Non-Renewable Energy
Fossil Fuels
- Consist of: coal, natural gas, and petroleum
- Natural gas was the largest source—about 40%—of U.S. electricity generation in 2022. It is used in steam turbines and gas turbines for electricity.
- Coal was the third-largest energy source for U.S. electricity generation in 2022—about 18%. Is used for heat and gas turbines that generate electricity
- Petroleum was the source of less than 1% of U.S. electricity generation in 2022. Also used in steam and gas turbines
Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear energy was the source of about 18% of U.S. electricity generation in 2022. Nuclear power plants use steam turbines to produce electricity from nuclear fission.
- Nuclear fission is when certain radioactive atoms (like Uranium-235) are hit with an electron that separates the nucleus into two and releases energy and radioactive residue
- Nuclear fusion is when atoms come together and release energy – this form is not invented yet.
Renewable Energy
Geothermal: Harness the heat under earth’s surface to power turbines
Solar: Sun energy
Biomass : Burning trash to create energy
Hydro : Dams/ Water Energy
Wind: Wind energy
Hands On Activity:
- Pick one of the renewable energies and think of certain ways that they would fail.
- Once you have listed them down, draw and write about a design that would make the renewable energy more efficient.
- Build Wind turbines and Test it Out!
