Introduction
Viability of Renewable Energy
Grade/ Education Level: Tenth to Twelfth Grade
Done by: Rami Halwani
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy, also known as green energy, comes from natural sources that regenerate themselves on a human timescale. The three most popular forms of renewable energy are hydropower, wind, and solar. It is promoted as a substitute for traditional energy sources, which entail burning coal and other non-renewable fossil fuels like oil.
Why Should We Use Renewable Energy?
The core of the climate problem and the answer lies in energy.
When fossil fuels are burned to produce heat and electricity, a significant portion of the greenhouse gases that cover the planet and trap solar heat are produced. With over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and approximately 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions coming from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, fossil fuels are the biggest cause of climate change. The science is clear: emissions must be cut by nearly half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to prevent climate change's worst effects. In order to do this, we must stop using fossil fuels and invest in clean, inexpensive, accessible, sustainable, and dependable alternative energy sources. The sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth are all abundant sources of renewable energy that are regenerated by nature and release very little in the way of pollutants or greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
https://www.jasc.ch/the-top-5-renewable-energy-sources-for-homes
Task
Powerpoint Presentation:
For this assignment you must make a powerpoint presentation in no more than groups of four that does not exceed 15 minutes where each group has to:
- Choose a renewable energy source to talk about.
2. Introduce the Renewable energy source you chose.
3. Talk about its viability.
4. In your opinion, can the renewable energy you chose be used in Lebanon?
https://www.priyamstudycentre.com/2020/11/renewable-energy.html
Process
What you should cover:
First, choose either of the following renewable energy sources:
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Hydropower
Introduce and talk about the energy source of your choice:
- What is it?
- How does it work?
- What are its pros?
- What are its cons?
Source:
https://www.jasc.ch/the-top-5-renewable-energy-sources-for-homes
If you chose solar energy:
https://esdsolar.com/how-does-solar-energy-work/
Discuss the overall concept behind how solar energy works.
Explain the role of solar panels in the generation of electricity.
Describe the steps in the process of a solar panel system.
Source:
https://esdsolar.com/how-does-solar-energy-work/
If you chose wind energy:
https://loeriesfonteinwind.co.za/wind-energy-library/wind-turbine-facts/
Outline how a wind farm uses wind energy to generate electricity
Explain the process by which wind turbines produce electricity
Discuss the different components of a wind turbine that contribute to this process.
Source:
https://loeriesfonteinwind.co.za/wind-energy-library/wind-turbine-facts/
If you chose hydropower:
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydropower/
Describe how the steps of the water cycle contribute to the production of electricity.
Explain the parts of the hydropower plant and how they work to generate electricity
Outline the different systems in conventional hydroelectric facilities.
Source:
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydropower/
After that, you have to talk about the viability of renewable energy.
source:
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy#:….
Evaluation
This assignment is over 50 points where you will be evaluated on:
Organization:
| Title and hook that attract the audience | 5 |
| The ideas are presented in a clear and orderly fashion | 5 |
| The PowerPoint is clear and has a natural flow of information | 5 |
| Should include citations | 5 |
Information:
| Information is related to the topic and is credible | 5 |
| Use facts to back up your conclusion | 5 |
Presentation:
| Speaking clearly with a high voice | 5 |
| Maintaining eye contact with the audience | 5 |
| Presentation is no more than 15 minutes | 5 |
| Have a good understanding of the material | 5 |
Conclusion
To sum up, this webquest has led you through a thorough investigation of the feasibility of various energy sources, with a particular emphasis on hydropower, solar power, and wind. You now have a thorough understanding of the workings of each of these renewable energy sources, their effects on the environment, and their potential to provide us with sustainable energy.
You've discovered through your research the reliability of hydropower, the revolutionary technology of solar panels, and the efficiency of wind farms. Every energy source has its own benefits and drawbacks, highlighting how crucial a varied energy portfolio is to a sustainable future. Consider carefully how these renewable resources can benefit your town and the wider globe as you proceed. Your knowledge can stimulate discussions about clean technology innovation, environmental responsibility, and energy policy. Continue to be inquisitive and proactive because your ideas and deeds can help create a more resilient and sustainable energy future for everybody!
Credits
Citations:
United Nations. (n.d.). Renewable energy – powering a safer future | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4Oe4BhCcARIsADQ0csnsBo5Fo0NEuap-lrggBlmlkYlSkRMFfbkZ1qC1sQ1wu6VdirSVOm4aAiw-EALw_wcB
Wind Turbine Facts | LoeriesFontein Wind Farm | Sustainable Wind Energy. (n.d.). https://loeriesfonteinwind.co.za/wind-energy-library/wind-turbine-facts/
Hydropower explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (n.d.). https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydropower/
Admin. (2024, September 8). How does solar energy work? ESD Solar. https://esdsolar.com/how-does-solar-energy-work/
United Nations. (n.d.-b). Renewable energy – powering a safer future | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy#:….
Images:
Top 5 renewable energy sources for homes: Which is right for you? [Digital image] (2024, September 23). https://www.jasc.ch/the-top-5-renewable-energy-sources-for-homes
How Does Solar Energy Work?. [Digital Image]. (2024). ESD Roofing Solar. https://esdsolar.com/how-does-solar-energy-work/
Hydroelectric Dam. [Digital Image]. (2023)U.S. Energy Information Administration. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydropower/
Wind Farm. [Digital Image]. Loeriesfontein Wind Farm. https://loeriesfonteinwind.co.za/wind-energy-library/wind-turbine-facts/
Renewable Energy Sources. [Digital Image]. PSC Learning Chemistry.https://www.priyamstudycentre.com/2020/11/renewable-energy.html