Power and Energy Major Sources of Power

Power, Energy and Resources

Energy is the capacity for doing work, or the power required for carrying out an activity.

Power is the rate of doing work.

The Major Sources of Power and Energy

Energy sources can be subdivided into two broad categories: renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Renewable Sources

Renewable sources are those that are not finished or used up since they are naturally replenished. These include sunlight, water, geothermal steam, wind, and biomass.

Non-Renewable Sources

Non-renewable sources are those that can be finished or used up through use; that is, they cannot be replaced once used up. They include coal, petroleum, natural gas, groundwater aquifers, and nuclear energy sources such as uranium and plutonium.

The Origin of Different Types of Energy and Power Sources

Coal

Coal is a fossil fuel that forms when dead plant matter is converted into peat, which in turn is converted into lignite, then sub-bituminous coal, after that bituminous coal, and lastly anthracite.

Sunlight

The sun is a source of sunlight and all forms of energy on earth. Sunlight can be harnessed to generate electricity (solar power).

Solar panels

Waves and Tides

Waves are generated by wind passing over the surface of the sea, ocean, or lake.

Wind

Wind is air in motion from low to high-pressure region. Wind possesses energy, which can be converted by appropriate devices into mechanical energy, which in turn can be used to generate electricity or do any useful work.

Windmill farm

Water

Water in motion, such as a waterfall or cataract, can be harnessed to generate hydroelectricity. First, the kinetic energy in running water is converted into mechanical and then electrical power.

A model of a hydro-electric power plant

Biomass

The term "biomass" refers to organic matter that has stored energy through the process of photosynthesis.

Petroleum

Petroleum (crude oil) is a fossil fuel formed from fossilized remains of plants and animals. When refined, it produces various petroleum fractions, which are put to various uses of energy generation.

Natural Gas

Natural gas occurs alongside petroleum. The gas can be burned to generate light and heat and harnessed to generate electricity.

Natural gas plant at Kinyerezi 1, Dar es Salaam

Uranium

Uranium is a radioactive element, which produces tremendous amounts of energy upon disintegration (fission) or combination (fusion) of the nuclei of its atoms. This energy (nuclear energy) can be used and is being used by many countries in the world to generate electricity.