Question

Form groups of five to eight. Each group should select one or two energy resources. They should use the following points to collect information about the resource they have selected. Collect it from the internet, reference books, newspapers, TV programmes, etc. and also through group discussions.

• Name of the energy resource 
• Use of the energy resource
• Estimated cost of power generation
• Advantages and drawbacks in using the energy resource
• Cuttings, pictures, and other available data about the energy resource.
• Environment-friendliness of the energy resource.
• Other alternatives to the energy resource.

Compile the information and present it in the classroom. Choose the best and the most environment-friendly energy resource with the help of all the presentations.

Energy resources must be used very carefully. The demand for energy is increasing all the time due to growing population, urbanization and growing needs of man. It is necessary to use alternative and non-conventional energy resources to meet these needs. It is also necessary to use energy frugally. We must always avoid unnecessary use of electricity. It is easily possible for us to do so.

Answer 1

Solar Energy

1. Name of energy resource: Solar Energy
2. Use: Solar energy is used for generating electricity, heating water, cooking food, drying grains and operating solar lights and pumps.
3. Estimated cost of power generation: The initial cost of installing solar panels is high, but the running and maintenance costs are comparatively low because sunlight is free.
4. Advantages:
   • It is a renewable and inexhaustible source of energy.
   • It does not produce smoke or harmful gases during use.
   • It reduces dependence on coal, petroleum and natural gas.
5. Drawbacks:
   • Electricity generation depends on sunlight and weather conditions.
   • Solar panels require sufficient space and investment.
   • Storage batteries may be required for use at night.
6. Pictures/data to collect: Pictures of solar panels, solar cookers, solar water heaters and solar power plants can be included.
7. Environment-friendliness: Solar energy is highly environment-friendly because it causes very little pollution during operation.
8. Alternatives: Wind energy, hydel power, biogas and geothermal energy.

Wind Energy

1. Name of energy resource: Wind Energy
2. Use: Wind energy is mainly used for generating electricity through wind turbines and traditionally for pumping water and operating windmills.
3. Estimated cost of power generation: The installation cost of wind turbines is high, but the fuel cost is almost zero because wind is freely available.
4. Advantages:
   • It is a renewable and non-polluting source of energy.
   • It does not require fuel.
   • It helps reduce the use of fossil fuels.
5. Drawbacks:
   • Wind turbines can operate efficiently only in places with sufficient and regular wind.
   • They require large open areas and may affect birds if poorly located.
6. Pictures/data to collect: Pictures of windmills, wind farms and wind turbines can be included.
7. Environment-friendliness: Wind energy is environment-friendly and produces electricity without burning fuel.
8. Alternatives: Solar energy, hydel power, biogas and tidal energy.