Today, fossil fuels provide 85 percent of our energy. Oil powers 90 percent of the world’s transportation, and coal is the most popular fuel for generating electricity. But there are two huge problems.

Today, fossil fuels provide 85 percent of our energy. Oil powers 90 percent of the world’s transportation, and coal is the most popular fuel for generating electricity. But there are two huge problems.

Firstly, fossil fuels are non-renewable because they take millions of years to form and can only be used once. If we keep using them, they will disappear. Secondly, when we burn fossil fuels, we produce polluting gases that contribute to warming the Earth’s temperature.

The good news is that fossil fuels are not the exclusive energy resource. Day after day, the sun shines, the wind blows, water flows, trees grow. All these are potential sources of clean energy.

Biomass power

Biomass includes trees, grass, crops, agricultural waste, trash, garbage, and sewage. Biomass used as fuel is called biofuel. Biofuel can generate power and heat when it burns. It can also be converted into ethanol, methanol, butane, or biodiesel.

Wind power

The current area of focus for wind power is the use of wind turbines to generate electricity. The basics are simple; when the wind blows, electricity is generated.

Solar power

Solar energy is one of the earliest energy resources used by humanity. Now, after decades of development, solar electrical power is starting to make a significant contribution to our growing energy needs.

The main obstacle is its cost. It is a simple method of generating electricity, but it is incredibly expensive. However, it is called to become a major energy resource in the near future.

Geothermal power

There is a massive thermal energy resource that lies beneath our feet. If we dig deep into the earth at the right locations, we will find enough thermal energy to generate electricity.

Hydropower

Hydropower energy resources have the potential to totally eliminate our need for fossil fuels.

There are many ways to utilize water that are coming into use right now. Energy is obtained with a simple water turbine connected to a generator. Additionally, the electricity generated can be also used to produce hydrogen or recharge hybrid car batteries.

Conservation

Having a lot of energy resources does not mean we can waste them. Conservation and good management of natural resources will always be essential to our survival. Experts predict a catastrophic end to the oil age and, this time, they can be right. If we don’t look around for alternatives, we will run out of energy soon.