Learn how sustainable energy from the Greek elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – can replace fossil fuels and nuclear power. In recent decades there’s been increasing global concern about the sustainability of our use of fossil fuels and nuclear power, which has led to increased interest in more sustainable renewable energy sources.
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These ‘renewables’ have been utilized for centuries, in water mills, windmills and wood stoves, but in recent years we’ve developed the technology to utilize these natural power sources on a much larger scale.
During the course we study Renewable Energy using the four Greek elements as our weekly themes:
- Earth - Here we introduce the Earth’s renewable energy sources, most of which are derived from power delivered by the Sun
- Air - Here we look at Wind power
- Fire - Here we focus on the direct power of the Sun
- Water - Here we look at Hydropower.
When you’ve completed this course you should have an improved understanding of how some key renewable energy technologies work and the contribution they might make to world needs.
What will you achieve?
- Explain some basic energy principles and terminology
- Apply the differences between primary, delivered and useful energy
- Describe the key role of solar energy as the source of most renewable sources
- Demonstrate the principles and technologies underlying key renewable energy technologies: solar thermal, wind and hydro power
- Discuss the contribution renewable energies could make to world energy
