Electricity Today

The energy sources used to generate electricity varies, but the principle behind it is very similar. Energy is used to rotate huge turbines that are connected to massive generators which in turn produce the electricity.

Today's major electric companies rely on two major energy sources; fossil fuel and hydro power. To produce electricity from coal, huge furnaces with water is heated using coal as fuel. The steam produced from the boiling furnace drives the turbine to produce electricity. Coal has been the number one source of energy to produce electricity for centuries. However, due to the fact that it is a non renewable source of energy, makes it an unreliable energy source for the long run. Someday coal would run out leaving us with no electricity. Plus, fossil fuel contributes most of the pollution we have today. Using coal as a source of energy for producing electricity is no longer a good method.

\"Energy Efficiency\"

Hydro power offers clean reliable source of energy it currently contributes most of the electricity we use today. Huge dams are built near bodies of water such as lakes to control the water flow. The dam serves to purpose. One is to control water flow and prevent flooding, second is to channel the water into the turbines which produce electricity. Hydro power is a much cleaner way to produce electricity. Water being a renewable source of energy will never run out. However some environmentalists still protest about using lakes and other bodies of water as an energy source, as they say that it disrupts the waters flora and fauna.

Electricity is also produced through nuclear fission. It is a far more productive use of nuclear power compared to nuclear bombs. Today, 14% of the world's energy comes from nuclear power. Heat is produced during a nuclear fission. The intense heat is then used to heat huge furnace with water. The intense pressure from the steam is then used to drive the turbine and produce electricity. Continues research are still done to make this method of electricity production much safer.

Generating electricity from renewable source of energy is easy these days. With so many DIY kits available in the market, anybody can setup their own renewable energy source. Two of the most popular renewable energy sources today are wind and solar power. Solar power is starting to gain popularity these days. Electricity is generated through photovoltaic cells or concentrating solar power. Wind power is also beginning to catch up for producing electricity. Wind turbines are usually located near farm lands since it requires wide open areas to operate. These two energy sources are just a few of the promising renewable energy sources we would be using in the future.

Electricity Today

Interested in clean energy, green building or LEED Certification? Learn how to save money, increase productivity and drive sales through going green!