Renewable Energy & Sustainability Flashcards
6 cards from real BGE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Renewable Energy & Sustainability flashcards as text
Which of the following is considered a renewable energy source?
Answer: Solar power
Solar power is considered a renewable energy source because it harnesses energy from the sun, which is an inexhaustible natural resource. Unlike fossil fuels like natural gas, coal, and petroleum, solar energy replenishes naturally and does not deplete finite resources.
What is the main environmental benefit of using wind energy for electricity generation?
Answer: Reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
The main environmental benefit of wind energy is that it generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, thereby producing no air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This significantly contributes to combating climate change and improving air quality.
Which technology is used to store excess renewable energy for later use?
Answer: Battery storage systems
Battery storage systems are essential for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid. They store excess electricity generated during periods of high production and discharge it when demand is high or generation is low, improving grid stability and reliability.
Which government policy promotes the use of renewable energy?
Answer: Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are state-level policies that mandate utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy sources by a specific date. These policies are a key driver for increasing renewable energy deployment and investment.
What is a major challenge associated with solar and wind energy?
Answer: Intermittency due to weather dependence
A major challenge with solar and wind energy is their intermittency, meaning their output fluctuates based on weather conditions like sunlight availability and wind speed. This variability makes it difficult to consistently match electricity supply with demand without reliable storage or backup power.
Why is energy efficiency important in sustainability efforts?
Answer: Lowers energy consumption and emissions
Energy efficiency is crucial for sustainability because it means achieving the same level of service or output with less energy input. This directly leads to reduced overall energy consumption, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions and decreases the strain on natural resources.