Different energy sources supply us with the power we require to live and work. Geothermal, solar, wind and biomass are some of the sources. In addition to being the primary source of electricity, these sources can also be used to transport and heating. These energy sources emit greenhouse gases when they are burned to generate electricity. This creates the need for more sustainable energy sources.
Fossil fuels are the most well-known form of energy. They include coal, oil and natural gas. They were created millions of year ago when prehistoric animals and plants passed away and were buried under layers of sedimentary rocks. When the conditions were right they were gradually transformed into carbon-rich compounds which, when ignited create energy. These fossil fuels will not be renewable as they will be depleted in our lifetimes or in a variety of lifetimes.
Renewable energy sources however are constantly replenished. The sun is the largest source of renewable energy as it provides both warmth and light. We use it to power our homes and businesses as well as to drive our vehicles. Wind is another renewable energy source, which generates electricity by spinning turbines. Since the first time people realized how to harness the wind and harness it, we have been using it for millennia. We use biological processes to create an ethanol (a alcohol-like substance that is clear and transparent that can be used for fuel) from waste and crops.
Among these sources, hydropower is the largest renewable energy source in the United States, though wind and biofuels are likely to become the dominant source in the near future. Hydropower draws on nature’s hydro cycle to harness the power of rapid-flowing water, which is used for electricity generation.