Non-Renewable Energy

Net Energy

The total useful energy available from a resource over its lifetime, minus the energy expended in its extraction, processing, and transportation.

Net Energy Ratio

The ratio that compares useful energy produced to the energy consumed in the production process.

Primary Oil Recovery

The initial phase of oil extraction where oil flows by gravity into the well and is pumped out.

Secondary Oil Recovery

A method where water is injected into wells to push remaining oil to the surface after primary recovery.

Tertiary Oil Recovery

Method involving injecting steam or other substances to reduce oil viscosity and improve flow for heavy oil extraction.

Refinery

A facility where crude oil is heated and distilled to separate it into various components based on boiling points.

Petrochemicals

Chemical products derived from petroleum, used in industries like plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.

Natural Gas

Composed primarily of methane (CH4), it is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel used in heating and electricity generation.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

A byproduct of natural gas processing, used in areas without natural gas pipelines.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Natural gas cooled to -184°C for transport in liquid form.

Subsurface Mining

Involves creating tunnels and shafts to access coal deposits deep underground.

Surface Mining

Method used when coal deposits are near the surface, including area strip mining and contour strip mining.

Electrostatic Precipitators

Devices that remove particulate matter from emissions to improve air quality.

Scrubbers

Systems that remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases.

Coal Gasification

Process where solid coal is converted into synthetic natural gas.

Light-Water Reactors (LWRs)

The most common type of nuclear reactor using ordinary water as a coolant.

High-Level Radioactive Wastes

Wastes that emit significant radiation requiring secure storage for thousands of years.

Low-Level Radioactive Wastes

Wastes that produce small amounts of radiation and require safe storage.

Immediate Dismantling

Method to decommission nuclear power plants involving the immediate dismantling of structures.

Mothballing

A decommissioning method that involves securing the site while retaining the structures.

Entombment

Method of decommissioning by covering the reactor with reinforced concrete.