Power Profiler
Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Electric Power Generation
Susan E. Powers, Clarkson University, Potsdam NY
June 2011
Details
Type: Project module with 3-4 activities to explore electricity generation and use and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions
Length: 4 45-miute classes
Content Area/Course: Physical science, environmental science, engineering/technology
Targeted Grade Level: Adaptable for middle school to undergraduate college students
Prerequisite Knowledge: Quantitative ability, some understanding of various resources and processes used to make electricity
Prerequisite Skills: Data manipulation and calculation in MS Excel spreadsheet (for college students), basic internet skills
Technology/web resources: Internet, MS Excel
Thinking skill development: Comprehension, synthesis, evaluation
NASA Resources used: None
Description
Electric power in the United States is primarily generated through the combustion of fossil fuels, with nearly 50% of the total generation attributed to coal combustion. Based on an equivalent amount of electric energy generated, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from coal combustion are nearly twice as much than natural gas, and GHG emissions from nuclear, hydropower and renewables are negligible. In contrast, New York State uses much less coal for electricity generation and more hydro and nuclear energy, both of which generate negligible amounts of greenhouse gases. Thus, how we make electricity, even the choice among which fossil fuel to use, can have a big impact on our GHG emissions.

Resources
Materials for Activities:
Student Worksheet - Energy Efficiency
Student Worksheet - Lifecycle Posters
Student Worksheet - Power Profiler
Lecture Support Materials:
Links to External Resources:








