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Energy moves our world

The higher the standard of living, the greater the amount of energy used. How are we to provide abundant, clean, and affordable energy as world demand increases? Are we running out of oil? Which energy resource is best? Energy4me provides facts about these and other important energy issues.

Energy creates change. It makes things work. It can come from many sources and in many forms, such as light, heat, sound, and motion. Energy is classified into two groups: nonrenewable or renewable resources. These are both primary resources, meaning the actual resource creates the energy. Or secondary energy resources, which are energies created from the primary resources.

Primary Resources

Non-Renewable

Energy from the ground that has limited supplies, either in the form of gas, liquid or solid, are called nonrenewable resources. They cannot be replenished, or made again, in a short period of time.Examples include:

 

Oil, natural gas and coal are called "fossil fuels" because they have been formed from the organic remains of prehistoric plants and animals.

Renewable

Energy that comes from a source that’s constantly renewed, such as the sun and wind, can be replenished naturally in a short period of time. Because of this we do not have to worry about them running out. Examples include:

 

Currently, less than 2% of the world’s electricity comes from renewable resources.

Secondary Resources

Energy that is converted from primary sources forms secondary sources of energy. Secondary sources of energy are used to store, move, and deliver energy in easily usable form. Examples include:

Which resource is best?

It depends. Many alternative sources of energy are still being researched and tested. Technologies are continually being developed and enhanced to improve alternate sources of energy. Not all energies are ready for mass consumption, so you have to ask the right questions to find out which energy source does the job.

  • Is it a renewable or nonrenewable source?
  • What are the capital and setup costs?
  • What are the ongoing operating costs?
  • What size of energy storage is required?
  • How efficient is it to produce one unit of energy?
  • Can it be produced on a large scale?
  • What is the cost to the consumer?
  • What impact will it have on the environment?

Compare various types of energy, the pros and cons, and the costs, download the Energy Sources of the World booklet.