Available Energy Resources

As the human race expands its technology, energy demands must be met. Modern tools such as automobiles, aircraft and factories require energy. Electricity powers our homes and our electronic devices. Without an accessible energy resource, society would crumble to a stop. Therefore, developing and finding sustainable, efficient energy resources is crucial to maintaining the world's burgeoning population.

Fossil Fuels

• Oil remains widely used throughout the world today.

  Fossil fuels are essentially the processed remains of organic material from prehistoric plants and animals. Consisting of coal, oil and natural gas, fossil fuels generate about 85 percent of U.S. energy. Traditionally, fossil fuels have remained indispensable within the transportation industry and will continue to be relied on for at least the next two decades. Due to its easy accessibility and wide availability, fossil fuels can be used to meet the bulk of the world's energy demand. However, declining oil deposits throughout the world pose concern for the future. New technologies must be explored to meet the energy demand once fossil fuels run out.

Solar

• Harnessing energy from the sun remains one of the cleanest methods to generate power. Solar energy resources stem from using solar cells to convert sunlight into usable electricity. There are three main methods to obtain solar energy. Photovoltaic cells arranged in panels can absorb sunlight during the day. Solar water heating uses heat from the sun to heat water in glass panels and can be used to heat homes. Finally, solar furnaces utilize an array of mirrors to concentrate sunlight into a small area, generating high temperatures. However, solar energy devices can often be expensive, and the relative energy output may not meet large demands.

Nuclear

• Nuclear power plants generate huge amounts of energy but pose many safety risks.

  Nuclear energy derives its source from the heat generated by uranium rods. Nuclear fission splits uranium atoms, releasing heat into water. The elevated temperatures create steam, which drives large turbines to produce power. Nuclear power plants can generate large amounts of energy at a low cost; nuclear energy also does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. However, suitable disposal protocols must be followed in order to safely move nuclear waste material. In addition, power plant meltdowns and disasters pose as safety threats to the surrounding communities.

Hydroelectricity

• Hydroelectric power generates energy from falling water. Usually, engineers construct a dam to trap water in a valley. The water that flows through tunnels within the dam turns turbines, which generate electricity. Because hydroelectricity uses water as its source of energy, this type of energy resource is cheap and relatively safe for the environment. Unfortunately, hydroelectricity is only effective and applicable to areas with free-flowing rivers and existing lakes. Without a water source, no energy can be derived.