Radioactive isotopes create the majority of Earth’s heat. To understand this radioactive origin of geothermal energy, we must examine nuclides. Nuclides and Isotopes All atoms have protons, neutrons, and electrons. A nuclide is a term used to characterize atoms by their number of protons, their number of neutrons, and their nuclear energy state. Isotopes describe …
The word geothermal has Greek origins = geo (earth) + therme (heat). The term, “geothermal energy,” refers to using subsurface heat reservoirs within a rock for: Generating electricity Heat at the Earth’s Core is Similar to the Sun Temperature increases with depth in the earth. Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that harnesses heat flowing from the Earth’s interior, …
Introduction to Solar Another renewable energy source is solar power. Solar technologies are responsible for converting solar radiation (sunlight) into heat or electrical energy, that then produces electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “there are two main types of solar energy technologies—photovoltaics and concentrating solar power.” With photovoltaics (PV), the electrical energy produced …
Introduction to Wind Wind power is simple. Wind is used to turn the a turbine, which turns a generator, producing electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “the terms wind energy and wind power both describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can …
Now that we have gone through the capabilities to step up and fill the power gap in an all-electric world, do you believe the solution relies on one technology itself? Probably not. If we are going to replace the transportation fuels of gasoline and diesel with electricity it will likely take a blend of everything. …
Introduction to Nuclear Nuclear power plants operate by generating steam from the heat of nuclear fission. The steam then drives the turbines of a generator to produce electricity that is then sent through transmission lines to our homes and businesses. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), “in nuclear fission, atoms are split apart to …
Introduction to Natural Gas Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel we extract from deep beneath the ground, for the purpose of providing much of the United States’ energy and electricity generation. While natural gas has been extracted and produced for centuries now, the production of natural gas surged due to the Shale Revolution. The …
Now that we have explored how the energy industry will likely change with regard to a transition towards a less carbon future, let’s dig deeper into what technologies could step up to fill the gap in an all-electric world. As previously mentioned in The Business Case for Oil and Gas lesson, the Federal Government has …
When we talk about electrical power generation, you may have heard some people refer to the term “base load.” Put simply, base load is an energy demand that must be maintained in order to satisfy electrical demand. There are times during hot or cold weather when more electricity is needed. However, this increase is not …
Everywhere you look it seems people are driving electric cars or discussing the latest electric car model. Today most electric vehicles (EV) look like normal cars. You can buy models that are SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and luxury vehicles. Why has the United States, and much of the world, placed a great deal of effort into …