Describe the procurement and reclamation processes for each source of energy.

Description should include definitions of

• procurement―acquiring the source, processing/converting it so that it can be used, and transporting it to the end user (e.g., generation facility, industrial facility, homeowner)
• reclamation―restoration of the affected environment after the resource is procured

and the specific applications of both as they relate to

• thermal energy (e.g., mining, drilling, hydraulic fracturing, water containment, disposal)
• mechanical energy (e.g., facility construction, generators, turbines, transmission, transportation, disposal)
• chemical energy (e.g., refining, processing, containment, combination, disposal)
• radiant energy (e.g., facility construction, solar panels, manufacturing, transmission, electrochemistry, disposal).

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is it important for industry to restore affected environments after procurement?
• What is your local area’s permitting process?
• What are some issues related to fracturing (fracking)?
• How is a solar site decommissioned?