by Adewale Olowode

Created on: November 04, 2008   Last Updated: November 04, 2010

But what is energy? Energy is the ability or capacity to do work. It is found in different forms, including electrical, chemical, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and so on. Electrical energy is found in a copper wire used in an electric circuit. Chemical energy is found in all chemical compounds, such as sea salt (sodium chloride), Chile salt (sodium nitrate), etc. This form of energy is also found in the energy producing food of man, including carbohydrates (e.g. wheat, yam, cassava, and so on) and vegetable oils and fats. Some elements such as uranium, polonium, and radon radiate radioactive waves and so, forms the basis of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is the energy found within the nucleus of an atom. The energy is produced via either nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. Solar energy is the energy sourced from the sun, and technology could be passive or active. Active solar technology uses electrical or mechanical energy while passive energy uses thermal mass to store sun's energy. However, not all energies are renewable. A renewable energy is one that can be put back for the sake of continuity- wind, solar, water, geothermal, biomass, and bio fuel are examples.

Renewable energy include solar, wind, water, geothermal, biomass, and biofuel energy. Solar energy is sourced from the sun. Wind energy is the set up by current generated by moving air. Hydroelectric power is another term for water energy converted to electrical energy for home and ofice uses. Energy sourced from beneath the earth is tagged geothermal energy. It occurs like a form of heat energy. Biomass is an organic material which has stored solar energy. Biofuels include ethanol, vegetable oil, biodiesel, and the very prominent energy giving foods such as carbohydrates and lipids (fats and oils) in man.

Understanding the environmental benefits of these renewable energy sources is key to their maximum utilization. Man is a conspicuous member of the environment, so the benefits of the renewable energy to man are essentially those of the environment also. A good renewable energy should possess the following benefits:

-Pollution-free

-Replaceable

-Cheaper per KWh

-Customizable

-Dependable

-Manageable

-Environmental-friendly

-Popular among people

Man will continue to learn from the bounties of the universe for as long as he exists on the surface of the earth. Renewable energy provides a very interesting alternative and benefits compared to natural gas, gasoline, coal, and radioactive elements. With research and development, the future indeed would tell.

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