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The Institute for Energy Research attributes the growth of wind power to government ______ in part.
The Institute for Energy Research attributes the growth of wind power to government ______ in part.
intervention
The American Taxpayer Relief Act passed on January 1, 2013, extended the production tax credit through ______, but with definitional differences that make the tax credit more expensive for taxpayers than its original incarnation.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act passed on January 1, 2013, extended the production tax credit through ______, but with definitional differences that make the tax credit more expensive for taxpayers than its original incarnation.
2013
The production tax credit is paid on electricity generated for the first ______ years of operation of the wind unit.
The production tax credit is paid on electricity generated for the first ______ years of operation of the wind unit.
10
Public Law No. 113-295 extended the PTC through ______, and in December 2015, Congress extended it for 5 years in the Omnibus Bill.
Public Law No. 113-295 extended the PTC through ______, and in December 2015, Congress extended it for 5 years in the Omnibus Bill.
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The new legislation retroactively extended the PTC for ______, leaving the incentive at its 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour level through 2016 and phasing it down at 80 percent of its present value in 2017.
The new legislation retroactively extended the PTC for ______, leaving the incentive at its 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour level through 2016 and phasing it down at 80 percent of its present value in 2017.
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Besides the subsidies that wind power receives, more than half the states have renewable portfolio ______ requiring a certain percentage of their electricity to be generated from qualified renewable energy technologies.
Besides the subsidies that wind power receives, more than half the states have renewable portfolio ______ requiring a certain percentage of their electricity to be generated from qualified renewable energy technologies.
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Offshore wind is more than ______ times more expensive than onshore wind, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Offshore wind is more than ______ times more expensive than onshore wind, according to the Energy Information Administration.
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The Internal Revenue Service upped the credit from ______ cents per kilowatt hour to 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour.
The Internal Revenue Service upped the credit from ______ cents per kilowatt hour to 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour.
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The differing heights of waves along the length of the device causes ______ where the segments connect.
The differing heights of waves along the length of the device causes ______ where the segments connect.
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A point absorber is a floating structure with components that move relative to each other due to ______ action.
A point absorber is a floating structure with components that move relative to each other due to ______ action.
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The relative up and down ______ motion caused by passing waves is used to drive electromechanical or hydraulic energy converters.
The relative up and down ______ motion caused by passing waves is used to drive electromechanical or hydraulic energy converters.
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Overtopping devices have reservoirs that are filled by incoming waves, causing a slight buildup of ______ pressure.
Overtopping devices have reservoirs that are filled by incoming waves, causing a slight buildup of ______ pressure.
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The energy of the falling water is used to turn ______ turbines to generate power.
The energy of the falling water is used to turn ______ turbines to generate power.
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Three different methods are used around the world to harness the power of ______: tidal barrages, tidal fences, and tidal turbines.
Three different methods are used around the world to harness the power of ______: tidal barrages, tidal fences, and tidal turbines.
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The oldest operating tidal power plant is in ______, France.
The oldest operating tidal power plant is in ______, France.
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Gates on the barrage control the ______ level and flow rates to allow the basin to fill at high tide.
Gates on the barrage control the ______ level and flow rates to allow the basin to fill at high tide.
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The basin is filled at high ______ and then empties through a turbine system at low tide.
The basin is filled at high ______ and then empties through a turbine system at low tide.
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Specially built floating ______ can also create electricity by funneling waves through internal turbines and then back into the sea.
Specially built floating ______ can also create electricity by funneling waves through internal turbines and then back into the sea.
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Biomass energy comes from living or recently dead ______ matter.
Biomass energy comes from living or recently dead ______ matter.
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The U.S. currently uses about 342 million tons of ______ to meet roughly 5% of America's annual energy demand.
The U.S. currently uses about 342 million tons of ______ to meet roughly 5% of America's annual energy demand.
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Through ______, living plants capture and use the sun's energy, along with carbon from the earth's atmosphere, and nutrients absorbed from the soil.
Through ______, living plants capture and use the sun's energy, along with carbon from the earth's atmosphere, and nutrients absorbed from the soil.
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Biomass is organic matter just like fossil fuels, except ______ does not need to rest for millions of years.
Biomass is organic matter just like fossil fuels, except ______ does not need to rest for millions of years.
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Energy created from ______ is weaker than fossil fuel energy.
Energy created from ______ is weaker than fossil fuel energy.
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Biomass can pollute the air when it is burned, and in the case of traditional residential ______ burning, can be very obnoxious.
Biomass can pollute the air when it is burned, and in the case of traditional residential ______ burning, can be very obnoxious.
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Many of the carbon dioxide emissions from biomass are used by ______ during photosynthesis.
Many of the carbon dioxide emissions from biomass are used by ______ during photosynthesis.
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Biomass is available in all three basic forms of matter: ______, liquid, and gas.
Biomass is available in all three basic forms of matter: ______, liquid, and gas.
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______ biomass is also known as feedstock.
______ biomass is also known as feedstock.
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Primary products are produced by direct use of solar energy through ______, and secondary products are generated by the decomposition or conversion of organic substances.
Primary products are produced by direct use of solar energy through ______, and secondary products are generated by the decomposition or conversion of organic substances.
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Nuclear energy is produced by nuclear ______ of atoms.
Nuclear energy is produced by nuclear ______ of atoms.
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Biodiesel is often blended with petroleum diesel in ratios of 2 percent (B2), 5 percent (B5), and 20 percent (______0).
Biodiesel is often blended with petroleum diesel in ratios of 2 percent (B2), 5 percent (B5), and 20 percent (______0).
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The POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa converts ______ into ethanol.
The POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa converts ______ into ethanol.
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Nuclear energy is responsible for ______ percent of the electricity generated in the United States.
Nuclear energy is responsible for ______ percent of the electricity generated in the United States.
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Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from ______ oils, animal fats, or grease.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from ______ oils, animal fats, or grease.
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Geothermal energy is not completely without ______ like many other forms of sustainable energy.
Geothermal energy is not completely without ______ like many other forms of sustainable energy.
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The inner core of the earth is composed of solid ______.
The inner core of the earth is composed of solid ______.
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The mantle is surrounded by the outer layer, also known as the ______.
The mantle is surrounded by the outer layer, also known as the ______.
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Geothermal energy can be used as a heat source or to produce ______.
Geothermal energy can be used as a heat source or to produce ______.
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The Roman, Chinese, and Native American people have been using geothermal energy for many years by bathing in naturally hot pools of ______.
The Roman, Chinese, and Native American people have been using geothermal energy for many years by bathing in naturally hot pools of ______.
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District heating systems use shallow heat ______ to heat buildings, not to produce electricity.
District heating systems use shallow heat ______ to heat buildings, not to produce electricity.
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About 30 feet below the surface, the ground remains at a constant temperature of 55 degrees ______ all year round.
About 30 feet below the surface, the ground remains at a constant temperature of 55 degrees ______ all year round.
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The geothermal heat pump system allows people to heat and cool their homes using geothermal energy, which can also be done in bodies of ______.
The geothermal heat pump system allows people to heat and cool their homes using geothermal energy, which can also be done in bodies of ______.
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The crust can be as thin as 3 to 5 miles thick under the ______ and 15 to 35 miles thick underneath continents.
The crust can be as thin as 3 to 5 miles thick under the ______ and 15 to 35 miles thick underneath continents.
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The mantle is comprised of ______ and rock.
The mantle is comprised of ______ and rock.
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Match the following sustainable energy sources with their characteristics:
Match the following sustainable energy sources with their characteristics:
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Match the following biomass energy sources with their uses:
Match the following biomass energy sources with their uses:
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Match the following sustainable energy sources with their uses:
Match the following sustainable energy sources with their uses:
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Match the following geothermal energy systems with their functions:
Match the following geothermal energy systems with their functions:
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Match the following sustainable energy sources with their advantages:
Match the following sustainable energy sources with their advantages:
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Match the following nuclear energy concepts with their meanings:
Match the following nuclear energy concepts with their meanings:
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Match the following marine energy devices with their functions:
Match the following marine energy devices with their functions:
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Match the following sustainable energy applications with their purposes:
Match the following sustainable energy applications with their purposes:
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Match the type of tidal power system with its primary characteristic:
Match the type of tidal power system with its primary characteristic:
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Match the method of harnessing energy from the ocean with its primary benefit:
Match the method of harnessing energy from the ocean with its primary benefit:
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Match the type of energy with its primary description:
Match the type of energy with its primary description:
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Match the component of the Earth's structure with its primary characteristic:
Match the component of the Earth's structure with its primary characteristic:
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Match the type of geothermal energy use with its primary application:
Match the type of geothermal energy use with its primary application:
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Match the following types of photovoltaic cells with their characteristics:
Match the following types of photovoltaic cells with their characteristics:
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Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their descriptions:
Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their descriptions:
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Match the following sources of renewable energy with the percentage of electricity generated in the United States:
Match the following sources of renewable energy with the percentage of electricity generated in the United States:
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Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their examples:
Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their examples:
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Match the following types of wind farms with their characteristics:
Match the following types of wind farms with their characteristics:
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Match the following components of hydroelectric power plants with their functions:
Match the following components of hydroelectric power plants with their functions:
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Match the following types of energy storage with their descriptions:
Match the following types of energy storage with their descriptions:
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Match the following environmental impacts with the corresponding source of energy:
Match the following environmental impacts with the corresponding source of energy:
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Match the following types of photovoltaic cells with the materials they use:
Match the following types of photovoltaic cells with the materials they use:
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Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their locations:
Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their locations:
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Match the following types of hydroelectric power plants with their environmental impacts:
Match the following types of hydroelectric power plants with their environmental impacts:
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Match the following manufacturers with the corresponding product:
Match the following manufacturers with the corresponding product:
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Match the following components of hydroelectric power plants with their descriptions:
Match the following components of hydroelectric power plants with their descriptions:
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Match the following types of wind turbines with their characteristics:
Match the following types of wind turbines with their characteristics:
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Match the following environmental impacts with the corresponding source of energy:
Match the following environmental impacts with the corresponding source of energy:
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Match the following types of hydroelectric power plants with their operational characteristics:
Match the following types of hydroelectric power plants with their operational characteristics:
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Match the following types of renewable energy with the corresponding percentage of America's annual energy demand:
Match the following types of renewable energy with the corresponding percentage of America's annual energy demand:
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Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their power generation capabilities:
Match the following hydroelectric power plants with their power generation capabilities:
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Match the following types of biomass energy with the corresponding characteristics:
Match the following types of biomass energy with the corresponding characteristics:
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Match the following types of energy with their environmental impacts:
Match the following types of energy with their environmental impacts:
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Match the following wave energy converter types with their descriptions:
Match the following wave energy converter types with their descriptions:
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Match the following tidal power methods with their descriptions:
Match the following tidal power methods with their descriptions:
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Match the following components of wave energy converters with their functions:
Match the following components of wave energy converters with their functions:
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Match the following locations with their descriptions:
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Match the following energy terms with their definitions:
Match the following energy terms with their definitions:
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Match the following devices with their functions:
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Match the following geothermal energy terms with their definitions:
Match the following geothermal energy terms with their definitions:
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Match the following renewable energy sources with their descriptions:
Match the following renewable energy sources with their descriptions:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the following energy conversion processes with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Wind Energy
- The growth of wind energy is attributed to government intervention, particularly the production tax credit (PTC) introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
- The PTC has been extended several times, including in 2013 and 2015, with changes to its requirements and benefits.
- The credit is paid on electricity generated for the first 10 years of operation, at a rate of 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour.
- More than half of the states have renewable portfolio standards, which have helped develop onshore wind energy as the least expensive qualifying renewable technology.
Wave Energy
- Wave energy is harnessed using various technologies, including point absorbers, overtopping devices, and tidal turbines.
- Point absorbers are floating structures that convert the up and down motion of waves into energy.
- Overtopping devices use reservoirs to capture the energy of incoming waves and release it to generate power.
Tidal Energy
- Three methods are used to harness tidal energy: tidal barrages, tidal fences, and tidal turbines.
- The only method used in the United States is the tidal turbine, with the oldest operating tidal power plant located in La Rance, France.
Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal energy is generated from the heat of the Earth's core, mantle, and crust.
- It is used as a heat source or to produce electricity, with the United States using it to meet about 0.3% of its electricity needs.
- Direct use heating is used to heat individual homes, while district heating systems heat buildings and homes.
Biomass Energy
- Biomass energy comes from living or recently dead biological matter, such as agricultural crops, waste, and animal manure.
- It is available in solid, liquid, and gas forms, with primary products produced by direct use of solar energy through photosynthesis.
- Biomass can be converted into energy through various technologies, including combustion, anaerobic digestion, and gasification.
Biofuels
- Biofuels are fuels made from organic matter, such as corn, sugarcane, and vegetable oils.
- Ethanol is a common biofuel, produced from corn starch or sugarcane, and is blended with gasoline to power vehicles.
- Biodiesel is another type of biofuel, made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or grease, and is blended with petroleum diesel.
Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear energy is produced by nuclear fission, or the splitting of atoms, which releases heat to generate electricity.
- It is a non-renewable energy source, but some argue that it is renewable due to the low carbon emissions and the abundance of uranium.
Introduction
- Fossil fuels are decreasing, while the world's population is increasing, leading to a need for alternative energy sources.
- The world relies heavily on fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, to generate energy.
Solar Power
- Solar panels are a common source of renewable energy.
- Models being developed include Multijunction Photovoltaic Cells, Dye-Sensitive Photovoltaic Cells, and 3D Photovoltaic Cells.
- Multijunction Photovoltaic Cells use multiple layers to maximize efficiency.
- Dye-Sensitive Cells use a gel electrolyte to produce a photo-electrochemical photovoltaic cell.
Wind Power
- Wind power has been used for centuries, starting with windmills.
- As of 2022, wind power provides 10.3% of the utility-scale electricity generated in the United States.
- Wind turbines require a certain wind speed to operate, limiting their use in some areas.
- The largest wind farm in the United States is the Alta Wind Energy Center in California.
- Wind turbines can harm the environment, including killing birds and bats, and require large areas of land.
Hydroelectric Power
- Hydroelectric power uses the earth's water cycle to generate energy without releasing emissions.
- However, it can have a significant impact on the environment, particularly when creating dams and reservoirs.
- The largest hydroelectric dam in the world is the Three Gorges Dam in China, and the largest in the United States is the Grand Coulee Dam.
- There are three types of hydropower plants: impoundment, diversion, and pumped storage.
- Impoundment plants use a dam to hold water in a reservoir, while diversion plants divert a portion of a river through a canal.
- Pumped storage involves pumping water from a low elevation to a high elevation using solar or wind power.
Marine Energy
- Marine energy harnesses the power of waves, tides, and ocean currents to generate electricity.
- There are several methods to harness wave energy, including point absorbers, overtopping devices, and oscillating water columns.
- Tidal barrages, tidal fences, and tidal turbines are used to harness the power of tides.
- Tidal turbines are more efficient than wind turbines but are more expensive to produce and operate.
- Ocean thermal energy conversion uses the difference in temperature between surface and deep water to produce energy.
Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal energy harnesses the earth's natural heat to generate electricity.
- This energy can be used from hot steam deep in the earth or shallow heat sinks.
- Geothermal energy currently produces about 0.4% of the energy in the United States.
- This form of sustainable energy is growing in popularity.
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Description
The growth of wind energy in the US is attributed to government intervention, including the extension of the production tax credit. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2013 played a significant role. The Institute for Energy Research comments on the impact of these policies.
