“Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be converted.” We might remember hearing this in our chemistry or physics class. Still, our knowledge might not go much further than that. The truth is, when it comes to energy, we’re much happier using it than learning about it. Even so, you might want to know about different types of energy before you decide to use them. If that’s the case, stay tuned.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy
The two main categories of energy include renewable and non-renewable energy. The former comes from inexhaustible sources, which means you can never use it up. On the other hand, the latter includes those resources which cannot be replaced once used up.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the best-known types of energy.
Solar Energy
When it comes to solar energy, that’s the one you get when you utilize sunlight. As the sun represents one of those inexhaustible resources, this type of energy is becoming widely used. All you need is a solar panel system in a sunlit area, and you’re good to go; you can relax and let this system convert solar energy into heat or electricity.
Wind Energy
As its name suggests, large turbines use the power of wind to produce electricity. This type of energy is cheap but gives only variable power, due to its nature. Still, no need to be Don Quixote about it — the windmills get the job done.
Hydroelectric Energy
In this case, flowing water supplies generators with enough power to produce electricity. One of its main advantages is that it is safe since it doesn’t destroy nature by releasing toxic chemicals. But it does require dams, which obstruct the natural flow of the river, and this can affect existing ecosystems.
Biomass Energy
This is the renewable type of energy you get from living organisms, such as plants or animals. Biomass energy is completely organic and contains less carbon than fossil fuels. Therefore, it’s much better for the environment than the alternative. Plus, you won’t be doing anything wrong using it. You’ll simply be making use of low carbon concentrations still inside dead plants that would otherwise literally go into thin air.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are a non-renewable source of energy. Unlike biomass energy, you get coal, oil, or gas from living organisms that died a long time ago. Sure, this still counts as biological material, but fossil fuels release much more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. As a result, this gas traps heat, which further causes global warming.
Geothermal Energy
This renewable type of energy comes from beneath the ground. Radioactive particles inside the Earth’s crust produce high temperatures and steam. As a result, the steam helps move the turbines, whose rotation powers the generators. You can use geothermal energy to power residential or even industrial areas.
Nuclear Energy
Last but certainly not least, nuclear power uses nuclear reactions to produce electricity. Nuclear reactors don’t release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which makes nuclear energy good for our ozone layer. On top of that, you don’t need sunlight, water, nor wind to get it to function. However, it is frowned upon for the enormous quantities of waste it produces.
Wrapping Up
Yes, it’s true that you can’t simply create energy. Still, you might make use of learning about where different types of energy come from.There are renewable and non-renewable energy sources. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to save up on those resources we’ll eventually run out of. Instead, we should rely on the types of energy that do not pollute our planet.
Take a Look at These Popular Solar Related Topics
What is the Latest Technology in Solar Panels?
How to Store Solar Energy?
3 Ways to Save Money with Atlantic Key Energy
