Novel Methods of

Generating Electricity
Electricity generation is vital to modern society, but traditional
methods have major drawbacks. Fortunately, there are many exciting
new ways to generate electricity.

by sumukh jii
Renewable Energy Sources

Solar Power Wind Power Wave Power

The sun provides clean,
renewable energy through
solar panels. They are suitable
for both urban and remote
areas
Wind turbines harness clean
energy from the wind. They
can be built on land or
offshore and generate large
amounts of energy.
Large floating turbines
capture the energy from ocean
waves and turn it into
electricity. Suitable for coastal
areas.

Emerging Technology:
Solar Trees
These artfully-designed
structures generate solar
power while providing shade in
parks and city streets.
Nuclear Power
Type Advantages Disadvantages

Fission High energy density, low Risk of accidents, high cost,

emissions, reliable radioactive waste disposal

Fusion Almost limitless energy, no Not yet viable on a large

greenhouse gases, minimal scale, high cost of
waste development
Hydroelectric Power
Dams
Large dams can generate significant amounts of energy through hydropower.
Water is held in a reservoir behind the dam and released through turbines.
Environmental impact and costs must be considered.

Run-of-River Systems
Unlike dams, run-of-the-river systems do not require a reservoir. Water is
channeled through a penstock and flows past a turbine to generate electricity. Less
environmental impact but less energy generation

Tidal Power
Turbines capture energy from the rise and fall of ocean tides. Tidal power is more
reliable than wind or solar power but requires specialized locations and
construction.
Geothermal Energy
1 Drilling and Extraction
Geothermal plants drill into hot rocks below the ground to access steam
and hot water which can produce electricity via turbines.

2 Direct Use
Geothermal energy can also be used directly for heating and cooling
applications in homes, greenhouses, and industries.

3 Enhanced Geothermal Systems

This technology is used to generate electricity from geothermal resources
that are not naturally available. Water is injected into hot rocks to create
steam, which generates electricity.
Bioenergy
Biofuels
Fuels such as ethanol,
biodiesel, and methanol are
produced from organic
materials such as corn, algae,
and sugarcane. They can be
blended with gasoline and
diesel fuel to power cars and
trucks.
Biomass Power
Wood, crop residues, and
waste are burned to produce
steam for turbines. This
energy source can be used in
rural areas that don't have
access to the power grid.
Biogas
Biogas is produced by
anaerobic digestion of organic
materials such as manure,
sewage, and food waste. It
can be burned to generate
electricity and heat in
cogeneration systems.
Emerging Technologies in Electricity
Generation
1 Gen IV Nuclear Reactors
These cutting-edge reactors are designed
to be safer, cleaner, and more efficient
than current reactors. They use advanced
materials and cooling systems to reduce
waste and decrease the risk of
meltdowns.
3 Space-Based Solar Power
Orbiting satellites could collect solar
energy in space and transmit it back to
Earth via microwaves or lasers. While still
in development, this technology could
provide a virtually limitless source of
clean energy.
2 Ocean Thermal Energy
Conversion (OTEC)
OTEC converts the temperature
difference between deep, cold ocean
water and warm surface water into
electricity. This technology has the
potential to power small islands and
coastal regions.
4 Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
This technology uses crystals and
ceramics to convert mechanical energy
into electrical energy. It can be used to
power small devices like watches or
larger systems like traffic sensors.