Solar | - Energy from sunlight is captured in solar panels and converted into electricity.
| - Potentially infinite energy supply.
- Single dwellings can have own electricity supply.
| - Manufacture and implementation of solar panels can be costly.
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Wind | - Wind turbines (modern windmills) turn wind energy into electricity.
| - Can be found singularly, but usually many together in wind farms.
- Potentially infinite energy supply.
| - Manufacture and implementation of wind farms can be costly.
- Some local people object to on-shore wind farms, arguing that it spoils the countryside.
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Tidal | - The movement of tides drives turbines.
- A tidal barrage (a kind of dam) is built across estuaries, forcing water through gaps.
- In future underwater turbines may be possible out at sea and without dams.
| - Ideal for an island such as the UK.
- Potential to generate a lot of energy.
- Tidal barrage can double as a bridge, and help prevent flooding.
| - Construction of barrage is very costly.
- Only a few estuaries are suitable.
- Opposed by some environmental groups as having a negative impact on wildlife.
- May reduce tidal flow and impede flow of sewage out to sea.
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Wave | - The movement of seawater in and out of a cavity on the shore compresses trapped air, driving a turbine.
| - Ideal for an island country.
- More likely to be small local operations, rather than done on a national scale.
| - Construction can be costly.
- May be opposed by local or environmental groups.
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Geothermal | - In volcanic regions it is possible to use the natural heat of the earth.
- Cold water is pumped under ground and comes out as steam.
- Steam can be used for heating or to power turbines creating electricity.
| - Potentially infinite energy supply.
- Used successfully in some countries, such as New Zealand and Iceland.
| - Can be expensive to set up and only works in areas of volcanic activity.
- Geothermal and volcanic activity might calm down, leaving power stations redundant.
- Dangerous elements found underground must be disposed of carefully.
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Hydrological or Hydroelectric Power (HEP) | - Energy harnessed from the movement of water through rivers, lakes and dams.
| - Creates water reserves as well as energy supplies.
| - Costly to build.
- Can cause the flooding of surrounding communities and landscapes.
- Dams have major ecological impacts on local hydrology.
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Biomass | - Decaying plant or animal waste.
- An organic material, which can be burned to provide energy, eg heat, or electricity.
- An example of biomass energy is oilseed rape (the fields of yellow flowers you see in the UK in summer), which produces oil.
- After treatment with chemicals it can be used as a fuel in diesel engines.
| - It is a cheap and readily available source of energy.
- If replaced, biomass can be a long-term, sustainable energy source.
| - When burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.
- Biomass is only a renewable resource if crops are replanted.
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Wood | - Obtained from felling trees, burned to generate heat and light.
| - A cheap and readily available source of energy.
- If the trees are replaced, wood burning can be a long-term, sustainable energy source
| - When burned it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.
- If trees are not replantedthen wood is a non-renewable resource.
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