HomeCategoriesEnvironment & Energy

Environment & Energy

The science and policy behind our planet, its resources, and the energy systems that power civilization.

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Total terms
7
Subcategories
2 min
Avg. read time
37 terms
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Battery Storage
Battery storage is a technology that allows energy to be stored in batteries for later use. It plays a crucial role in managing energy supply and demand, especially with renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Biofuel
A biofuel is a type of fuel made from living organisms or organic matter. It serves as an alternative to fossil fuels and can be used for energy in various forms, such as liquid or gas.
BeginnerRenewable Energy1 min
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Biomass Energy
This type of energy comes from organic materials like plants and animal waste. It can be used to produce heat, electricity, or fuel.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Blue Hydrogen
A cleaner form of hydrogen production, Blue Hydrogen is made by extracting hydrogen from natural gas while capturing and storing the carbon emissions produced in the process. This method aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with hydrogen production.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Capacity Factor
Capacity Factor is a measure of how often an energy source operates at its maximum potential over a specific period. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating the actual output compared to the possible output if it ran continuously at full power.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Concentrated Solar Power
This technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity. It is an important part of renewable energy solutions, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
BeginnerRenewable Energy1 min
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Curtailment
Curtailment refers to the intentional reduction of energy production from renewable sources like wind and solar. This is done to maintain grid stability when there is too much energy being generated compared to the demand.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Decarbonization
Decarbonization is the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from various activities, especially those related to energy production and consumption. It aims to lower the carbon footprint to combat climate change and promote a cleaner environment.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Distributed Generation
Distributed Generation refers to the production of electricity from many small energy sources rather than a few large ones. This approach allows for energy to be generated closer to where it is used, which can increase efficiency and reduce transmission losses.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Electrification
Electrification is the process of converting energy sources into electricity for use in homes, businesses, and transportation. It plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner energy solutions.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Energy Storage
This refers to methods and technologies that capture and store energy for later use. It allows for the efficient use of energy generated from renewable sources, ensuring a steady supply even when production fluctuates.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Energy Transition
Energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This process aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change while promoting sustainable energy practices.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Fuel Cell
A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy from fuels into electricity through a chemical reaction, often using hydrogen and oxygen. It produces electricity with water as the only byproduct, making it a clean energy source.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Geothermal Energy
It is a type of renewable energy that comes from the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface. This energy can be harnessed for heating and electricity generation.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Green Hydrogen
A clean fuel made from renewable energy sources, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. This process generates hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide, making it environmentally friendly.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Grey Hydrogen
A type of hydrogen produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming, which releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. It is considered less environmentally friendly compared to other hydrogen production methods, like green hydrogen.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Grid-Scale Battery
A grid-scale battery is a large energy storage system used to store electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. It helps balance supply and demand on the power grid, ensuring a stable energy supply even when production fluctuates.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen energy is a clean and renewable source of energy derived from hydrogen gas. It can be used to produce electricity, heat, and even fuel for vehicles without emitting harmful pollutants.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Hydropower
Hydropower is a renewable energy source that generates electricity by using the energy of flowing or falling water. It harnesses the movement of water to turn turbines, which then produce power. This method is efficient and sustainable, making it a key player in reducing carbon emissions.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is a measure that calculates the average cost of producing energy over the lifetime of a power generation project. It takes into account all costs, including initial investment, operation, maintenance, and fuel costs, divided by the total energy produced.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Lithium-Ion Battery
A Lithium-Ion Battery is a type of rechargeable battery that stores energy through chemical reactions. It is commonly used in portable electronics and electric vehicles due to its high energy density and lightweight design.
BeginnerRenewable Energy1 min
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Microgrid
A microgrid is a small-scale energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. It generates, distributes, and regulates its own electricity, often using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Offshore Wind
Offshore wind refers to the use of wind turbines located in bodies of water to generate electricity. These turbines harness wind energy to produce clean, renewable power, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Onshore Wind
Onshore wind refers to the generation of electricity using wind turbines located on land. This renewable energy source harnesses the power of wind to produce clean, sustainable energy for homes and businesses.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Photovoltaic (PV)
This technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. It uses solar panels made of photovoltaic cells to harness solar energy efficiently.
BeginnerRenewable Energy1 min
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Power Grid
A power grid is a network that delivers electricity from producers to consumers. It includes power plants, transmission lines, and distribution systems, ensuring that electricity is available where and when it is needed.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Pumped Storage Hydro
This is a method of storing energy by using water. It involves pumping water to a higher elevation and releasing it to generate electricity when needed.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)
A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is a tradable certificate that represents proof that one megawatt-hour of renewable energy has been generated. It helps track and promote the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Run-of-River Hydro
Run-of-River Hydro is a type of hydroelectric power generation that uses the natural flow of a river to generate electricity without the need for large dams. This method harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to produce power while minimizing environmental impact.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Solar Energy
This energy comes from the sun and can be used to generate electricity or heat. It is a clean, renewable source of energy that helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Solar Farm
A solar farm is a large area where many solar panels are installed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. These farms generate renewable energy, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Solar Panel
A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity. It is a key technology in renewable energy, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
BeginnerRenewable Energy1 min
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Solid-State Battery
A solid-state battery is a type of battery that uses solid materials for its electrolyte instead of liquid or gel. This design can lead to better safety, higher energy density, and longer life compared to traditional batteries.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Tidal Energy
A form of renewable energy, tidal energy harnesses the power of ocean tides to generate electricity. It is a clean and sustainable energy source that can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Wave Energy
Wave energy is the power generated from the movement of ocean waves. It captures the energy produced by waves and converts it into electricity, providing a renewable energy source.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Wind Energy
This is the process of capturing the energy produced by wind and converting it into electricity. It uses wind turbines to generate power, making it a clean and renewable energy source.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min
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Wind Turbine
A wind turbine is a device that converts wind energy into electrical power. It consists of large blades that spin when the wind blows, generating electricity that can be used to power homes and businesses.
BeginnerRenewable Energy2 min