Lesson 7: Fossil Fuel and Other Energy Sources Objectives: In this lesson, you will earn to: 1. Deseribe the formation of fossil fuels Explain how heat from inside the Earth is tapped as a source of energy (geothermal) for human use 3. Explain how energy (hydroelectric) is harnessed from flowing water 4, Cite ways to address the different environmental concerns related to the use of fossil fuels, geothermal energy, and hydroelectric energy Earth and its Energy Sources In the last module, we learned how ‘the benefits of mining to the economic growth of the human civilization, as well as its harmful effects to ‘the environment. inerals are found, mined, and processed. We also learned In this module, we will learn the different sources of energy that are found on Earth, as well as, the processes that are being done to acquire these resources. Energy resources are essentially obtained in order to sustain our daily living. They are used to provide heat, light, and power ~ things which are necessary for the development of humankind. Energy sources come in a variety of forms: fossil fuels, geothermal, hydroelectric, and bio-fuel energy. Energy sources are classified into two: renewable and non-renewable energy sources Non-renewable Energy Sources Non-renewable energy sources are energy sources which cannot be replenished in our lifetime and are likely to run out, Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas are some examples of non- renewable energy source. Fossil fuel Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources that took millions of years to form. Despite this, the world uses up fossil fuels more than any other energy source in the world. The world generates 66% of its electricity fram fossil fuels. ‘The main element found in fossil fuels is carbon. In fact, the time period when fossil {fuels were formed (about 360-300 million years ago) is called the Carboniferous Period. They are formed even before the dinosaurs came into existence. Earth had a different landscape: it was covered with wide, shallow seas and swampy forests. It Is in this landscape that plants, algae, and plankton grew. These living organisms absorb sunlight and create energy by means of photasynthesis. When they died, the organismsdrifted into the bottom of the sea or lake. There was energy stored in these dead organisms ‘even when they died. ‘Years passed by and these dead plants would be crushed under the sea bed, as rocks and sediments will continuously pile on top of them. The remains of plants and animals will ‘eventually be turned into fossil fuels which we are using today. ‘The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fossil Fuel Fossil fuel i renewable. This, the ry source of energy in the world today despite being non- relatively inexpensive to extract compared to other energy sources. It is also easier to store these energy sources anywhere in the world. However, the use of fossil fuels has a negative impact on the environment. Burning coal and oil pollutes the air, water, and land. Renewable Energy Sources Renewable energy comes from resources whi ‘are naturally replenished. The sun, the wind, ‘the water, the Earth's heat, and plants are some of these sources. Renewable energy technologies turn ‘these fuels into usable forms of energy which we in our deily lives ~ be it electricity, heat, chemicals, or mechanical power. Geothermal Energy The Earth’s core can reach temperatures of up to 9000"F. This heat flows out of the ‘core, heating the surrounding area which can form underground reservoirs of hot water and steam. This becomes what we now utilize as geothermal energy. We make use of this renewable energy source to generate electricity or heat buildings. Source: www.bgs.oc.uk‘The heat coming from within the Earth can be captured and utilized for buildings. They are also used to generate electricity by inje underneath the earth, which ‘will become steam because of the heat. This steam will be harnessed and used for electricity 1g water reserv ‘The geothermal energy potential in the uppermost 6 miles of planet Earth's crust ‘amounts to $0,000 times the energy of all the oil and gas resources in the world, and it can be used almost anywhere. Nevertheless, it will take robust technological development and substantial cost be able to fully harness this renewable energy source. Solar Energy ‘The sun can become an endless source of energy which are now being used to generate light, heat, and power. ‘While we are only able to use solar electricity recently, humans have been ut sun’s power south facing cliff walls because they knew thet the sun travels law across the southern sky in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter. The people in the ancient times also knew that the massive rack of the cliffs can absorb the sun’s heat, hence it was warmer than any other place during winter. Jnce the ancient times. Ancient Native Americans built their dwellings Today, scientists continuously develop efficient technologies to be able to maximize the use of solar energy, as well as to make it more accessible to all. Solar cells, for example, are developed so that we can convert solar energy into electricity which humans can use directly. Hydroelectric power Hydroelectric Dam Hydroelectric power comes from flowing water, The movement of water is used to tum turbines and generators which produce energy. Energy is neither created nor destroyed ~ it only changes its form. To generate hydroelectric power, we make use of water motion — a form of kinetic energy — to turn blades in a turbine, thus converting mechanical energy into electricity. Even hydroelectric pawer has an effect on the environment, particularly the aquatic life. The reservoirs created from dam-type hydroelectric power plants can destroy Image source: brighthubengineering.comnatural space and displace living organisms. Moreover, they create major difficulties to migratory fishes, who are often threatened by the dangerous turbines which keep them from sravelling. Biomass energy Another renewable energy source that is being utilized today is the biomass energy, or energy formed from things such as wood wastes, agricultural residues and other forms of garbage. ‘When garbage decomposes, it releases methane gas. Natural gas, which is one of the energy resources that we utilize today, is made up of methane gas. Pipelines are collected into landfills to collect the methane gas. Itis then used in pawer plants to generate electricity. Aside from wood, animal waste can also be used to make biomass energy. It is an efficient energy source which can help reduce global warming, compared to fossil fuels. The Environmental Impact of Using Energy Sources ‘The use of different types of energy sources has become essential to the sustainability of the humans’ daily lives. We need to utilize them in arder to bring light to our homes, to run automabiles and other machineries, and to bring heat to buildings. The economic development of the nations also depends on the energy sources which they can harness. > Nevertheless, while the different energy sources have become useful in four daily lives, we must keep in mind ‘the environmental impacts of using ‘these energy sources. One of the global issues that we are facing today is the depletion of natural resources, which includes non-renewable energy sources like oil and petroleum. Another issue that we are facing is pollution. The use of fossil fuels can release harmful toxins in the air we breathe. There are also instances when oil leaks polluted usable water, which caused illness among humans. And let us not forget the number of wildlife which are affected by the building of power plants. Source: www.earthtimes.org While governments and worldwide organizations are campaigning for ways to solve these environmental problems, there are a lot of simple ways which we can do in order to conserve energy and help save the environment. At home, for instance, you can save energy simply by turning off appliances which you are not using. Turn off the lights when there is no one in the room. If you want to ‘travel somewhere within walking distance, try not to use the car so that you can save fuel.References: Twidell, John and Weir Tony.Renewable Energy Resources, 2™ Edition.(2006). Retrieved from: http://maxwell.sze.hu/~marcsa/Megu ulofnergiaforrasok/Books/ renewable%20energv'%420resources.od f Renewable Energy: An Overview. (March 2001). Retrieved from: 17955.dF hrtp://www.nrel gov/docs/fyOtasti National Geographic Society. Non-Renewable Energy. Retrieved from: http://nationalge ographic.org/encyclopedia/non-renewable-ener; The National Academies. Our Energy Sources, Geothermal, Retrieved fro http://needtoknow.nas.edu/energy/energy-sources/renewable-sources/geothermal