Energy

Energy and you People of all ages use energy and have the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact through energy efficient behaviors. Anyone can help support energy efficiency education. This is a current topic which will affect you and your life, for better or worse.

There are 2 types of energy Nonrenewable Energy Renewable Energy

Non-Renewable Energy A natural resource that cannot be re-made, re-grown or regenerated. (in a sufficient amount of time to balance supply and demand.) Examples: Coal Oil Natural gas Nuclear

Fossil Fuels A natural fuel which is made from remains of living organisms. A natural fuel which is made from remains of living organisms. The process to create The process to create these fuels takes millions of years. Examples: Coal, oil, and natural gas

Coal Coal is burned and releases energy. This energy is converted into electricity. Coal has been used for thousands of years but demand increased during the Industrial Revolution.

Oil Crude oil is found thousands of feet in the ground. It is drilled out and refined (purified) before it is used to produce energy. Examples Diesel, Jet fuel, Gasoline, Asphalt

Natural Gas Creates energy through combustion (burning). If your house has a heater, oven, or boiler that runs on gas, it is natural gas. Natural gas is odorless. The smell from natural gas is added for safety reasons.

Nuclear Energy Power taken from radioactive materials. Produces waste which can extremely damage the environment. Where should we put the waste?

Renewable Energy Solar Energy Wind Energy Water Energy Biomass Energy Geothermal Energy Some types of Renewable energy have been around and used for centuries.

Solar Energy Solar panels generate electricity by using solar radiation. Solar energy is used in some planes, cars, buildings, and it powers satellites.

Wind Energy Wind blows and turns these gigantic fans called wind turbines. This rotation spins a turbine which generates electricity.

Hydroelectric (water energy) Flowing water can generate electricity by turning turbines.

Biomass Can be burned (combustion) Can be converted into various forms of biofuel ◦ Fermented- sugar turns into alcohol Methane- made by using heat to break down plant matter (without burning it) fuels steam generators, combustion turbines, combined cycle technologies or fuel cells

Geothermal Energy Uses heat from the earth to make electricity. Geothermal steam and hot springs have been used for bathing for millennia (thousands of years).