Renewable energy sources
With the environmental conditions becoming worse day by day, people are trying their bit to save the environment by using natural energy resources. The different types of natural energy resources are as follows:
Wind power – as the wind blows, the turbine blades start rotating. By using an electrical generator, the rotation gets converted into electrical current. This electrical current is used on a small scale to provide electricity to small homes, and is also harnessed by large wind farm, which gets used by national electrical grids.
Solar energy – the sun rays are trapped into solar cells, wherein, it gets transformed into electricity and this is how solar energy is created. It is commonly used for taking salt out of water, and also used for cooking, heating, and of course to produce electricity.
Geothermal energy – this natural energy is produced by the earth. Hot rocks present under the ground heats up water, so that steam is produced. Holes are dug in such areas, and the steam shoots up, driving the turbines. Electrical generators are then powered by these turbines.
Hydroelectric power – dammed water is used to generate this power, which then drives water turbine and generator. One of the versions of this is tidal power. The power produce by water tides generates pressure, which turns a water wheel or a turbine. The electrical generator gets energy from this power.
Biofuels – these are fuels that are made from plants or animals. It can include methane from wood, wood chippings, and animal wastes. Biofuels are used to heat homes, to power machines, and for cooking.
Natural gas – it is a fossil fuel but does not generate carbon dioxide, which happens to be the chief greenhouse gas. Thus natural gas is a better option. It can be created by various organisms, and is also found in areas which have fossil fuels.
Nuclear energy – this is created though atoms. Either by merging or splitting atoms, energy is created. Though it produces a large amount of power, it has certain hazards.
These are amongst the best natural energy resources, which helps to reduce electricity bills, and at the same time, protects the environment.