Energy Source
Energy Sources are natural or processed fuels that produce energy in the form of light, heat, or motion. They are categorized by origin and sustainability.
Classification
Renewable
- Solar: Photovoltaic and thermal conversion of sunlight.
- Wind: Kinetic energy capture via turbines.
- Hydro: Flowing water energy.
- Geothermal: Earth’s internal heat.
Non-Renewable
- Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, natural gas.
- Nuclear Fission: Splitting heavy atoms (e.g., Uranium).
Emerging/Advanced
- Nuclear Fusion: Combining light atoms to release energy. Considered a potential limitless, clean energy source if commercialization hurdles are overcome.
- Recent advancements include the Stellarator design utilized by Germany’s Wendelstein 7-X.
- See: Germany’s Fusion Breakthroughs: Wendelstein 7-X Record and 2045 Commercial Power Plant for details on 2026 records and the projected 2045 commercial plant timeline.
Key Metrics
- Energy Density: Amount of energy stored per unit volume or mass.
- Efficiency: Ratio of useful output to input.
- Carbon Intensity: Greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy produced.
See Also
- Renewable Energy
- Nuclear Physics
- Grid Stability