Methods of Acquiring or Extracting Power and Energy

Methods of acquiring or extracting power and energy

The following are different energy and power resources and the methods used to extract energy and power from these resources:

1. Coal: Coal is a combustive black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called beds or coal seams. Coal is considered as a non-renewable resource because it cannot be replenished on a human timeframe.
2. Petroleum: Petroleum is a naturally occurring liquid found in rock deep in the ground. This liquid consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights, plus other organic compounds.
3. Natural gas: Natural gas is fossil fuel formed when layers of buried plants, gases and animals are exposed to intense heat and pressure over thousands of years. Natural gas is mined from deposits deep underground and brought to the surface.
4. Water: The potential energy of dammed or flowing water can be converted into storable electrical energy. Harnessing the flowing water to power machines and mechanical processes is one of the oldest methods of power generation that is used until today. The energy in water may be tapped naturally or artificially.
5. Biomass: Biomass is biological material derived from living things. As an energy source, biomass can be used either directly via combustion to produce heat or indirectly after converting it to various forms of biofuel. The biofuel can then be burned to release heat energy that is used to power machines or for heating purposes.
6. Uranium: Uranium is a radioactive element. The energy from uranium is extracted through nuclear fission or fusion. The heat released is used to boil water into steam, which is, in turn used to turn turbines to generate electricity.
7. Solar energy: Solar energy refers to energy from the sun. This energy can be tapped and used for different purposes. Devices called solar panels tap solar energy. The energy is absorbed by the panels and converted into electrical energy that can be used immediately or stored for later use.
8. Geothermal steam: The geothermal power from geothermal steam is extracted by directing it to run machines that produce electricity.
9. Wind energy: The kinetic energy of wind is harnessed by turning windmills, which generate electricity. The electricity generated can be used for cooking, lighting and running machines. Wind energy may also be tapped by putting up sails to propel water vessels such as dhows.
10. Hydroelectric power: is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity.