Today, fossil fuels account for the majority of the primary energy used in the world. These fuels emit carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when they are burned, which can be dangerous for the environment. Despite this, the world's primary energy supply is growing at a faster rate than the world's population, especially in fast-growing economies like the BRIC countries.
Renewable energy sources
Renewable energy sources are energy resources that can be continuously replenished and are renewable. 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 are only suitable for certain conditions, so they should be used together with storage solutions to ensure a steady and reliable supply.
Renewable energy is gaining widespread support. The sun and wind can produce electricity, without producing carbon emissions. Depending on the technology used, they may be cost-effective to use in large-scale applications. However, solar and wind power can be intermittent so you will need to have a backup generator. If you use these resources to power a whole grid, the system cost will go up.
Coal
Coal has been used in energy production for thousands years. It was used during the Industrial Revolution to heat public baths and in the Roman Empire. Its high energy value made it an attractive option to wood fuel. It made steam, which was used to power steamships. Coal was first mined in northern England. More than 80% of the country's total coal reserves were mined by the turn of the 18th Century.
The health dangers of coal are very real. The International Agency for Research on Cancer says that lung cancer is linked to exposure to coal. IARC lists many pollutants that are associated with coal production and combustion as human carcinogens. These pollutants contribute to outdoor air pollution as well, such as radon. Since coal is linked to lung cancer, improving air quality has been associated with better health. Consequently, many countries have implemented legislation addressing air pollution.
Natural gas
The history of energy has been one of gradual substitutions of cheaper, less efficient fuels for cleaner and better options. Machines and mills replaced manual labor, coal and oil replaced wood for heating buildings and industry, and electricity replaced kerosene and whale oil. Natural gas is now a cleaner and cheaper alternative.
Natural gas, which is naturally occurring, can be found in underground reserves. It is often found with oil, making natural gas easy to find. Gas produced during the early days was often wasted. Nowadays, natural gas has a high value because of its clean combustion and ability to be used in industrial processes. Access to this resource is not possible without the right infrastructure.
Wind
Wind is one among the fastest-growing energy sources around the globe. While it has its challenges, wind power is extremely affordable in many areas. Wind power is competitive with other forms, in certain regions. R&D efforts around the world are pursuing solutions to lower the levelized cost of electricity produced by wind.
Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy from the wind to produce wind energy. The turbine's blades rotate clockwise to capture wind energy. The turbine's nacelle converts the wind energy into electricity. The transformer then converts the wind energy into electricity and sends it to the grid.
Water
Earth is home to abundant amounts of primary and renewable energy, such water. Unfortunately, we use these resources over time. This is especially true when it comes to water. Its availability can vary greatly from one location to the next. Evaporation is another way that water resources are depleted. According to researchers, the United States consumes 58 trillion gallons each year of freshwater for energy purposes.
There are two types of energy sources: primary and secondary. Primary energy sources are natural resources that can be used to make energy in other forms. For example, water can be used to generate electricity and hydrogen. Water can also be used for heat production.