Different Energy Sources
Different energy sources supply us with the energy we require to live and work. Solar, wind, geothermal and biomass are some of the sources. These sources aren’t just major sources of electricity, but they can also be used to heat and transport. The major issue with these sources of energy is that they can cause greenhouse gas emissions when used to produce electricity. This leads to the need for more green energy sources.
Fossil fuels are the most common form of energy. They comprise oil, coal and natural gas. They were formed thousands of years ago when prehistoric animals and plants died and were buried under layers of sedimentary rocks. In the right conditions the fossil fuels gradually transformed into carbon-rich substances that, when burnt produce energy. These fossil fuels will not be renewable because they will end up being depleted in our lifetimes or over the course of many years.
Renewable energy sources are continuously replenished. The sun is the most important source of renewable energy because it is a source of warmth and light. We use it to power our homes and businesses as well to drive our vehicles. Wind is a renewable energy source that produces electricity through spinning turbines. We have used it since humans first discovered how to harvest the wind for millennia. In the end, we employ biological processes to create ethanol (a clear alcohol that can be used as a fuel) from waste and crop residues.
As a result hydropower is the biggest renewable energy source in the United States, though wind and biofuels are expected to take the lead soon. Hydropower uses the natural water cycle to harness the power of water’s rapid flow, which in turn is used to produce electricity.