvantages of wind power

the power is not constantly available, setting up wind farms is expensive, the blades are a threat to birds.

main places in india that use wind energy

Lakshadweep Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat.

main countries that use wind power

china, USA, brazil, india, germany, UK, spain, Canada

coal formation

formed by the sedimentation of plant organisms that have been buried over millions of years.

anthracite

has the highest carbon content, is used for both industrial and domestic purposes, burns with less smoke

bituminous

the second-highest carbon content, used to generate thermal electricity, used in iron and steel industry

lignite

3rd highest carbon content, used for thermal power

peat

least carbon content, it is used for no major purposes

largest producers of coal

China , USA, India, australia, EU

advantages of coal

energy efficient, cheaper than petroleum

disadvantages of coal

leaves a lot of ash while burning, air pollution

coal in india

mostly of bituminous variety. oldest coal minefield is Raniganj in west Bengal and Jharkhand.