Electricity comes from many sources. Some
of the sources, such as fossil fuels, are disappearing
because there is such a big demand for them.
Scientists are researching new ways of generating
electricity, so that if fossil fuels run out,
there will be other sources.
Solar energy is the energy that comes from the
sun. We capture solar energy through solar panels
- this energy produces no pollution. It is already
in widespread use where other supplies of power
are absent such as in remote locations and in
space.
Fossil fuel is a material that can be burned
and that comes from the fossil remains of animals
and plants. Examples of fossil fuels are coal,
natural gas and petroleum. Some of the problems
of fossil fuel use are that it causes pollution,
it is a non-renewable resource and it needs
to be mined from the earth.
Hydroelectric energy is produced when water
falls from a high place to a low place. A hydroelectric
power station contains a turbine driven by falling
water from a dam. The turbine drives the generator.
This form of energy produces little pollution;
in addition, it does not ruin the water. The
water still can be used for other purposes.
This energy is made by fusion or fission. It
is produced in the reactor of a nuclear power
station. The energy turns water into steam,
which drives a turbine that powers a generator.
Nuclear power produces lots of energy and can
be made to power major cities. This energy,
unlike other sources, produces lots of radioactive
waste. If that waste gets released, it could
cause devastation to a large area.
Wind power is produced by the wind turning a
turbine. Wind power, through using windmills,
has been known for many centuries. This source
of energy produces almost no pollution.
Who says trash is worthless? Not energy experts,
who are using mountains of garbage to generate
electricity around the world. All across the
globe, companies are putting agricultural scraps-cornhusks,
coconut shells, bark, peach pits, and sawdust-to
work. This rubbish, called biomass, is burned
as fuel to heat water. The water then creates
steam, which spins a turbine, or giant pinwheel,
connected to a generator. The turbine powers
the generator to create electricity.
Energy experts are also giving old tyres
a new life. These worn-out wheels are chopped
into tiny chips and burned, like biomass, to
help power electrical plants. In 1998, 114 million
tyres were burned as fuel in the U.S.
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