1. RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES CASE STUDIES: Wind Power – North Hoyle, Wales HEP – Three Gorges Dam, China

3. Renewable energy sources These will not run out because they can be regenerated. Examples are wind power, solar power, tidal power and biomass. Charcoal - a fuel produced from wood (biomass) Only 1% of the UK’s energy comes from these sources. Can you think of a reason why?

5. often located in exposed areas such as mountainous regions Wave Solar Geothermal Wind HEP Tidal TEST YOURSELF - MATCH THE STATEMENT WITH THE ENERGY SOURCE water stored in dams is released through turbines to generate electricity located on the coast with a chamber facing the prevailing wind mirrors concentrate the sun’s rays onto water-filled black pipes powered by a man-made barrage, usually found across an estuary heat produced by rocks under the Earth’s surface heat produced by rocks under the Earth’s surface water stored in dams is released through turbines to generate electricity located on the coast with a chamber facing the prevailing wind mirrors concentrate the sun’s rays onto water-filled black pipes powered by a man-made barrage, usually found across an estuary often located in exposed areas such as mountainous regions

6. Wind energy Inside a wind turbine Wind energy is created from wind turbines. Blades on the turbine turn as the wind blows and this is connected to a generator inside the turbine. Several turbine together are called a wind farm.

7. Wind energy - the disadvantages Some people also consider the wind farms as visually unattractive and noisy. What are the advantages of wind energy? Rotor blades can be damaged in strong and turbulent winds. It takes 30 wind farms to generate the same amount of electricity as one coal-fired power station. The setting up costs for wind farms are therefore more expensive than for traditional, fossil fuel power stations. In theory, the UK could generate all its electricity from wind farms covering approximately 1% of the land. But the problems are wind turbine design and cost.

8. Advantages of wind energy cooling towers Wind power can be developed on a small scale. Wind farms create jobs in rural areas. Wind farms can be constructed in a few months (thermal power stations take between 6-10 years to complete). Wind fuel is free.

9. Important location factors for wind farms Wind turbines need to be in areas with regularly high wind speeds . This means that exposed coasts or upland areas are best. There are 93 sites in the UK at present. Wind farms are now also built offshore. Two are already operating and there are plans for thirteen more. Wind power will provide 1.3% of the UK’s electricity supply by the end of 2005 ( UK Energy in Brief, July 2003 ). © Ed Linton / DOE - NREL

10. Where should the new wind turbines be located? 1 2 3 It has been decided to locate new wind turbines in this area. Choose from the three sites indicated and justify your answer. wind direction town

11. Case Study: North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm 30 turbines each rated at 2 megawatts How many turbines are at North Hoyle offshore wind-farm? The project is located 4-5 miles off the North Wales coast between Rhyl and Prestatyn. It covers an area of approximately 10km2. Why? It offers an ideal combination of relatively shallow waters, good strong winds and proximity to the national electricity network. Describe the location of North Hoyle offshore wind-farm. Built in 2003 When did the construction of North Hoyle offshore wind-farm begin?

12. What are the advantages of North Hoyle for the location of a wind farm?

13. 4. JOBS For example, 10 full-time positions in operations and maintenance at the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm project have been filled by people living locally to the project. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that the wind farm has had a positive impact on tourism in the area. 3. EDUCATION Work with 20 local schools to raise profile of alternative energy sources and problems of climate change. Have a classroom on site for local schools to visit. 2. ENVIRONMENT Does not produce harmful pollutants or damaging gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Approx. 160000 less tonnes of CO2 in atmosphere. It is sustainable energy. 1. COMMUNITY npower renewables has set up the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and the Area Partnerships for Rhyl and Prestatyn & Meliden. The Community Fund, set up as part of the North Hoyle project, is ploughing £60,000 into the communities of Rhyl and Prestatyn & Meliden every year for the 20 year life of the wind farm. Will provide power for 200,000,000 kWh (units) enough for app 40000 homes. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE NORTH HOYLE OFFSHORE WIND-FARM?

14. 5. Easily damaged in storms 4. Could disrupt shipping routes. 3. Expensive to build 2. Noise disturbance for local wildlife & danger of birds flying into rotor blades. 1. Damage to the seabed and therefore some marine habitats. WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE NORTH HOYLE OFFSHORE WIND-FARM?

15. Hydroelectric power Hydroelectric electricity is the most popular type of renewable energy. Hydroelectric energy is produced from fast flowing water, such as at a waterfall or by an artificial dam.

16. Hydroelectric power - impact of building dams tourists may be attracted to the area silt is trapped behind the dam and is not transported downstream where it is needed for farmers and fishermen may decrease flooding downstream the water behind the dam is stagnant and algae builds up building dams floods large areas dams control the flow of water These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of building a dam. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage in more detail.

17. Case Study: The Three Gorges Dam, China The largest hydro-electric power station in the world

18. Three Gorges Dam project in China The Three Gorges Dam project is the largest undertaking by the Chinese since they built the Great Wall. When it is finally completed in 2009 it will be the largest hydroelectric scheme in the world, generating thousands of megawatts of electricity to meet the demands of China’s growth. It will create a reservoir that will span 410 miles and make the Yangtze the longest navigable river in the world.

21. Impacts of the Three Gorges Dam Disadvantages Advantages Threatens rare species like the Baiji river dolphin. There could be problems of silt building up in the lake. Human and industrial waste could pollute the lake waters. It will reduce China’s reliance on coal fired power stations so there will be less harmful emissions. 3000 farmers have lost their land to the lake. Building costs are nearly $30 billion. Historical & archaeological sites lost could mean less tourists. Once finished it will provide reliable & cheap energy source that could provide 10% of China’s energy needs. There is improved industry in the area as large cargo ships can now go 1500 miles inland. It provides jobs for the people building the dam and afterwards. 2.3 million people have been forced out to build the dam/lake. 13 cities, 140 large villages and hundreds of small villages have been flooded to create the lake. The stagnant water could lead to an increase in diseases. 1300 archaeological sites will be lost. Will help prevent loss of life downstream as it will control flooding.

22. Solar energy Solar panels Photovoltaic cells are made of the abundant element silicon. Photovoltaic cells are silent. Photovoltaic cells have low maintenance costs. Why isn’t solar energy popular in the UK?

23. Energy is generated by the tidal rise and fall. The tides come in and pass through holes in a dam wall. The water is then trapped in a river estuary. Then the tide ebbs and passes back through the barrage, driving the turbines and producing electricity. Tidal energy is generated at La Rance in western France. A suitable site in Britain would be the River Severn. This barrage would cost between £3 billion and £9 billion and be able to generate between 5% and 10% of Britain’s total electricity demand. Tidal energy

24. Wave energy The island of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland has had a Limpet (land-installed marine-powered energy transformer) constructed, which should provide a reliable electricity supply for the 3,400 residents. A 25-metre notch has been cut into Islay’s south west facing cliffs at Portnahaven into which a wave chamber has been inserted. The waves rise and fall in this wave chamber compressing the air and so driving the turbines which power the generators. Why has the wave chamber been placed on the south west of the island? incoming waves low tide high tide turbo generator

25. Geothermal energy Hot water Cold Water geothermal plant fractured rock Geothermal energy is obtained from heated rocks and molten magma under the Earth’s surface.