Energy sources are materials or processes from which energy can be obtained for use in various applications, such as electricity generation, transportation, and industrial activities.
Types of Energy Sources
Energy sources can be categorized into two:
Renewable Sources Non-Renewable Sources
Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Energy – Converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels
✅ Pros: Clean, abundant, and low maintenance
❌ Cons: Weather-dependent, expensive initial setup
Wind Energy – Uses turbines to convert wind into electricity
✅ Pros: Renewable, no emissions
❌ Cons: Needs large land areas, noise pollution, wind dependency
Hydropower – Uses flowing/falling water via dams or tides
✅ Pros: Reliable, efficient, no fuel costs
❌ Cons: Ecosystem disruption, large infrastructure needed
Geothermal Energy – Uses Earth's internal heat
✅ Pros: Constant source, low emissions
❌ Cons: Location limited, costly drilling
Biomass Energy – From organic materials (wood, crop waste, manure)
✅ Pros: Reduces waste, renewable
❌ Cons: Deforestation, burning emissions
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Fossil Fuels – From decomposed plants/animals over millions of years
✅ Pros: High energy output, widely available
❌ Cons: Pollution, global warming, finite supply
Nuclear Energy – From nuclear fission (e.g., uranium-235)
✅ Pros: High efficiency, low carbon emissions
❌ Cons: Radiation risk, nuclear waste disposal
Reminder: Sustainability and the Future
Scientists are researching new sustainable energy solutions like fusion power and hydrogen fuel cells.
The world is shifting toward renewables to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Improving energy efficiency is key to a sustainable future 🌱
Written by Thenura Wickramaratna