SOURCES OF ENERGY: RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE
Based on information from Britannica, McGraw-Hill, and Khan Academy
Prepared By: Ma. Johanna B. Testa
DEFINITION OF ENERGY SOURCES
- Energy sources are the origin of power used for human activities.
- They are broadly classified into Renewable and Non-Renewable sources.
- Renewable energy is naturally replenished on a human timescale.
- Non-renewable energy exists in finite quantities and takes millions of years to form.
*replenish - to make full or complete again, as by supplying what is lacking, used up
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
1. Solar Energy: Captures sunlight using photovoltaic cells.
2. Wind Energy: Uses wind turbines to generate electricity.
3. Hydropower: Uses flowing water to spin turbines.
4. Biomass: Organic materials burned or converted to biofuels.
5. Geothermal: Extracts heat from within the Earth.
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
1. Coal: A fossil fuel formed from plant remains over millions of years.
2. Oil (Petroleum): Liquid fossil fuel used in transportation and industry.
3. Natural Gas: Composed mainly of methane, used for heating and electricity.
4. Nuclear Energy: Uses uranium to produce electricity in nuclear reactors.
ADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sources like solar and wind are abundant and free.
- Creates jobs in green energy sectors.
*sustainability - the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
DISADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
- Intermittent energy supply (depends on weather or time of day).
- Higher initial setup costs.
- Requires large land areas (e.g., solar farms, wind farms).
*intermittent - occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
ADVANTAGES OF NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY
- High energy output per unit.
- Reliable and consistent power generation.
- Established infrastructure and technologies.
DISADVANTAGES OF NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY
- Finite supply – will eventually run out.
- Major contributor to air pollution and climate change.
- Extraction processes damage the environment.
HOW ENERGY SOURCES WORK
- Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells.
- Wind turbines convert kinetic wind energy into mechanical power.
- Hydropower uses dams and flowing water to turn turbines.
- Coal and gas plants burn fuel to create steam that spins turbines.
- Nuclear energy splits atoms to release heat and generate power.
CONCLUSION
- Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources play vital roles.
- Transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy is essential for sustainability.
- Understanding energy sources helps us make informed decisions about the future.
REFERENCES:
Britannica: Renewable Energy
Britannica: Wind Energy
Encyclopedia.com: Renewable Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration: [Sources of Energy](https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/what-is-energy/sources-of