36390_ElecSafetyWorld-SanteeCooper

icity Happens Hydropower Hydroelectric plants use the power of falling water to generate electricity. Water that is stored behind a dam is released and directed to flow against turbine blades, making them turn. l renewable l nonrenewable Biomass Biomass includes wood chips and bark left over from lumber production, farming and food wastes, and garbage. Biomass can be burned to heat water, producing steam that turns a turbine. It can also be converted into a gas, which can be burned to do the same thing. l renewable l nonrenewable Geothermal Energy Steam (or hot water that has been converted to steam) from deep inside the Earth is piped to the surface, where it is used to turn turbines. l renewable l nonrenewable Solar Energy Solar energy is generated without a turbine. Special panels of photovoltaic cells capture light from the sun and convert it directly into electricity, which is stored in a battery. l renewable l nonrenewable Wind Power The force of the wind is used to spin many small turbines. Most wind power is produced at wind farms, which are large groups of turbines in very windy locations. l renewable l nonrenewable Fuel Cells Fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction. Some types of fuel cells can be used at power plants. Others can be used to run cars or appliances. l renewable l nonrenewable 5