Alternative sources are sources of energy used instead of fossil fuels. Solar power – electricity from sunlight; wind power – wind turbines; water (hydro) power – flowing water and dams; waste-to-energy (WtE) – energy from burning waste or turning it into gas; biofuel – fuel made from plants or farm waste; nuclear power – atomic power stations, which release little carbon dioxide but raise safety and waste issues. Uzbekistan has many sunny days, so solar power is promising; solar and wind power stations are being built in several regions, and hydroelectric stations work on rivers. Advantage of biofuel: it is renewable and pollutes less; disadvantage: farmland may be used for fuel instead of food. To give reasons: Solar power is a good choice because ... .
Worked examples
Wind turbines are tall towers with large blades; the wind turns the blades and a generator makes electricity. Solar panels change sunlight into electricity. A small hydroelectric station uses the force of falling water. Our region has plenty of sun, so I think solar power is the best choice for us.
Group discussion: Which energy sources suit Uzbekistan best? Why? One answer: Solar power, because the sun shines for many days of the year and there are large open areas.
Class activity
“The best source”: groups choose one source for their region and defend it with three reasons.
Practice
1
What does solar power use?
Sunlight
2
What does a wind turbine do?
It turns wind into electricity
3
Name one disadvantage of biofuel.
It may use land needed for food
4
Why is solar power suitable for Uzbekistan?
Because there are many sunny days and large open areas.