1. What is Energy?
Energy is the ability to do work. We use energy in every part of our lives — for heating, transportation, electricity, and more.
2. Types of Energy Sources
Energy sources are divided into two main categories:
A. Non-Renewable Energy
These sources will run out one day.
- Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
- Nuclear energy
Disadvantages:
- Air pollution
- Global warming
- Limited supply
B. Renewable Energy (Alternative Energy)
These are natural sources that never run out.
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
- Hydropower (Water energy)
- Geothermal Energy
- Biomass
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly
- Sustainable
- Reduces carbon footprint
3. Examples of Alternative Energy
| Energy Type | Source | Used For | Pros |
|---|
| Solar Energy | Sun | Electricity, heating | Free, clean, infinite |
| Wind Energy | Wind | Electricity | Renewable, no emissions |
| Hydropower | Water (dams) | Electricity | Reliable, clean energy |
| Geothermal | Earth’s heat | Heating, electricity | Constant supply, low pollution |
| Biomass | Plants, waste | Fuel, electricity | Recycles waste, renewable |
4. Advantages vs. Disadvantages of Alternative Energy
Advantages:
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
- Cleaner for the environment
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
- Often cheaper in the long term
Disadvantages:
- High initial cost (solar panels, wind turbines)
- Some depend on weather conditions (solar/wind)
- Energy storage is still a challenge
5. Why Is Alternative Energy Important?
- Climate change is a serious problem.
- Fossil fuels are polluting and will run out.
- Clean energy protects nature and ensures a better future.
6. Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning (Türkçe) |
|---|
| Renewable | Yenilenebilir |
| Sustainable | Sürdürülebilir |
| Fossil fuels | Fosil yakıtlar |
| Environment | Çevre |
| Greenhouse gases | Sera gazları |
| Emissions | Emisyonlar |
| Solar panel | Güneş paneli |
| Wind turbine | Rüzgar türbini |
7. Example Sentences
- Solar energy is a clean source of power.
- Wind turbines produce electricity without pollution.
- Fossil fuels cause global warming.
- We should invest in renewable energy for the future.
