Solar & Wind Power
What renewable energy source converts sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells?
Solar energy
What renewable energy source uses moving water to generate electricity?
Hydropower
What type of renewable energy uses organic materials like plants and waste?
Biomass energy
What is one key advantage of renewables over fossil fuels?
They are cleaner and replenish naturally
Which country currently leads the world in installed solar power capacity?
China
What are two environmental concerns associated with large wind farms?
Bird and bat collisions, noise pollution, or visual impact
What is one environmental drawback of large dams?
Habitat destruction or disruption of fish migration
How are biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel produced?
By fermenting or refining plant materials such as corn, sugarcane, or soybeans
What is one major limitation of renewable energy technologies?
Intermittency or high initial cost
What renewable source is most used in countries with many rivers and mountains?
Hydropower
How does wind energy generate electricity?
Turbines convert the kinetic energy of moving air into electrical energy
How does geothermal energy generate electricity?
Heat from Earth’s interior produces steam that spins turbines
What is one environmental downside of large-scale biofuel production?
Deforestation or competition with food crops
Why are renewables considered more sustainable long-term?
They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on finite resources
Why are renewable energy subsidies important?
They make renewable technologies more affordable and competitive
Why are sunny, dry regions ideal for large solar installations?
They receive consistent direct sunlight for high energy output
What region of the U.S. has the highest geothermal energy potential?
The western U.S., especially California and Nevada
How does burning biomass release “old” carbon back into the atmosphere?
It releases stored carbon dioxide from plant material
What does “energy mix” refer to in global energy use?
The combination of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources used by a region
What is one goal of international climate agreements like the Paris Accord?
To increase renewable energy adoption and cut emissions
How can solar and wind energy be stored for later use?
Batteries, pumped hydro storage, or compressed air systems
What is micro-hydropower, and why is it considered more sustainable?
Small-scale hydro systems with less environmental disruption
What is one example of a sustainable biomass source?
Agricultural waste, algae, or forest residues
What factor often limits renewable energy expansion in developing countries?
Lack of infrastructure or investment
What technological innovation could make renewables more viable worldwide?
Advances in energy storage or smart grid systems