Energy Fundamentals: Forms, Sources, and Production

Energy is the capacity of a body or system to make changes.

Forms of Energy

As per the law of conservation of energy, "Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only transformed." Energy can manifest itself in several ways:

• Mechanical energy: Associated with motion (e.g., lifting a backpack).
• Thermal energy: Related to temperature (e.g., warm water).
• Chemical energy: Associated with chemical reactions (e.g., coal combustion).
• Nuclear energy: Derived from the decay of radioactive substances.
• Radiant energy: Associated with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light, microwaves).
• Electrical energy: Related to the movement of electric charges.

Energy Sources and Classifications

We refer to conventional sources as those that provide most of the energy in various countries.

Unconventional or alternative sources are those whose use is less widespread than conventional sources but have become increasingly important, especially in the case of wind and solar.

Renewable sources are those that are inexhaustible or are renewed at a rate faster than they are consumed.

Non-renewable sources are those that do not renew in the short term and, therefore, are eventually exhausted.

By Origin

Renewable Sources

• Hydraulics
• Solar
• Wind
• Biomass
• Tidal
• Geothermal

Non-renewable Sources

• Coal
• Oil
• Natural gas
• Uranium

By Use

Conventional Sources

• Hydraulics
• Coal
• Oil
• Natural gas
• Uranium
• Tidal
• Geothermal

Alternative Sources

• Small hydro
• Solar
• Wind
• Biomass
• Tidal
• Geothermal

Electricity Production Methods

The main way of producing electricity is through movement achieved by a turbine that drives an electric generator. Most power plants are based on this device. The difference lies in the method used to spin the turbine.

• By chemical transformations, as seen in batteries.
• By turning an electric generator. This method is used in most power plants, except for photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• By collecting sunlight with a photovoltaic panel. This is the method used in photovoltaic solar power generation.

Environmental Impacts of Combustion Power Plants

• Emission of polluting gases and particulates that cause the greenhouse effect and acid rain.
• Acidification of rivers and lakes.
• Accidental spill of oil slicks during hydrocarbon transport.
• Environmental aggression from mining, especially open-pit mining.
• Oil spills during extraction and transportation.
• Visual pollution and impact on the landscape.
• Deterioration of monuments due to acid rain.