Energy resources — Describe

How is useful energy or electrical power generated from each of the main energy resources?

(a) Fossil fuels: chemical energy is released by burning to heat water into steam in a boiler, which drives a turbine connected to a generator. (b) Biofuels: chemical energy stored in plant or animal material is released by burning, driving a boiler, turbine and generator in the same way. (c) Water: kinetic energy in waves, tides, or water falling behind a hydroelectric dam turns a turbine connected to a generator. (d) Geothermal: heat from hot underground rocks heats water into steam that drives a turbine and generator. (e) Nuclear fuel: energy released by nuclear fission heats water into steam in a boiler, driving a turbine and generator. (f) Solar cells: light from the Sun is converted directly into electrical energy. (g) Solar panels: infrared and other electromagnetic waves from the Sun heat water directly; uneven solar heating of the Earth's surface also creates wind, which turns wind turbine blades connected to a generator.