Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy Resources: A Comprehensive Guide
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Energy Resources
Nonrenewable Energy
Nonrenewable energy is a source of energy that exists in limited quantities and, once used, cannot be replaced except over millions of years.
Examples:
- Coal (fossil fuel)
- Oil (fossil fuel)
- Natural gas (fossil fuel)
- Uranium (rock)
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is a source of energy that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time.
Examples:
- Hydroelectric
- Solar
- Geothermal
- Wind
- Biomass
- Nuclear fusion (potentially in the future)
Most renewable energy originates from the sun.
Fossil Fuels
Oil, natural gas, and coal are known as fossil fuels because they were formed underground from the remains of once-living organisms. Fossil fuels are relatively inexpensive and are usually readily available, but their use creates pollution.
Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric energy is energy obtained from flowing water. Potential energy from downward flowing water changes to kinetic energy. Kinetic energy can be connected to electric generators.
Advantages:
- Low cost to produce
- Causes no pollution
Disadvantages:
- Dams cause environmental concerns
- Many of the best places for dams in the U.S. are already being used
Solar Energy
Solar energy is sunlight converted into usable energy.
Benefits:
- Does not cause pollution
Disadvantages:
- Dependent on climate; if the climate lends itself to cloudier weather, then solar energy is not as practical
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is thermal energy beneath the Earth's surface, used to generate electricity. It is found in some regions, especially ones close to volcanoes.
Advantage:
- Does not cause pollution
Biggest Disadvantage:
- Not widely available
Other Renewable Resources
Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is chemical energy stored in living things, which can be converted into thermal energy.
Examples:
- Burning wood
- Using corn stalks to produce fuel for cars
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen (produces water).
Fusion
Fusion is likely to produce little pollution or radioactive waste.
Conserving Energy Resources
Energy can be conserved by:
- Reducing energy needs
- Increasing the efficiency of energy use
Finding ways to do these two things is energy conservation. Making products more energy-efficient can be expensive at first (a problem for manufacturers) but saves money and energy over time.
Questions
List the major nonrenewable and renewable sources of energy.
Nonrenewable: oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium; Renewable: solar, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, geothermal, and possibly nuclear fusion in the future.
What could be done to make present energy resources last longer?
Use nonrenewable energy resources more slowly by reducing energy use and increasing energy efficiency.
Why are coal, oil, and natural gas called fossil fuels?
They are each made from the remains of ancient organisms.
You are looking for the best place to build a hydroelectric plant along a river. Would you locate the plant along a steep or flat section of the river? Explain.
Steep, because the faster-moving water has more kinetic energy and thus can generate more power.
How are passive and active solar energy systems different?
Passive solar systems convert sunlight to thermal energy without the use of machinery. Active solar systems use machinery to convert sunlight into thermal energy or electricity.
Describe three ways that you used energy resources today.
Turning on an electric light, listening to the radio, taking a shower, using a computer, and so forth.