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Non-renewable Energy Sources



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There are many energy sources in the world we live. These sources include Oil, Hydropower, Coal, Oil, and Coal. But, not all energy sources can be renewable. These energy sources are hard to replace with natural processes. These energy resources are frequently referred as non-renewable. Therefore, it is very important to find ways to replace them. Let's look at some examples.

Natural gas

The U.S. has a large natural gas consumption. Texas is the largest user of natural gas, using 52% of it to generate electricity. Texas has a large population, commerce, and industry, so natural gas is important for this state. California follows Texas, although it uses 54% less natural gases than Texas. Natural gas is not renewable and it can be hard to store.


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Oil

Many people believe that oil is not a renewable energy source. Although it has a relatively high net energy yield, it is not free from negative impacts. Oil burning can contribute to global warming and cause pollution in the air. It is also one the main causes of smog. Oils that are burned in power plants, industrial facilities, and cars can cause pollution. The atmosphere is contaminated by oil that has been burned. It also emits carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse-gas.

Coal

Coal is an energy source that cannot be used again. It takes many millions of years for coal to form. Coal, a combustible and flammable sedimentary rock, is mostly made up of carbon and other hydrocarbons. This fossil fuel is made from the remains prehistoric animals and plants. Coal, part of the fossil fuel group, is used to produce electricity and transport. Here are some facts regarding coal.


Hydropower

Hydropower can be used to generate electricity. It is an old, non-renewable energy source. Appleton, Wis. was the home of the first hydroelectric dam. The idea spread quickly across the country. Famous dams of the West, including the Hoover Dam in Wisconsin, provided 40 percent the country's electricity between the 1930s and the present.

Nuclear energy

Although nuclear energy offers many benefits, it is not renewable. This is due to the fact that the uranium deposits on earth are limited. To be considered renewable, the source must last for a long period of time. Uranium is classified non-renewable as an energy source by the U.S. Department of Energy. It cannot regenerate unless the source of uranium changes.


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Uranium

Although uranium may be abundant in the crust of the earth, its potential uses are limited. It must first be mined, then used, and finally disposed off. It is a fissile resource and produces no emissions. Use of uranium to power nuclear reactors generates heat, which is then used to power turbines and produce electricity. Unlike other fossil fuels uranium doesn't produce toxic byproducts.



 



Non-renewable Energy Sources