Sustainable Energy Key Terms

A solar energy collection system that uses electrical/mechanical parts.

• Active solar system

• Passive solar system

• Generator

• The sun

Fuels, like biodiesel or hydrogen, to replace shrinking supplies of traditional (fossil) fuels.

• Fuel cell

• Alternative fuels

• Emissions

• Electrolysis

Two(+) voltaic cells that store energy & can release it as electrical energy when needed.

• Solar cells

• Generator

• Battery

• Electricity

A field of electromagnetic energy made by power lines.

• Power grid

• Electricity

• Smart grid

• Electromagnetic field

Process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.

• Electrolysis

• Emissions

• Fuel cell

• Steam reforming

A negatively charged particle.

• Hydrogen

• Electron

• Transformer

• Battery

Substances put into the air (e.g., from a smokestack or a car engine).

• Natural resources

• Steam reforming

• Emissions

• Electromagnetic field

Moves energy from one place to another, like electricity or hydrogen.

• Power plant

• Transformer

• Turbine

• Energy carrier

Conserving resources through efficient and wise use.

• Energy conservation

• Sustainable engineering

• Alternative fuels

• Smart grid

Device that combines hydrogen & oxygen and makes electricity in the process.

• Electrolysis

• Fuel cell

• Battery

• Steam reforming