ENS2130 Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy Resources

Intermediate · 1 credit · NAT - Natural Resources

Description: Students examine current and potential renewable and nonrenewable energy production, the contributions of each to sustainable energy development, and the effects of these forms of energy production on the environment.
Prerequisite: ENS1110: Natural Resources

Outcomes The student will:

1 describe current and potential sources of energy
- 1.1 identify direct and indirect (e.g., wind, hydroelectricity and biomass) forms of solar energy
- 1.2 identify renewable and nonrenewable forms of commercial energy
- 1.3 research the basic theories and/or principles regarding an energy technology
- 1.4 describe current and emerging applications of an energy technology
2 analyze the potential environmental and economic impacts of a variety of current and future renewable and nonrenewable energy sources (e.g., conventional oil, oil sands, hydrogen, direct solar, hydro, nuclear, wind, geothermal, biomass, waste, biofuels), considering but not limited to: • net energy and/or energy returned on energy invested (EROEI) • availability of source • cost to develop, phase in and use • governmental incentives • national and global economic and political security • facilities and equipment essential to energy production • basic steps, including safety measures, involved in energy production • effects of extraction, transportation and use on the environment
3 evaluate the potential of energy efficiency in the development of sustainable energy resources
- 3.1 analyze the net energy efficiency of a variety of energy sources
- 3.2 identify ways to improve energy efficiency
4 evaluate local, provincial and national government strategies for developing a sustainable energy future
- 4.1 research government policies that encourage the use of selected energy resources
- 4.2 research government policies that encourage energy efficiency
- 4.3 research industry policies that encourage the use of selected energy resources
- 4.4 research other policies that encourage energy efficiency
5 demonstrate basic competencies
- 5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 5.1.1 communicate
  - 5.1.2 manage information
  - 5.1.3 use numbers
  - 5.1.4 think and solve problems
- 5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 5.2.2 be responsible
  - 5.2.3 be adaptable
  - 5.2.4 learn continuously
  - 5.2.5 work safely
- 5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 5.3.1 work with others
  - 5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
- 6.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
- 6.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities