Different energy sources provide us with the energy we need to live and work. These include solar, wind and geothermal as well as biomass sources. These sources aren’t just an important source of electricity, but they can also be used for heating and transport. These energy sources emit greenhouse gases when burned to produce electricity. This means that there is a need for greener sources of energy.
Fossil fuels are the most popular type of energy. They include oil, coal and natural gas. They were created millions of years ago when prehistoric animals and plants died and were then buried under layers of sedimentary rocks. In the right conditions, these fossil fuels were slowly transformed into carbon-rich materials which, when burned create energy. These fossil fuels won’t be renewable because they will run dry in our lifetimes or over the course of many lifetimes.
Renewable energy sources are replenished regularly. The sun is the largest source of renewable energy because it is a source of warmth and light. We use it to find more information power our homes and businesses, as well as to drive our cars. Wind is another renewable energy source that generates electricity by spinning turbines. Since the first time people realized how to harness wind, we have been using it for millennia. We utilize biological processes to create the ethanol (a alcohol-like substance that is clear and transparent that can be used as fuel) from waste and crops.
Hydropower is the largest renewable energy source in the United States, but biofuels and wind are likely to take over. Hydropower is based on nature’s water cycle to harness the power of flowing water, which is then used in turn to generate electricity.