ABSTRACT
Renewable resources are not depleted over time and may be generated by naturally occurring processes, such as harnessing wind or solar energy (photovoltaics), water power (hydroelectric), or capturing methane from decaying organic matter, as in biomass production. Geothermal energy uses the earth’s insulative properties.
Non-renewable methods of energy production rely mainly on fossil fuels.
Natural gas is produced by decaying organic matter in shallow sediments (biogenic) or by material buried deep in the earth (thermogenic). Oil extracted by primarily natural forces known as primary recovery is a relatively easy method. In secondary recovery water or gas is injected into the area where the oil is located, driving the oil to a central location. Tertiary recovery is also known as enhanced oil recovery or simply enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
Three different types of coal include relatively hard anthracite coal, softer bituminous coal, and lower energy lignite. Nuclear energy uses nuclear fission to release atomic energy. Heliostats are tracking mirrors that capture and focus the sun’s thermal energy.
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refinement. It is also referred to as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).
There are two categories of biofuels, and both are made from plant material. One is biodiesel, and the other is ethanol. Ethanol comes from starches (grain-based ethanol) or from cellulose (cellulosic ethanol).
The perceived light output of a lamp is measured in units called “lumens”. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emit the most light using the least energy of all lamp types.
