We require a variety of energy sources to work and live. These include solar, wind and geothermal as well as biomass sources. In addition to being the primary source of electricity they are also used for transport and heating. The biggest issue with these energy sources is that they could cause greenhouse gas emissions if they are burned to produce electricity. This results in the need for more green energy sources.
The most commonly used kind of energy is called fossil fuels, which consist of coal oil, natural gas. They were created millions of years ago when prehistoric animals and plants died and were buried under layers of sedimentary rocks. When the right conditions, they were gradually converted to carbon-rich substances that, when burned produce energy. These fossil fuels are non-renewable since they will exhaust in our lifetimes or in a number of lifetimes.
Renewable energy sources are constantly replenished. The primary renewable energy source is sunlight, which gives heat and light. We use it to power our homes and businesses, as well as to drive our cars. Wind is a different renewable energy source that generates electricity by spinning turbines. Since the first people discovered how to harness the wind we have been utilizing it for millennia. We use biological processes to create alcohol (a clear, alcohol-like substance that can be used as fuel) from food waste and crops.
Hydropower is the main renewable energy source in the US, but biofuels and winds areas of specialization in the civil infrastructure will soon surpass it. Hydropower utilizes the natural water cycle to harness water’s swift flow, which can be used to produce electricity.