Nuclear Fission, Hydropower, and Alternative Energy

Nuclear Fission Energy

Nuclear fission energy is obtained from the separation, or fission, of heavy atoms of radioactive minerals, such as uranium. This energy source was learned about during the Second World War, following the dropping of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Since then, it began to be used for peaceful purposes and its use became widespread following the oil crisis of 1973. The main producing countries are the USA, France, and Japan.

Hydropower

Hydropower is obtained from water dammed by a barrier in artificial watercourses. Its moderate use dates back to the early twentieth century. The main producing countries are Canada, the USA, Brazil, and China.

Alternative Energy Sources

Alternative energy sources see very little use because they are expensive, and some are still under investigation. They began to be developed after the 1973 oil crisis forced industrialized countries to seek alternatives to the energies used until then.

• Solar Energy: It comes from sunlight, using focusing panels.
• Wind Energy: It comes from the wind, which moves wind turbines and provides electricity.
• Biomass Energy: Waste derived from agriculture, livestock, and forestry.
• Tidal Energy: It comes from the force of tides or waves, which is used to produce electricity.
• Geothermal Energy: It comes from the Earth's internal heat.

Industrial Activity

Based on the class of goods produced, the weight and volume of their materials, and the target market for their products, the industry is usually classified into several types.

Heavy or Base Industry

Heavy or base industries transform raw materials into intermediate products that are used in turn by other industries. They require large capital investments, occupy a lot of space, and are located near deposits of raw materials and energy sources. Base industries include:

• Chemical Industry: Uses a high speed of raw materials for basic products for other industries.
• Metallurgical Industry: Transforms non-ferrous metal ores and other intermediate products for other industries.
• Steel Industry: A type of metallurgical processing that transforms iron ore to make steel rails or machinery, indispensable for many industries.
• Energy Production: Covers all those that produce energy utilizing various sources, such as nuclear power.