Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)

Did you know that the sun can power your video games? Or that the wind can light up your home? It is all possible thanks to clean energy.

Clean energy sources are essential for a sustainable future, helping to reduce pollution and combat climate change.

What are clean energy sources?

Energy captured from the sun is called solar energy. Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. Think of solar panels as giant sponges soaking up the sun!

Wind energy comes from the wind itself. Wind turbines spin like enormous fans to generate power. Wind energy makes up about 9.2 per cent of electricity generated in the United States. It is one of the cheapest energy sources available.

Meanwhile, geothermal energy is the heat from deep within the Earth.

Compared to fossil fuel power plants of the same size, geothermal power plants release about 99 per cent less carbon dioxide.

Biomass is energy that comes from plants and organic waste. Even things like banana peels can be converted into energy.

Where does Hong Kong get its energy?

Hong Kong mainly depends on non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. It is gradually using more clean energy solutions.

The city sources some of its energy from mainland China, like hydropower from large dams.

Furthermore, Hong Kong is starting to install solar panels on rooftops and is looking into wind energy possibilities.

A few wind turbines are located in Tai Wan, much like those found on Lamma Island.

Pros and cons of clean energy

One wonderful thing about clean energy is that it allows countries to produce their own energy. This means they do not have to import oil and coal from other nations, which is often expensive and harmful.

However, many of these methods are dependent on the weather. Solar panels rely on sunlight, and wind turbines rely on wind. Therefore, their effectiveness is reduced during cloudy or calm weather conditions.

Wind turbines and solar farms require a lot of land and money to build, but they save money in the long run due to lower operational costs.

Even though countries are switching to cleaner energy, the easiest way to help the planet is to use less energy. You can make a big difference by saving energy at home. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, unplug devices, and encourage your family to use clean energy. Together, we can make the world a greener and cleaner place.

Use the puzzle below to test your knowledge of the vocabulary words in the story.

Suggested answers

Before you read: Answers may vary. [i.e. fossil fuels are some of the most harmful forms of energy. They increase the rate of climate change and create a lot of pollution.]

Stop and think: Currently, Hong Kong relies on natural gas and coal, which are bad for the environment. However, it is getting hydropower from dams in China. Hong Kong is also putting up solar panels and has some wind turbines.

Consider: Many forms of clean energy may be less effective during bad weather. During a cloudy period, solar panels may not get much energy. If there is no wind, wind turbines will not generate much energy. Additionally, these sources of clean energy need lots of space and money to build.