Monday, 31 March 2014

Renewable and non-renewable energy resources

Non-renewable energy is a resource that cannot be replaced when it is used up.

Renewable energy is energy that comes from resources which are continually replenished on a human timescale.

Solar Energy
Energy from sunlight is captured in solar panels and converted into electricity.













Wind Energy
Wind turbines (modern windmills) turn wind energy into electricity.


Wave Energy
The movement of seawater in and out of a cavity on the shore compresses trapped air, driving a turbine.













Geothermal
In volcanic regions it is possible to use the natural heat of the earth.
Cold water is pumped underground and comes out as steam.
Steam can be used for heating or to power turbines creating electricity.
Hydrological or Hydroelectric Power (HEP)
Energy harnessed from the movement of water through rivers, lakes and dams.















Coal Energy (fossil fuel)
Formed from fossilised plants and consisting of carbon with various organic and some inorganic compounds.
Mined from seams of coal, found sandwiched between layers of rock in the earth.
Burnt to provide heat or electricity.



Oil Energy (fossil fuel)
A carbon-based liquid formed from fossilised animals.
Lakes of oil are sandwiched between seams of rock in the earth.
Pipes are sunk down to the reservoirs to pump the oil out.
Widely used in industry and transport.




















Nuclear Energy
Radioactive minerals such as uranium are mined.

Electricity is generated from the energy that is released when the atoms of these minerals are split (by nuclear fission) in nuclear reactors.
















Natural gas (fossil fuel)
Methane and some other gases trapped between seams of rock under the earth's surface.
Pipes are sunk into the ground to release the gas.
Often used in houses for heating and cooking.



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