The various types of energy are the base materials from which power is created. They are transformed into secondary forms such as fuels and electricity, and then transmitted through various channels to provide the power that runs our lives, factories, homes and cars. Energy sources can be classified as renewable or non-renewable.
Renewable (or clean) energy is produced from natural resources that are constantly replenished. Examples include wind, solar and geothermal. Fossil Fuels (coal oil and natural gas), are non-renewable due to the fact that they form slower than we use them.
Solar energy can be used in large solar power stations or on a single roof. Solar energy can be converted to photovoltaic power, which creates electricity directly. Water can be used to produce hydropower, or to generate energy from tides and waves. Geothermal energy is generated by underground reservoirs that contain hot waters. Bioenergy comes from a variety of organic sources like woody crops as well as dung from livestock and human wastes.
In addition to being environmentally friendly Renewable energy is also cheaper than fossil fuels. Renewables are expensive and require an extensive infrastructure to capture and cosa sono gli impianti a biomasse distribute the energy. This can result in difficult trade-offs when it comes to environmental as well as economic aspects. However, the growth of these technologies continues to increase, and they are making strides against more traditional fossil fuels. Renewables could even be cheaper in the long term than oil and coal.
