Biomass energy comes from organic material. Examples of the organic materials used include wood logs, chips and pellets; manure; sewage and also certain crops like rape seed oil.
Biomass materials are used to produce biofuels. These biofuels include biodiesel, which is used to power engines, such as those used in agricultural machinery. This cuts down on the use of non- renewable fuels like petrol and diesel.
: Figure 5.20 Recycled wood pellets can be used in heaters Ordnance Survey maps and renewable
energy resources We can identify renewable energy resources on Ordnance Survey maps with the following symbols: 17
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: Figure 5.21 Hydroelectric power station on an OS map
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: Figure 5.22 Wind farm on an OS map
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18 : Figure 5.23 OS map ACT VITY
Look at the Ordnance Survey map of the Ballywater wind farm in Co. Wexford above. Answer the following questions in your copybook:
1. Give a four-figure grid reference for the location of the wind farm on the map. 2. Explain two reasons why the wind farm was located at its current site.
(i) What percentage of the world’s electricity does hydroelectric power generate?
(ii) Name a country that uses geothermal energy. Why is this country suitable for the production of geothermal energy?
(iii) Why should we encourage the use of renewable energy resources over non-renewable energy resources? Give three reasons for your answer.
/ I can describe the different types of renewable energy resources. / I can identify renewable energy resources on Ordnance Survey maps.
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Energy and the Environment: How fuelling our needs impacts on the world we live in
