OK, here we go, our next challenge is “U for Uranium”.
To get involved all you have to do is tell us in not more than 250 of your own words about uranium and why it is an important source of energy.
Send a crazy pic too if you like!
Whether you are primary or senior school, don’t forget to include your name, age and what school you attend.
Don’t forget, there’s a terrific prize every month in the shape of an iPad for your school thanks to the generosity of Shell, which has a big presence in the North Sea.
If you’re at all worried about how to do all this, just ask your teacher for help. Or, if you belong to a Young Engineer’s Club (YEC), ask your club leader.
E-mail entries to: jeremy.cresswell@ajl.co.uk by FEBRUARY 21 latest.
The winning entry will be published in Energy, March 3.
Meanwhile, if you want to discover more about the amazing world of energy, Shell’s Inside Energy app is stuffed with masses of good stuff through videos, animations and photo galleries.
Our winner for “T is for Tidal” is: Sandra Sunny, 15, at Hazlehead Academy, Aberdeen. Read her winning entry below:
T for Tidal Energy
Have you ever admired the impressive lashing waves of the ocean? Did you ever think of the quantity of energy within these magnificent waves?
Tidal energy could generate enough electricity to meet the demands of around 20% of Britain’s needs.
Tides are formed by the surging movement of the waves due to the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon on the Earth.
The tidal range is the vertical difference in height between the high tide and the following low tide.
The tidal range is not constant but differs according to the position of the earth.
By taking use of this cycle; a barrage can be built across a river mouth and can be used to turn turbines underwater by the motion of the water due to the rising and falling tides.
The generators then convert kinetic energy transferred by the rotation of the turbines into electrical energy.
Tidal energy is a source of clean, sustainable power. UK tidal power has huge potential since the country aims to meet a 15% renewable energy target by 2020 and also eight out of 20 possible sites in the world identified as possible tidal power stations are around Britain.
The advantages of using tidal energy are that it is predictable – works for 10 hours a day and is approximately 80% efficient. The disadvantages are that this system could cause disruption to marine animals and needs high upfront costs for construction. However, I think that tidal power is an asset for Britain’s future.
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