Unit 5 Discussion Assignment

1. What does the term “renewable” mean?

The term renewable is something derived from natural resource that are replenished at a
higher rate than they are consumed (United Nations n.d). As human made things are not
lasting forever, renewable is sourced from nature and have abundant availability and long-
lasting undefined length of services.
2. Which two renewable energy forms did you choose?
From different renewable energy forms; I would go for wind energy and hydropower
energy, because of their availability in Ethiopia and the horn. Since Ethiopia is richer in
water with abundant water source (where Nile/Abay/ River is founded), hydropower is
easily available in the country. In addition to hydropower, wind energy is also highly
available in Ethiopia mainly in the south eastern and north eastern area of the country.
3. For each, describe two benefits.
a) Wind
Wind energy has a lower of benefits to various entities. Among the benefit
→ Wind power is renewable, contamination free and is inexhaustible source of energy.
→Cost: wind energy is low cost as it works with turbines and it doesn’t need high
infrastructure and it avoids energy import.
b) Hydropower
As Ethiopia is richest country in water resource, hydropower is the easiest available energy
sources in the country with the following benefits
→Hydroelectric power is flexible. Some hydropower facilities can quickly go from zero
power to maximum output. Because hydropower plants can generate power to the grid
immediately, they provide essential backup power during major electricity outages or
disruptions (Energy.GOV).
→Hydropower provides benefits beyond electricity generation by providing flood control,
irrigation support, and clean drinking water (Energy.gov).
4. For each, describe two drawbacks.
Drawback of Wind Energy
→ wind plants can cause for damage of local wildlife
→ wind sites are located in remote areas and this causes challenges in plant installations.
Drawback of hydropower
→ hydropower plants are affected by droughts, if any.
→ hydropower can be impactful for the smooth flow and quality of water.
5. Which of these you feel would best serve your community? Why? Explain.
Hydropower will best serve my community since abundant source of water is available
there.
Word Count: 357

References
Office of Efficiency and Renewable Energy (n.d). Benefits of Hydropower.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/benefits-hydropower
US. Department of Energy (2005). Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Wind and
Hydropower TechnologiesProgram.
https://www.envirothonpa.org/documents/19bHydropowerAdvantagesandDisadvantage
s.pdf