Renewable And Non-Renewable Energy Resources
Nowadays no one can imagine how life was before the discovery of electricity, before we were able to drive to a far destination using machines of very advanced technology etc. For all these goods, we have relied on our energy resources. So it’s important to know what these resources are, how to use them wisely and what risks of using them limitless ore abusing them are. We divide the energy resources on renewable and non-renewable resources. By renewable means that these resources never end such as: energy from sun, water, nuclear plants, wind, biomass etc. These are also called “Clean Energy” because they are harmless to the environment.
Solar energy – solar energy consists on energy taken by the sun to produce electrical energy form heat. Usually it can be noticed in the form of solar panels in the top of buildings or bugger facilities. Its advantages are that it is a cheaper and healthier for you and for the environment.
Wind energy – we have seen the uses of wind energy from wind turbines which convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. These wind power stations require big open lands because of their tall and wide build and for some places, wind power density is low, so unfortunately these stations cannot be built everywhere. But it is a clean resource so it is not damaging and also economical.
Water energy – to use water as a resource people build hydroelectric power plans. Usually this plants use dams on rivers to create a reservoir in order to spin the turbines. Its advantages are that except electricity, it provides drinking water and it is an easier way for third world countries to generate power. Of course there are some disadvantages which mostly have to do with building new dams and replacing old ones, relocating the population etc.On the other hand, non-renewable resources (also known as fossil) are resources that were created by nature on Earth and they are finite. A day will come we cannot rely on them anymore so we have to learn how to use them carefully.
Natural gas – it is found on deeps beneath the surface, it is a compound of carbon and hydrogen. It is mainly used in many places to provide heat in houses also it is widely used in the automobile industry. Its main advantage is that it produces 70% less carbon dioxide then other fossil fuels but even because of that it still is damaging for the environment.
Oil – oil is one of the most used energy resources around the world because of its high heating value. It is used in industries, cars and countless other ways. But this high usage has caused many problems to our eco-system. It is a main factor of why the Ozone layer hole is widening. This allows damaging ultraviolet sunrays to go to earth and dramatically change the temperatures. Because of that we have to be careful and use it wisely.
Coal – coal is a very important energy resource because same as oil it has a high heating value. Despite the concerns about the pollution coal will be used in the future because it’s less damaging that the previous fossil fuels that were mentioned above. Except its usage in industries, coal can also be used on barbecues or drawing.
These few years we have seen many environment-protection organizations come to life in order to sensibilize the population on the damage we cause to ourselves and the Earth by using these non-renewable resources not carefully, without thinking of the consequences. Because of that it’s important that general information on the energy resources and their advantages and disadvantages should be given to any audience. So all we can do now is work wisely for a better future for us, for the next generation, for the world.
