Madeira uses the water cycle to generate electrical power but this becomes a problem during the summer. What is the problem and explain the renewable energy solution.
The problem encountered during summer in Madeira while using the water cycle to generate electrical power is related to water scarcity. Madeira is an island with limited freshwater resources, and during the summer months, there is less rain and therefore less water available for power generation. This can lead to a decrease in the generation of electrical power, causing energy shortages and supply disruptions.
To overcome this problem, a renewable energy solution that can be considered is solar power. Madeira has abundant sunlight throughout the year, and solar energy can be harnessed to generate electricity when water resources are scarce. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) modules, are used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. These panels can be installed on rooftops, open spaces, or even on floating platforms.
When sunlight falls on the solar panels, it excites the electrons in the silicon cells of the panels, creating an electric current, which can be then converted into usable electrical power. Solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy, and once the initial investment in solar panel installations is made, the operational costs are relatively low.
By diversifying the energy mix in Madeira and incorporating solar power as a renewable energy solution, the island can mitigate the problem of water scarcity during the summer months and ensure a more stable and reliable electrical power supply.