We need different energy sources to live and work. These include wind, solar geothermal, biomass, and geothermal sources. These sources aren’t just a major source for electricity, but also can be used to heat or transport. These energy sources produce greenhouse gases when burned to generate electricity. This leads to the need for more green energy sources.
Fossil fuels are the most well-known form of energy. They include oil, coal, and natural gas. They formed millions of years ago when prehistoric plants and animals died and were buried under layers of sedimentary rock. When the conditions were right the fossil fuels gradually transformed into carbon-rich substances which, when burned create energy. These fossil fuels are non-renewable because they will run out in our lifetimes or even in a number of lifetimes.
Renewable energy sources are continuously replenished. The sun is the primary source of renewable energy, as it provides both warmth and light. It is used to power our homes and businesses as well as to drive cars. Wind is another renewable energy source that produces electricity by spinning turbines. Since the first time people realized how to harness the wind in the past, we have been using it for millennia. In the end, we employ biological processes to create the ethanol (a clear alcohol that can be used to fuel) from waste and crop residues.
Hydropower is the largest renewable energy source in the US, but biofuels and wind are likely to surpass it. Hydropower is a natural cycle to harness water’s rapid flow, which is used to produce electricity.