This section of EnergyZone provides general information about energy – outlining the different types of energy, the need to conserve our current sources of energy and to search for alternative sources for our future needs. About Energy is designed for secondary students and includes guidance for teachers on teaching energy within the curriculum.
What use do we make of it: getting to school/work, running our computers/radios/TVs, heating and lighting our homes, powering industry and commerce. What would happen without it? The supply and use of energy impacts on every part of our lives but how much do we know about where it comes from, how well we use it and how we can use it better?
The world’s demand for fossil fuels is predicted to nearly double in the 21st century as more countries around the world become industrialised and their living standards improve. But fossil fuels will not last forever and cannot be replaced. They will eventually run out so there is a need to increase the use of renewable sources of energy such as wood, wind, solar and water power. When these sources of energy are used they are continually replenished and will last indefinitely.
Nuclear power is an alternative source of energy and many countries are considering increasing its use as the demand and the costs of fossil fuels increase. Nuclear power is dependent on uranium which is a metal that is mined in many parts of the world. Energy is released to generate electricity when the atoms of this radioactive element are split. However, nuclear power is a non-renewable source of energy as once we have mined all the available uranium it cannot be replaced.
Energy to power our various forms of transport is totally dependent on oil. Oil is refined into petrol, diesel and kerosene to drive our vehicles, trains, boats and planes. Oil and petroleum companies are fully aware of the need to conserve this precious fuel and to use it as efficiently as possible. In addition, they are actively researching the use of alternative fuels such as biofuels which use plant life and hydrogen. They are already providing natural gas as an alternative to petrol and diesel but of course this is also a non-renewable fuel.
The extraction of fossil fuels and their conversion to electricity and petroleum is a huge global industry, employing many thousands of people. Many others are employed in the nuclear and renewables industries and the search for alternative sources of energy.
