The majority of primary energy in the world today comes from fossil fuels. These fuels can cause the release of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere during combustion. This is a dangerous situation for the environment. Despite all this, the world’s primary fuel supply is growing at an even faster rate than the global population.
Renewable energy sources
Renewable energy sources can be described as energy sources that are sustainable and constantly replenishable. Wind and solar energy can be generated in a matter of minutes, unlike fossil fuels that take millions upon millions of years. These resources are a great source of electricity and heat and are often available in abundant quantities. These energy sources, however, can only be used in specific conditions. Storage solutions are needed to ensure that there is a constant and reliable supply.
Renewable energy has widespread support. Solar and wind energy can generate electricity without carbon emissions. Depending on the technology, they might be economical to use for large-scale projects. Problem with wind and solar power is their intermittent nature. This means you need to have backup power. If you use these resources to power a whole grid, the system cost will go up.
Coal
Coal has been used as energy for thousands upon thousands of years and it is still a valuable resource. It was used to heat public baths in the Roman Empire, the Aztec Empire and the Industrial Revolution. Because of its high energy content, it was an attractive alternative to wood fuel. It produces steam which is used to power steamships. It was historically mined in northern England. In fact, the country had more than 80% coal by the beginning of the 18th century.
Coal poses a significant health risk. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancers (IARC), coal-related lung cancer can be caused by exposure. The IARC lists many pollutants associated with coal combustion and production as human carcinogens. These pollutants can also cause outdoor air pollution such as radon. Higher quality air has been linked with improved health because of its association with lung cancer. Many countries have adopted legislation to address air pollution.
Natural gas
The history and evolution of energy is a series of substitutions of low-quality, inefficient fuels by cleaner, more efficient options. The machines and mills have replaced manual labor. Coal and oil have replaced wood for heating buildings, industry, and electricity has replaced kerosene or whale oil. Today, natural gas is a cheaper and cleaner alternative.
Natural gas is an underground gas found naturally. It is easy to find because it is often present with oil. The gas that was produced in the early days of oil production was often wasted. Now, however, natural gas is valued for its clean combustion and use as feedstock for industrial processes. To access this resource, however, you will need to have the right infrastructure.
Wind
Wind is the fastest-growing energy source in the world. It has inherent challenges in some regions, but is also incredibly affordable in many. Wind power is competitive with other forms, in certain regions. R&D efforts in the world are focused on finding ways to reduce the cost of electricity generated by wind.
Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy from the wind to produce wind energy. The blades of the turbine spin in a clockwise direction to catch the wind's energy. This wind energy travels through a turbine's main nacelle, where it is then converted into electricity. It is then sent to the grid through a transformer.
Water
Earth is blessed with abundant natural resources, including water. Our use of these resources eventually depletes them. This is especially true when it comes to water. Its availability can vary greatly from one location to the next. Evaporation also reduces the water supply. The United States consumes approximately 58 trillion gallons per year of freshwater to meet its energy needs.
Energy sources can be separated into primary and secondary sources. Primary energy sources come from nature and can be used to create energy in other forms. For example, water can be used to generate electricity and hydrogen. You can also use water to make heat.