2014 DSE Q2A and 2B Samuel Lau 4c 09

2(a)

Compared to other sources of power generation, wind energy is a clean and renewable
energy source, as shown by sources A and C. Using the wind energy can reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants, which does no harm on our planet and slow down
the process of global warming. Considering sustainable development, it is worthwhile to use
wind power.

Some people may think that wind power has a low capacity factor and incurs a high cost
(especially, for generating electricity offshore). However, not all costs in Source B will apply
equally to offshore and onshore wind power. For example, shadow flicker and turbine noise
are not suitable for offshore wind power plants, so offshore wind power has fewer negative
effects than onshore wind power. Hence, the cost may not outweigh the benefits.

The relative importance of the benefit shown in the source varies. For example, the benefits
of wind energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from sources A and C, are global and
may exceed local costs, such as turbine noise and shadow flicker (source B). Renewable
energy is an important way to slow down the damages on earth made by us. Human has
discovered and use wind energy for decades. The benefits we care and measure are not just
money but also the environment health.

2(b)

Compare to wind farm, nuclear power generation is more cost-effective and reliable (as
shown in Source A). Nuclear energy can account for a larger proportion of Hong Kong's fuel
mix, thereby further reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power
plants. As far as the electricity transmission from the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station to
Hong Kong is concerned, it is feasible to increase the power supply of power plants in the
Mainland. This approach is cheaper and Hong Kong people may pay less for them. Electricity
consumption: although the greenhouse gas emissions of wind farms are as low as the
greenhouse gas emissions of nuclear power plants, the construction and operation of wind
farms will bring other environmental and social impacts. On the other hand, the possibility
of radioactive sedimentation is small. Although the use of nuclear energy can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from coal / natural gas power plants, it is not a renewable energy
source, and its environmental risks are higher than wind farms, such as radioactive dust
generated during the processing of radioactive nuclear waste and nuclear power in nuclear
power plants. Accidents are more fatal and more damaging to the environment than wind
farms. If more nuclear power plants are built in Guangdong, the people of Guangdong and
Hong Kong will face higher risks; the construction and operation of wind farms in Hong Kong
must comply with stricter regulations and strict monitoring. As a result, more control over
environmental impacts and safety can be achieved.

Educating the public about energy saving Energy-saving habits can radically reduce the
demand for electricity, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and
other human activities such as using motor vehicles. On the other hand, wind farms can only
generate a small amount of electricity and cannot replace many traditional power sources.
Without reducing electricity consumption, Hong Kong must further increase fuel
consumption and generate more greenhouse gases. Educational energy-saving habits are a
more environmentally friendly way to address the root causes of problems. Wind farms have
a negative impact on the environment by emitting a certain amount of greenhouse gases,
although their emission levels are far lower than other power generation methods; even if
energy saving habits are adopted, the electricity required to maintain basic living will grow
with the population of Hong Kong And economic development. Therefore, a wind farm is
needed, a relatively environmentally friendly and renewable energy source; educating
people takes a long time to change their values / habits / lifestyles. On the other hand, the
use of wind energy will reduce natural gas / coal consumption in power plants and can take
effect in a shorter period.

During the demonstration, it shows the awareness of the limitations of the measure, which
is unwelcome, and it makes extensive and appropriate use of the source and its own
knowledge / related concepts

(Such as the greenhouse effect) provide well-structured, in-depth discussions that

demonstrate a high level of critical analysis