ABSTRACT
The use of the world’s energy is increasing at about 7% per year. If this rate continues, world energy utilization will double every 10 years. Given the world’s fossil fuel and ore supplies, this is not sustainable over the long haul. Electricity is a secondary energy source, i.e., requires a primary energy source to turn the generators. Most of our electricity is produced in steam turbines. However, electricity can be generated by water turbines and gas turbines. Fission creates radioactive products together with energy which can be utilized to heat water which can drive a steam turbine to produce electricity. Given the time-dependent loss of oil reserves and the cost of oil, there has been marked interest in developing alternative forms of energy. Geothermal energy development may be limited by land subsidence and siesmic activities. However, development is encouraged as geothermal energy can generate power continuously.
