Sources of electricity
Natural sources
The most
common natural sources of electricity are solar, wind, and water. Solar energy
is captured by cells called photovoltaic and converted into electricity. Wind
turbines use the kinetic energy created by wind flowing over the blades to turn
a turbine connected to an electrical generator, which produces an electric current
in the same way as a hydroelectric dam. Water can also be used as a source of
renewable energy through hydroelectricity. The kinetic energy created as waterfalls through pipes or down a steep slope turns an electrical generator just
like in wind turbines. This generates a voltage that can be sent onto the grid
for distribution for use in homes and businesses nearby.
Aside
from being renewable, these energy sources are also considered green, or clean.
That’s because they don’t cause pollution as they work, nor do they create
pollutants as a byproduct of using them. Solar and wind power are not limited
in their amount either – meaning it doesn’t matter how much of it is used each
day, just that enough continues to be collected so we can use it again another
day. However, both solar and wind are seasonal in some areas and may only
generate enough energy in certain parts of the year for limited use.
Geothermal Energy
The heat
of the Earth, also known as geothermal energy, provides us with a renewable
source of electricity. Geothermal energy production can be found near hot spots
in the Earth's crust that produce steam and hot water. Electricity can be
generated when this water is pumped up and heated by the sun. As it rises back
up into the earth's crust, it turns into steam, which then spins turbines that
generate electricity. Geothermal plants are generally built in areas with high
geothermal potentials such as California or Iceland
In order to harness geothermal energy,
temperatures underground must be at least 150°C (302°F). This temperature can
also vary depending on what’s below ground. At high temperatures, water or
steam is pumped up and turned into superheated steam. Superheated steam turns
generators in a way that’s similar to boiling water in a kettle and turning it
into steam; when it cools down, it becomes liquid again. The liquid then goes
back through turbines, which turn those turbines like they would with other
types of energy. After being cooled down for a second time and becoming water
once again, hot water makes its way back underground where it heats up again.
This process repeats and generates steam all over again.
Wind Energy
Many
factors contribute to this impressive growth rate. Wind turbines are generally
less expensive and less damaging to landscapes than solar panels, which can be
difficult or impossible to install in some areas like deserts, near heavily
populated areas, or at night. Unlike coal and gas-fired generators that produce
emissions that can cause acid rain and other environmental damage, wind
turbines have no emissions at all.
With all
these benefits, it’s no wonder that wind farms are becoming more common. Wind
turbine design has also improved dramatically in recent years, allowing wind
turbines to produce more energy at a lower cost per kilowatt-hour.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear
reactors are expensive to maintain, but their ability to produce large amounts
of energy with limited environmental impact makes them an attractive alternative
for some nations.
Despite its drawbacks, nuclear energy remains
a popular alternative source of energy in many countries. Nuclear reactors rely
on fission—the splitting of atoms—to produce energy and today there are more
than 400 different reactors operating around the world. France and Sweden get
about half their electricity from nuclear plants, while nations like Japan and
Germany also rely heavily on it for a portion of their supply. The United
States has just one plant currently under construction following several years
of political wrangling over safety concerns, with many states imposing moratoriums
on new construction or expansion at existing plants. However, given the renewed
focus on greenhouse gas emissions by US President Donald Trump’s administration
and his plan to make America great again, we could see significant growth in
nuclear capacity in North America as well.
The
process of building a new plant can be lengthy, and in many countries, it
requires extensive government licensing and review. However, existing plants
are relatively low-maintenance, running 24 hours a day with a high degree of
reliability. Overall, nuclear energy has fewer emissions than coal or petroleum
when considering its full life cycle. This can make it an attractive option for
governments focused on climate change and air pollution reduction as well as
those without access to easily tapped conventional fuel sources. In France,
public opinion is broadly positive towards nuclear energy due in large part to
its role in providing reliable, low-cost electricity with very little direct
greenhouse gas emissions involved.
Conclusion
It's
amazing how many different ways there are to produce energy. From windmills,
coal plants, hydroelectric dams, and geothermal wells, there are plenty of
options for powering our homes and businesses. We've seen how each source has
its pros and cons, so it can be hard to figure out which one is the best option
for you. If you're trying to decide whether or not solar panels are right for
you, think about what benefits you would get the most use out of.
Whatever source of energy you choose, you're
helping reduce your carbon footprint and help ensure a healthier future. No
matter how much of an impact your actions have on global warming, you should
always consider ways to make yourself more environmentally friendly. It's easy
to do something small, like recycling more or using public transportation
instead of driving every day. Taking steps like these will definitely add up in
time!