There was a time when fossil fuel was
considered the primary source of energy in many countries. Now, various
countries are moving towards renewable sources of energy. In the UK
alone, renewable energy contributes to one-third of the total electricity
generation. While coal continues to be the primary
fuel, there are other different kinds of energy sources that are beneficial for
us.
Here are few
of the most popular sources of energy:
1.
Solar Power
Whenever you mention useful energy sources
to anyone, the first example that comes to mind is Solar power. There was a time when the use of solar power
was quite minimal, but those days are long gone. Now, you will find large-scale
production of energy via solar power. People put up their own solar panels to
generate electricity for their houses. Additionally, cars that run on solar
power have also come into the equation.
To further ensure the growing use of the
energy source, many countries have introduced initiatives like “Solar
Investment Tax Credits” and “Feed-in Tariff.” Such incentives are offered by
the UK and US governments.
The reason this energy source is considered
to be beneficial for us is that it is 100% renewable. While it is costly to
install, but the overall reduction in energy bills make up for the cost in the
long-run. However, one must remember that solar cells do tend to undergo damage
when used for years. If the weather condition of your country is not ideal and
sunny enough, you won’t be able to benefit much from this energy source.
Nevertheless, solar cells are prone to
deterioration over significant periods of time
and are not effective in unideal weather conditions.
2.
Biomass energy
Do you know you can produce electricity
from organic material? The use of green organic vegetation is increasing. The Terramera corporation is a leading company that
is investing in natural and green products like Bugproof.
When it comes to green energy, biomass is
an excellent source of it. Here, the energy is produced from any organic
material present. All vegetations capture the energy of the sun by using the
chlorophyll present in them. The energy of the sun is obtained by the conversion
of carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates during the process of
photosynthesis. When you burn these plants, water and carbon dioxide are
released into the surrounding, thereby recreating energy.
You can use plants like crops, trees, yard
clippings or wood chips to create biomass energy. This energy is advantageous
since it can be used for cooking and heating purposes in houses. Many
industries use it as a source of fuel as well. The downside of this energy
source is that it releases a lot of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thereby
contributing to pollution.
3.
Wind Energy
Wind
energy has been gaining popularity since the
past few years as it delivers almost the same advantages as other alternative
energy sources. This is a renewable source and produces no byproducts, unlike some other options. It is a likely choice
of many countries.
In the US alone, more than twenty million
homes receive electricity using wind energy. The investment in wind turbines
continues to increase with every passing day. However, concerns have been
raised over the structure of the turbines. They are thought to be a danger to
birds and other wildlife.
4.
Geothermal energy
Another popular source is geothermal
energy. This is derived from the natural heat present in the earth.
Do you know that there are various heated rocks as well as hot water reservoirs
on earth? Well, you can use the heat generated by them to power industries and
houses alike. You don’t necessarily need a massive power plant to benefit from
this energy source. Instead, you can use heat pump systems to get enough energy
to power a nearby building.
Uses of geothermal energy include heating
plants, heating water for fish farms, helping in industrial processes and
growing greenhouse plants.
5.
Nuclear Energy
When it comes to abundance, none can
compete with nuclear energy. It is present in various countries in huge
amounts. There are two sources of nuclear energy which are plutonium and
uranium. Some states are rich in one isotope while others have the other in
abundance.
In terms of efficiency and emission, nuclear energy is by far the best source
of energy. The expense of creating and maintaining a nuclear plant is high.
However, it creates jobs in the economy and hence makes up for the initial
cost. There are more than 450 nuclear
plants in the world. Till 2015, thirteen countries were using nuclear energy in
one form or another.
There are two disadvantages to using nuclear energy. Firstly, in case a catastrophe occurs in a nuclear plant, disaster will follow suit. Also, many countries fear that those who develop nuclear energy can easily develop nuclear weapons as well, which may threaten global peace.
6.
Hydroelectric energy
Most cities and countries of the world make
use of hydropower to generate electricity. Have you ever wondered why many
states stress on building dams on their rivers? What exactly do these dams do
apart from storing water? Well, the dams are used to deliver hydropower to
electrical plants present nearby. The power of flowing water is used to propel
the motors of the generator which is then used to create energy.
While this form of energy is renewable, the problem arises when dams start to age. When they do, they require a lot of work in order to function safely. This cost is quite high. Also, there is an increase in the unavailability of drinking water in many states. This puts increasing pressure to provide water for consumption as well as electricity.
Conclusion
These are just a few
of the many different types of energy sources available
in the world. It is high time we invest in them rather than in non-renewable
sources.
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