The Various Energy Sources

Everything around us comes from someplace; a source. So, energy must surely come from a source, right? Before we dive into the various sources of energy, let’s get the definition of ‘sources of energy’ straight.

‘Sources of Energy’ Definition

‘Sources of energy’ can be defined as the sources from which energy is derived or obtained either directly or through a conversion process. For example, the sun(solar), Wind, hydro(water) and coal are all sources of energy.

The Key Sources of Energy

There are so many sources of energy. Some are the primary sources while others are derived from the primary sources. For examples, crude oil is a primary source of energy while petrol, which is derived from crude oil, is secondary source.These sources of energy can either be used directly or covered to other forms of energy. They can be classified as renewable and non renewable, conventional and non-conventional and more

One of major uses of these sources of energy is in the generation of electrical energy. And, this electrical energy is a source of energy itself.

Let’s take a look at the key sources of energy in the world today :

The Sun

• The sun is the source of solar energy.
• Solar energy can be used to generate electricity, heat, and even aid photosynthesis.

Biomass

• Biomass is gotten from plants and animals’ materials
• It can be woods, wastes of crops, animal wastes, etc.
• Woods are the biggest Biomass energy source.
• Biomass can be converted to biofuels or chemicals for industries.

Hydro(Water)

• Hydropower stations harness the potential energy of water to generate electricity.
• The potential energy of water, stored in a dam, is converted to electrical energy

Nuclear

• The nucleus of atoms contains energy (called nuclear energy) that can be converted to other usable forms of energy.
• Some of those nuclear sources that can produce enormous nuclear energy are Uranium and Thorium.
• Energy stored in those nuclear sources can be released through fission or fusion.
• Nuclear power plants make use of nuclear energy from nuclear sources to generate electricity.

Wind

• The wind is the source of wind energy.
• Wind turbines harness wind energy to generate electricity.

Hydrogen Gas

• Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas.
• It is the most abundant element in the universe
• It can be derived from fossil fuels, water, or biomass
• Hydrogen gas can be used as fuel for flying balloons, rockets, producing electricity or even vehicles

Coal

• Coal is a solid fossil fuel and has the highest carbon-concertation of all fossil fuels.
• It is formed from plants that have lived for millions of years
• They can be burned to generate heat or electricity.

Crude Oil

• Crude oil is derived from the remains of dead plants that have been at the bottom of the sea or ocean for many years.
• It is a hydrocarbon and can be refined into usable products like diesel, gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, and many other petrochemicals.

Ocean

• Ocean is a body of water that contains tides and waves
• The tides are caused by the gravitational interaction of the earth with the moon.
• Waves are mostly caused by the blow of air across the surface of the ocean.
• The energy from the tides and waves of the ocean can be used to generate electricity.

Geothermal

• This is the heat that is generated from the earth’s crust.
• It can be used to generate electricity and heat.

Electricity

• Electricity can be found in nature. For example, in the form of lightning, static electricity, etc
• It can also be generated from solar, wind, fossil fuels, etc.
• Electricity can be converted to other forms of useful energy.

Natural Gas

• Natural gas is derived from crude oil.
• It can be used for heating, cooking and generating electricity.
• It is used as a fuel in the gas power generating station.

Want to know how the sources of energy are classified? Read here