REP Environmental Impacts of Renewables 2

Question 1

Which environmental concern is most commonly associated with large-scale hydropower dams?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of fish migration and aquatic ecosystems

Answer

Greenhouse gas emissions from turbines

Answer

Soil contamination from lubricants

Answer

Increased UV radiation downstream

Question 2

What is 'land use intensity' in the context of comparing renewable energy sources?

Accepted Answer

The area of land required to generate a unit of electricity

Answer

The amount of toxic waste produced per megawatt-hour

Answer

The depth of soil disturbance during installation

Answer

The number of wildlife species displaced per project

Question 3

Which byproduct of manufacturing crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells poses the greatest toxicity concern?

Accepted Answer

Trichlorosilane (TCS)

Answer

Silicon dioxide dust

Answer

Aluminum frames

Answer

Tempered glass shards

Question 4

Wind farms are often sited offshore to reduce which onshore environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

Visual impact and noise disturbance to human communities

Answer

Saltwater corrosion of turbine components

Answer

Reduced wind speeds over land

Answer

Higher bird collision rates onshore

Question 5

What environmental benefit does geothermal energy have compared to fossil fuel power plants of equivalent capacity?

Accepted Answer

It has dramatically lower CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour

Answer

It produces zero emissions of any kind

Answer

It requires no water for cooling

Answer

It produces no solid waste

Question 6

Which lifecycle phase of solar PV panels is responsible for the majority of their carbon footprint?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing and materials processing

Answer

Installation and grid connection

Answer

Operation and maintenance

Answer

Decommissioning and recycling

Question 7

What is the primary concern regarding rare earth elements (REEs) used in permanent magnet wind turbines?

Accepted Answer

Mining REEs creates significant environmental damage and waste

Answer

REEs cause direct air pollution during turbine operation

Answer

REEs make turbines incompatible with grid interconnection

Answer

REEs are flammable and increase fire risk