Introduction
Introduction to Renewable Energy

Globally, the burning of fossil fuels accounts for 87% of carbon dioxide emissions by human activity. Electricity generation and heating account for 27% of carbon dioxide emissions from burning of fossil fuels. The transition to renewable energy sources from nonrenewable energy sources is a vital factor in mitigating climate change and securing a sustainable future.

Students will read the Renewable Energy Introduction of the Companion Reader.

Students will gather information to answer the following discussion questions:

• What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy?
• Why are renewable energy resources important to environmental policy?
• Critics and proponents generally agree that full implementation of renewable energy resources will require:
  • Government subsidies
  • Decentralization of energy production

 

Students will use the Introductory Activity instructions below for this activity.

In small groups, students will research the energy mix of their own community. The can use the Power Profiler on the EPA’s website.
 

Students will develop criteria and constraints using the following guiding questions.

• How can scientific principles and technology be applied to renewable energy implementation?
• What advances in renewable technologies might be needed to make renewable energy competitive with nonrenewable energy?
• How energy self-sufficient is your community, and what factors may influence this?

They should compare their findings to Germany's energy mix. Give them instructions on how to share their findings on the digital platform of your choice (presentation, film, etc.).

• Understand Germany's Energy Mix.
• Explain Germany's Energiewende (Germany's energy transition).

Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Power Profiler. Retrieved from
https://www.epa.gov/egrid/power-profiler#/