Selecting Energy Resources
Alberta has lots of oil sands therefore we use oil. This is an example of
Avaliability and accessibility
wood, wind, and water are examples of resources that can be used in this state
directly/unprocessed
This responsible management practice means returning mined or drilled land back to its original condition.
restoration
name four categories that we use energy for in our homes and communities
heating, cooling, light, cooking, transport
Alberta's most economically important fossil fuel resource, extracted from the Athabasca region.
Oil sand
People being angry that drilling for natural gas is ruining the environment is an example of
societal impacts
this unprocessed form of power can move a sailboat
wind
Nuclear power plants must follow this responsible management practice because their byproducts remain radioactive for thousands of years.
waste management practices
Most homes in Calgary use this energy source for heating
natural gas
Southern Alberta is ideal for this renewable energy source due to its consistent wind patterns.
Wind Energy
environmental impact
name three energy resources that must be processed before we can use them
fossil fuels, nuclear, hydro, biofuel
Before building a new wind farm in Alberta, energy companies must legally do this with local Indigenous nations.
consult and respect land rights
An electric vehicle plugged into Alberta's grid is an exmaple of this daily use category
transportation
Alberta began phasing out this fossil fuel for electricity generation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
coal
it's concerning to certain citizens that solar energy is very expensive to build
economic impact
crude oil from the oil sands is refined into gasoline. this is an example of ______ energy
processed
clear cutting a forest and then dumping all of the unused tree parts is going against which two practices?
(daily double)
resotration of extraction areas and waste management practices
Explain two different ways a household could use electricity in daily life
light bulbs, furnace, fan, AC, stove, microwave, etc.
Name a river used in Alberta for hydroelectric power generation
bow river, North Saskatchewan River, Oldman River
wind energy is an advantage because Alberta has fast winds, however, it's a disadvantage because of it's high starting cost and it's damage to birds
advantage avalibility disadvantage economic and environmental
compare solar being used to heat up water in a water hose to solar being used to turn on lights. what is the difference? (daily double)
solar being used to heat up water is direct whereas used to make light is processed
A mining company finishes extracting coal and leaves the site bare. They did this on Indigenous land without consultation. Identify all management practices they failed to follow
restoration, minimal disruption, land and treaty rights, waste management
Compare how a community living near a river in Alberta might use water as an energy resource differently than a family living in suburban Calgary
River community: direct water flow (before processing) for a mill or small-scale hydro. Suburban Calgary family: electricity from Bow River dams (after processing, via grid)
Alberta relies heavily on fossil fuels. Using two selection factors, argue why Alberta should not transition to more renewable energy sources.
Societal (jobs depend on it), economic (high cost to transition), availability (lots of supply)