Energy Sources

Fossil Fuels Coal, Oil and Gas are called "fossil fuels" because they are the fossilized remains of prehistoric plants and animals. Coal, Oil, and Natural gas

How Fossil Fuels Work The fuel is burned to heat water. The steam turns large turbines that generate electricity

Is it Renewable? It took millions of years to produce and once they are gone we can not make more. Fossil fuels are NOT a renewable energy resource

Nuclear Power Nuclear power is generated using Uranium. A metal on the periodic table

How Nuclear Power Works Nuclear fission (splitting atoms) makes heat which creates steam. The steam turns the turbines which generate electricity.

Is it Renewable? Nuclear energy from Uranium is NOT renewable. Once we've dug up all the Earth's uranium and used it, there isn't any more.

Solar Power Solar Cells convert light directly into electricity.

Is Solar Power Renewable? Solar power is renewable. The Sun will keep on shining anyway, so it makes sense to use it.

Wind Power Using wind to turn the turbines without generating heat. One of the oldest forms of energy

Is Wind Power Renewable? Wind power is renewable. Winds will keep on blowing, it makes sense to use them.

Hydroelectricity A dam is built to trap water Water is used to turn turbines and thus drive generators.

Is it Renewable? Hydro-electric power is renewable. The Sun provides the water by evaporation from the sea, and will keep on doing so.

How Biomass Works Plant and animal waste can be burned to generate steam. Other solid wastes, can be burned to provide heat, or used to make steam for a power station.

Is It Renewable? Biomass is renewable We will always make waste products. We can always plant & grow more sugar cane and more trees, so those are renewable too.

Geothermal Power Hot rocks underground heat water to make steam.

Is it Renewable? Geothermal energy is renewable. The energy keeps on coming, as long as we don't pump too much cold water down and cool the rocks too much.