Renewable energy

Wind

How Power is Generated	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wind turns turbine blades connected to a generator Can be onshore or offshore installations	Zero emissions during operation Low operating costs after installation Land can often still be used for agriculture	Intermittent (dependent on wind availability) Visual impact and potential noise pollution Can harm birds and bats

Solar

How Power is Generated	Advantages	Disadvantages
Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly to electricity Solar thermal systems use mirrors to concentrate heat	Abundant and renewable energy source Can be installed at point of use (rooftops) Silent operation with no moving parts	Intermittent (no power at night) Requires large areas for utility-scale generation Manufacturing process has environmental impact

Tidal

How Power is Generated	Advantages	Disadvantages
Turbines capture energy from tidal flows Can use tidal barrages or tidal stream generators	Highly predictable energy source High energy density of water Long operational lifespan	Limited to coastal locations with strong tides High capital costs Potential impact on marine ecosystems

Hydro-electric

How Power is Generated	Advantages	Disadvantages
Flowing water turns turbines in dams or rivers Pumped storage can store energy	Reliable and dispatchable power Long lifespan (50-100 years) Can provide flood control and irrigation	Large dams disrupt ecosystems Displaces communities Methane emissions from reservoirs

Biomass

How Power is Generated	Advantages	Disadvantages
Organic matter burned directly or converted to biogas Can use wood, crops, or waste materials	Can use waste products as fuel Carbon neutral when sustainably managed Provides baseload power	Still produces air pollution when burned Can compete with food production for land Lower energy density than fossil fuels

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