Ways to Solve Our Energy Problems by Valerie Wang (G6) Ways to Solve Our Energy Problems By Valerie Wang Grade 6 More often than not, people might think of wind turbines and hydroelectric dams whenever they hear the term “clean energy”. However, do you know how both power plants work? In this text, you will find out about wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, and the pros and cons of both. Wind turbines and hydroelectric dams both work in similar ways—needing a rotating propeller and a generator to produce electricity. Each has different benefits and drawbacks. How They Work: For one thing, both sources actually produce energy in similar ways. A hydroelectric dam uses water that enters through a penstock that leads to a propeller. The rushing water spins the propeller, which is connected to a generator. The generator produces power, which is then carried away by power lines. Meanwhile, a wind turbine uses wind to move a blade connected to a rotor. The rotor spins the shaft, which is connected to a generator. The energy from the movement is used to produce electricity. Last, the electricity’s carried away by power lines. Benefits and Problems of Hydroelectric Power: Aside from the process of producing energy, both sources also have similar benefits and drawbacks. Hydroelectric dams rely on renewable resources. A renewable resource is a source that wouldn’t run out. For example, water is a renewable resource since it won’t run out. Hydroelectric dams also produce clean energy, meaning that the dam doesn’t produce pollution while producing energy. On the other hand, dams can destroy and disrupt the habitats of animals living near the river. Specifically, damming bodies of water can cause low oxygen levels in the water, which is harmful for plants and animals. Building dams also takes up a lot of space. We could have instead used this land and the area around it for farms. Pros and Cons of Wind Turbines: Similarly, wind turbines also produce clean energy and use a renewable source. According to the text “Capturing the Wind”, it says, “In 2013, the clean energy produced by wind power was equal to the effect of taking nearly 17 million cars off the roads.” Wind farms—an area with a group of wind turbines — don’t use water. This means that they don’t pollute clean water or disrupt marine life. However, wind turbines are loud and create noise pollution. Noise pollution disrupts people and animals who live near the turbines. To counter this, many wind farms are in rural areas, causing many costly power lines to be built. Summary: Both hydroelectric dams and wind turbines are good examples of “clean energy” sources. Not to mention that both work in similar ways, relying on a propeller for energy and a generator for electricity. Both have different benefits, such as producing clean energy, and different problems that they face, for example, disrupting animals. People are working on ways to improve our energy sources to make them better for the environment. Speaking of solving problems, what do you think are some ways that these power sources can be improved?
