Question

Suppose a utilities company was planning to build several power stations in Canada. The company was considering alternative ways to generate power.

Imagine you were asked to advise the utilities company about the costs (or negative aspects) and benefits (or positive aspects) associated with the use of fossil fuels in thermal power stations.

a)List four costs of using fossil fuels in thermal power stations.

b)List four benefits of using fossil fuels in thermal power stations.

Answer 1

The costs of using fossil fuels include environmental damage, transportation risks, processing emissions and wastes, and power plant pollution. Benefits include a reliable energy source, high energy density for efficient generation, well-established infrastructure, and lower CO2 emissions when utilizing natural gas over coal.

Step-by-step explanation:

Costs of Using Fossil Fuels in Thermal Power Stations

• Environmental damage from extraction processes including potential disruption in fragile environments.
• Risk of oil spills, leakage, and accidents during the transportation of fossil fuels by pipeline, tankers, rail, or trucks.
• Emissions and wastes generated from the processing of petroleum, gas and coal.
• High levels of air and water pollution from the production of energy at fossil fuel power plants.

Benefits of Using Fossil Fuels in Thermal Power Stations

• Reliable and established source of energy capable of generating consistent power output.
• Fossil fuels have a high energy density which translates into efficient power generation.
• Robust infrastructure already in place for the extraction, transportation, and conversion into energy.
• Potential for lower carbon dioxide emissions when switching from coal to natural gas.