Wholesale energy involves buying and selling different types of energy in a market context. Participants include sellers, buyers, and investors. It can take many forms, including electricity and natural gas. Detractors note that it can sidestep government regulations designed to protect consumers. “Wholesale Energy” is a term used to describe the buying and selling of […]
Energy technology involves developing safe, economic, and environmentally friendly systems for producing, transporting, and supplying energy. It requires overlapping disciplines such as physics, chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. Early energy technologies extracted energy from fire, while modern transportation energy technology uses petroleum and electricity. Alternative energy sources are being pursued to develop clean, efficient, and […]
Elastic potential energy is stored energy in a distorted elastic object, such as a spring. It is a type of potential energy, which can come in various forms and is measured in joules, calories, or kilowatt-hours. Distorting an object takes work, and once it passes its elastic limit, it will deform permanently. The equilibrium shape […]
Thermal energy is the energy possessed by a substance due to the movement of its atoms or molecules. Heat is energy that is transferred from one place to another through radiation, conduction, or convection. Thermal energy has been used for cooking, heating, producing energy, and in industry. Geothermal and solar energy are being explored as […]
Gravitational potential energy is gained when an object is moved against gravity. The amount of energy depends on the object’s mass, height, and the strength of the gravitational field. The energy can be calculated using a formula and is used in hydroelectricity and counterweights. Gravitational potential energy is gained by an object when it has […]
Alternative energy sources have been used throughout history to replace harmful energy sources. In the Middle Ages, coal was used as an alternative to wood, and in the 1800s, petroleum replaced whale oil. In the 1900s, ethanol oil was proposed as an alternative to coal and oil. In recent years, biomass sources and low-carbon alternatives […]
Energy transformation is the process of converting energy from one form to another. This occurs in the world and within people, such as when food is consumed. Machines and systems also convert energy, with varying efficiencies. Energy is lost during transformation, often as heat. Energy transformation is the process of transforming energy from one form […]
Natural gas is used for power generation in many countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the US, Qatar, and the UAE. It produces less greenhouse gas emissions than coal or petroleum products and has increased in usage since the mid-20th century. Shale and rock formations are being used to increase natural gas production in the US. […]
New York City’s efforts to improve energy efficiency in public buildings have revealed that some newer “green” buildings score lower than older ones, such as the Chrysler Building, due to factors like thicker walls and fewer windows. The top 2% of the city’s largest buildings use 45% of the energy. As part of the United […]
Nuclear weapons can be recycled for energy, with the US using this method for about 10% of its energy production. Oil is the main energy source, with renewables used to a lesser extent. Nuclear weapons can be recycled and used as an energy source. Many countries that use nuclear energy, including the United States, use […]
Energy economists research global energy supply and use, including climate change, indigenous rights, politics, and sustainability. They work for governments, private companies, research institutions, and academic organizations, studying traditional and alternative energy sources, energy movement, demand, and environmental impacts. They provide advice and recommendations for policies and cost-benefit analysis for energy investments. An energy economist […]
An energy auditor inspects and evaluates a home’s energy efficiency, measuring energy usage, tracking heating and cooling losses, and checking HVAC systems. They need experience in construction or home improvement, technical skills, and the ability to explain systems to homeowners. Specialized equipment is used, and certification programs are available. Homeowners can benefit from energy-related upgrades, […]
Lattice energy is the energy required to split ions of a solid into gaseous ions and atoms. It is measured in kilojoules per mole and used to determine the stability of ionic solids. The Born-Haber cycle is used to calculate lattice energy, which involves ionization energy, electron affinity, dissociation energy, sublimation energy, and heat of […]
Choosing the best renewable energy option depends on the availability of local resources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. Solar and wind energy can be used individually, while geothermal and hydropower require larger infrastructure. Researching the company providing the system’s infrastructure is important, but investors must be prepared to take financial risks. The […]
Solar energy is a renewable resource that has been used for centuries. Scientists are working to make it a viable source of electricity. Solar panels have low efficiency, but benefits include cost savings, no maintenance, and environmental friendliness. Solar energy benefits individuals, businesses, society, wildlife, and the world. Solar energy is radiant energy from the […]
A future civilization could use space elevators and solar energy to disassemble the Earth and convert it into space colonies. The estimated energy cost is 6×10^31 J, but feasible with advanced technology. Solar energy could be harvested using astronomical-sized solar arrays orbiting Mercury. Assuming 50% efficient solar panels absorb 1% of the solar flux, enough […]
Geothermal energy has been used for centuries and is a renewable energy source. It can be used for direct use, geothermal power plants, or heat pumps. While it has advantages and disadvantages, combining energy sources is likely the best solution. The use of geothermal energy, harnessing the natural geothermal energy in the Earth, has been […]
Fossil fuels release energy emissions that cause air pollution and contribute to global warming. While alternative energy sources are available, fossil fuels remain the primary source due to their effectiveness. Fossil fuels are formed from prehistoric plants and animals, and their combustion releases carbon and hydrocarbons into the air, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Other […]
Finding accurate facts about geothermal energy can be difficult due to conflicting information. To increase reliability, consider the source and bias, follow the money, look for ample supporting evidence, and consider the age of the information. There is a lot of conflicting information available on geothermal energy, which can make finding the most accurate facts […]
Solar energy associations bring together companies, non-profits, and government entities to promote solar power generation through education, advocacy, and political activities. Members include solar energy advocates, manufacturers, and those economically connected to the industry. Educational activities and public outreach are also common. A solar energy association is an organization made up of solar energy companies […]
