Energy

Energy and youPeople of all ages use energy and

have the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact through energy efficient behaviors.

Anyone can help support energy efficiency education.

This is a current topic which will affect you and your life, for better or worse.

There are 2 types of energyNonrenewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Non-Renewable EnergyA natural resource that cannot be re-

made, re-grown or regenerated.(in a sufficient amount of time to balance supply and demand.)

Examples:

CoalOil Natural gasNuclear

Fossil FuelsA natural fuel which is made from

remains of living organisms .The process to create these fuels takes millions of years. Examples:

• Coal, oil, and

natural gas

CoalCoal is burned and releases

energy. This energy is converted into electricity.

Coal has been used for thousands of years but demand increased during the Industrial Revolution.

OilCrude oil is found thousands of

feet in the ground. It is drilled out and refined

(purified) before it is used to produce energy.

ExamplesDiesel, Jet fuel,Gasoline, Asphalt

Natural GasCreates energy through

combustion (burning).If your house has a heater, oven,

or boiler that runs on gas, it is natural gas.

• Natural gas is odorless.

• The smell from natural gas is added for safety reasons.

Nuclear EnergyPower taken from radioactive

materials.Produces waste which can

extremely damage the environment.

Where should we put the waste?

Renewable Energy

Solar EnergyWind EnergyWater EnergyBiomass EnergyGeothermal Energy

Some types of Renewable energy have been around and used for centuries.

Solar Energy

• Solar panels generate electricity by using solar radiation.

• Solar energy is used in some planes, cars, buildings, and it powers satellites.

Wind EnergyWind blows and turns these

gigantic fans called wind turbines.

This rotation spins a turbine which generates electricity.

Hydroelectric (water energy)• Flowing water can generate

electricity by turning turbines.

BiomassCan be burned (combustion) Can be converted into various forms

of biofuel◦Fermented- sugar turns into alcohol

Methane- made by using heat to break down plant matter (without burning it)

fuels steam generators, combustion turbines, combined cycle technologies or fuel cells

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vLhm-UQ454

Geothermal Energy• Uses heat from the earth to make

electricity.

• Geothermal steam and hot springs have been used for bathing for millennia (thousands of years).