Energy for the Future
Can you imagine a world without energy to:
• light and heat our houses?
• drive our cars?
• play music, TV and computer games? Experts are working to make sure we don’t run out of usable energy. Perhaps you will be one of the people who finds a solution to our energy needs.
Fossil fuels
Most of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels were made from fossils, or the remains of animals and plants that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. These fuels include coal, oil and natural gas.
When ancient animals and plants died, they became buried underground and crushed by heat and pressure for millions of years. This turned them into liquid or gas — fossil fuels.
Fossil fuel supply
But these fossil fuels are running out. Once they are gone, a new supply can’t be made. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable energy sources. Unless we come up with some alternative, or other, fuels, most machinery won’t run.
There are other problems with fossil fuels. When they are burned, they give off gases such as carbon dioxide. Experts believe these
greenhouse gases are adding to pollution and climate change. The Mini Page® ©
Energy all around
Energy sources are found in many places. Different fuels might be used in different environments. For example, in Hawaii, people might get power from heat energy found underground near volcanoes. In coastal areas, ocean waves may provide energy.
Hydro power
Hydro means “water.” When water falls or flows through a dam, it can be used to turn a machine to create electricity.
Solar energy
Solar power is energy from the sun. People have used it to dry their clothes or warm their homes for many years.
Solar panels, which store the sun’s energy, are made from the same materials that are used to make computer chips. Manufacturing them can create pollution. Also, using lots of solar panels can take up land. But once these panels are in place, they do not cause pollution and are inexpensive to run.
Biofuels
Biofuels are fuels made from plants. When people burn wood, they are using a biofuel.
Ethanol is a car fuel made from plants such as corn. Scientists are experimenting with using different plants such as prairie grasses and algae.