Energy & Usage
Fossil Fuels
• A fossil fuel is a nonrenewable energy resource formed from the
remains of organic life that release CO2 when combusted
• Issues with fossil fuels include:
• Releasing CO2 and greenhouse gases when burned
• They’re used up faster than they’re replaced (supply is limited)
• Use has environmental consequences
Fuels for Purpose
• We have four main uses for fuel:
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Transportation
Manufacturing
Heating and cooling buildings
Generating electricity to run machines and appliances
• Fuels are used for different purposes based on their energy content,
availability, safety, and byproducts
Power on “Demand”
• Electricity is more convenient because the energy in fuel is converted
before its used and can be transported quickly across distances
• Disadvantages are that it is difficult to store and other energy sources
have to be used to generate it
How Electricity is Generated
Generating Electricity
• A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by
moving an electrically conductive material within a magnetic field
• Commercial generators convert the movement of a turbine into
electrical energy. A turbine is a wheel that changes the force of
moving gas into energy that can do work and spins the generator to
produce electricity
• These can be spun by steam released from boiling water heated by
using a coal or gas fired plant, or from the fission of uranium in
nuclear plants
World Energy Use
• The difference in energy use among developed countries depends on
how energy is generated and used in those countries
Energy Use in the United States
• The US uses more energy per
person than most other
countries
• Residents of the United States
and Canada have some of the
lowest gas taxes in the world
• Countries with limited fossil fuel
resources supplement their
energy needs with other
sources
Energy Security
• Energy security is the ability to have sufficient, reliable, and
affordable energy supplies for the needs of a country
• Factors that can affect energy security:
• Physical availability or exhaustion of natural resources
• Political relationships with energy secure countries
• Economic cost of imported supplies