Climate Change Renewable Energy Technologies 3

Question 1

What is 'grid parity' in the context of renewable energy?

Accepted Answer

When renewable energy costs equal or fall below conventional electricity prices

Answer

Grid parity occurs when a renewable energy source can generate electricity at a cost equal to or less than buying power from the conventional grid, making it economically competitive without subsidies.

Question 2

Which component in a wind turbine converts mechanical rotation into electricity?

Accepted Answer

The generator

Answer

The generator inside the nacelle converts the mechanical rotational energy from the spinning blades into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.

Question 3

Tidal energy technologies harness power from:

Accepted Answer

The gravitational pull of the moon causing water level changes

Answer

Tidal energy exploits the rise and fall of sea levels caused primarily by the gravitational attraction of the moon (and to a lesser extent the sun) on Earth's oceans.

Question 4

What is the 'duck curve' problem in solar energy grid management?

Accepted Answer

A mismatch between solar generation peaks and evening electricity demand peaks

Answer

The duck curve describes the grid challenge where midday solar overproduction followed by a steep evening demand ramp creates a curve resembling a duck when graphed over 24 hours.

Question 5

Run-of-river hydropower differs from reservoir-based hydropower because it:

Accepted Answer

Uses river flow without significant water storage, reducing ecological disruption

Answer

Run-of-river projects divert part of a river's natural flow through turbines without large reservoir storage, causing less flooding of land and lower disruption to river ecosystems.

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Renewable Energy Technologies 3