The various types of energy are the basic materials that power is generated. They are then converted into secondary forms such as fuels and electricity. They are then transferred through different channels to provide power for our homes, automobiles, industries and even our lives. Energy sources can be classified as renewable or non-renewable.
Renewable (or clean) energy is produced from natural sources that are continually replenished. Examples include wind, solar, water and geothermal. Fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) are regarded as non-renewable due to the fact that they are formed at a slower rate than we use their resources, which means that they will eventually end up being depleted.
Solar energy can be harnessed on a single rooftop or in large solar power plants. Solar energy can be converted into photovoltaic energy, which produces electricity directly. Water can be harnessed to create hydropower, or it can be tapped for waves and tidal energy. Geothermal power is generated by underground reservoirs that contain hot water. Bioenergy comes from a variety of organic sources, such as woody crops or dung from livestock, as well as human waste.
In addition to being eco-friendly Renewable energy is also less expensive than fossil fuels. However, the challenge is that renewables require massive infrastructure to harvest and transport the energy, which can result in complicated trade-offs for environmental, social and economic reasons. The advancement of these technologies is continuing to increase and they are making progress against the more traditional fuels. In the long term renewable energy may be more affordable than coal and oil.
