Chapter 20, Problem 1TYC

To determine

To explain: The contribution of nuclear power, hydroelectric power and bioenergy to the global energy source and global electricity generation.

Answer to Problem 1TYC

The three conventional sources of renewable energy provide 17.4% of the total energy consumption of the world and make up 32.6% of the total energy generated globally.

Explanation of Solution

The most conventional sources of renewable energy are nuclear power, bioenergy and hydroelectric power.

For nuclear power generation, radioactive metals like uranium are made to go under nuclear reactions and the heat generated is converted to electricity. Bioenergy involves the burning of biomasses. And in hydroelectric power, water is used to spin turbines to generate electricity in dams.

Collectively these three contribute about 17.4% of the total energy consumption of the world, wherein bioenergy contributes 10.2%, nuclear power provides 4.8% and hydroelectric power contributes 2.4%.

Of the total electricity generated globally, these three contribute 32.6% to it. Of this, nuclear power makes up 10.6%, bioenergy 5.7% and 16.3% is made up of hydroelectric power.