Various Types and Sources of Energy

Solar energy converts the sun's rays into electricity.

The kinds of energy types are divided into renewable and nonrenewable sources. Renewable energy is energy that can be replaced in a short time period, while nonrenewable energy take years or decades to replenish.

Wind

Wind energy is a renewable form of energy that comes from wind moving through turbines. The moving turbines convert the wind to electricity. Wind energy is often found in places with high wind speeds like Texas, North Dakota and Kansas. In 2008, wind accounted for 1 percent of all energy generated in the U.S.

Solar

Solar energy comes from the sun's rays. The rays heat up cells on photovoltaic panels. The panels convert the energy into electricity. Solar energy is renewable since the sun is visible all over the earth.

Nuclear

Nuclear energy is nonrenewable. It's generated through splitting atoms. This creates heat that boils water and results in steam. Nuclear power plants process the steam into electricity. Power plants have to carefully store the hazardous material created after the nuclear reactions because it is radioactive to humans.

References

• Energy Kids U.S. Energy Information Administration: Energy Sources Nonrenewable
• "Energy Use Worldwide: A Reference Handbook"; Jaina L. Moan and Zachary Alden Smith; 2007
• American Wind Energy Association: Top 20 States with Wind Energy Resource Potential
• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Students' Corner

Resources

• "The New York Times": California Desert on Pace to Become World's Solar Capital