Energy Sources Advantages and Disadvantages Coal Advantages Relatively

Energy Sources Advantages and Disadvantages

Coal • Advantages • Relatively cheap • Easily transported • Found in many places • Disadvantages • Produces most greenhouse gases • May contribute to Global Warming • Non-renewable resource

Oil • Advantages • Found in lots of places around the world • We can transport oil and gas using pipes, tankers, and ships • Disadvantages • Could cause environmental change • Non-renewable • May add to global warming

Natural Gas • Advantages • Found in lots of places around the world • We can transport oil and gas using pipes, tankers, and ships • Disadvantages • Could cause environmental damage • Non-renewable • May add to global warming

Nuclear Power • Advantages • No greenhouse gases • Only need a small amount to make a lot of energy • Disadvantages • The waste is harmful and needs to be disposed of carefully • Risk of sabotage or terrorist attack • World uranium supply may run out in 50 years

Biomass • Advantages • Fuel is cheap and we can use things we might throw away • Waste is everywhere • Disadvantages • Greenhouse gases • Some people grow biomass crops instead of food • May not have enough space

Wind • Advantages • Wind is free and will not run out • No greenhouse gases • Very few safety risks • Disadvantages • Looks ugly • Need lots of turbines to make energy • Can only be use in windy areas

Hydropower • Advantages • Water used is free • Renewable energy • No greenhouse gases made • Disadvantages • Dams are expensive and harm ecosystems • Dependent on rain/water

Geothermal • Advantages • No greenhouse gases • Free and will not run out • Disadvantages • Not many places to build plants • Harmful gases and minerals come up

Solar • Advantages • Energy is Free • Does not produce greenhouse gases • The sun will always be there in our lives • Disadvantages • Relatively expensive • Clouds or rain cause problems for energy production • Some people don’t like the look