Power Stations
Non-Renewable Energy
Non-renuable energy power stations use their fuel (Coal, Oil, Gas, Uranium) to heat water. This water evaporates into steam and this steam turns the turbines. The turbines spin the generators and this makes electricity. You can find out more about the inner workings of generators here.
All non-renewable energy sources have limited supplies. Coal, Oil and Gas (or fossil fuels) take many thousands of years to be produced. They are rapidly running out. Unfortunately, burning them also produces Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Dioxide (Greenhouse Gases), which contributes to Global Warming.
There is lots of uranium left for Nuclear power stations. These power plants do not produce greenhouse gases but do produce waste that will remain radioactive for many thousands of years. They are also very expensive to build and decommission.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy power stations don't burn their fuel: they must find another way of turning the turbines to create electricity.
Below is a table of all of the energy sources and their details.
Non-renuable energy power stations use their fuel (Coal, Oil, Gas, Uranium) to heat water. This water evaporates into steam and this steam turns the turbines. The turbines spin the generators and this makes electricity. You can find out more about the inner workings of generators here.
All non-renewable energy sources have limited supplies. Coal, Oil and Gas (or fossil fuels) take many thousands of years to be produced. They are rapidly running out. Unfortunately, burning them also produces Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Dioxide (Greenhouse Gases), which contributes to Global Warming.
There is lots of uranium left for Nuclear power stations. These power plants do not produce greenhouse gases but do produce waste that will remain radioactive for many thousands of years. They are also very expensive to build and decommission.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy power stations don't burn their fuel: they must find another way of turning the turbines to create electricity.
Below is a table of all of the energy sources and their details.
You may find the following Phet simulation about Global Warming useful: