Diverse energy sources provide us with the energy we need to live and work. Geothermal, solar, wind and biomass are just a few of the sources. These sources are not just the primary source of electricity, but they can also be used to heat or transport. These energy sources emit greenhouse gases when burned to produce electricity. This is why there is a need for more environmentally sustainable energy sources.
The most common type of energy is the fossil fuels, comprised of coal, oil, and natural gas. They were formed millions of years ago when prehistoric animals and plants passed away and were then buried beneath layers of sedimentary rock. After that, under the proper conditions, they slowly transformed into carbon-rich substances which, when burned produce energy. They are not renewable since they will be exhausted within our lifetimes or in many lives.
Renewable energy sources, on the other hand are constantly replenished. The primary renewable energy source is sunlight, which provides warmth and light. It is used to power our homes and businesses and to drive our vehicles. Wind is renewable energy source that produces electricity by spinning turbines. We have been using it since people first discovered how to harvest the wind for millennia. We utilize biological processes to create an ethanol (a clear, alcohol-like substance which can be used as fuel) from waste and crops.
Hydropower is the most important renewable energy source in America, but biofuels and wind will soon take over. Hydropower draws on nature’s hydro cycle to harness the power of flowing water, which is then used for electricity generation.