The Various Sources of Electricity

Electricity is a vital part of human life all around the planet. But, where exactly does it come from? There are actually many different electricity sources that humans use to generate the energy we need. In this article, we’ll explain the different sources of electrical energy and how they differ from one another.

The Main Sources of Electricity

There are a variety of different sources of electricity—both renewable and nonrenewable—that humans use as energy. There are 3 main sources of energy, including:

Fossil Fuels

• Natural Gas - Natural gas accounts for over 38% of the electricity generated in the United States. Natural gas is formed deep beneath Earth’s surface and is made up of gasses like methane. It is used in gas turbines and steam turbines to generate electricity.
  
• Coal - Coal is used to generate about 19% of the electricity produced in the U.S. Coal is mined from various depths below Earth’s surface and is then burned in power plants to heat up water. That heated water then turns to steam, which powers a steam turbine to produce electricity.
  
• Petroleum - Petroleum—also known as crude oil—is primarily used to produce gasoline and other products. The U.S. gets less than 1% of its electricity from petroleum. Similar to coal, petroleum is burned in a power plant and powers a steam turbine that creates electricity.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power accounts for about 19% of electricity produced in the U.S. It involves splitting atoms—known as nuclear fission—in order to generate heat. That heat is used to create steam and power a steam turbine, creating electricity. 

Renewable Energy

There are many different renewable energy sources, but combined they only generate about 20% of the electricity in the U.S. The various types of renewable energy include:

• Hydro - Hydroelectricity—also referred to as hydropower—is generated from moving water. This type of energy involves water passing through a dam or a waterfall, with the force of the water powering a hydraulic turbine that turns the energy from the water into electricity.

• Geothermal - Geothermal energy is energy that is present in hot water reservoirs below the earth’s surface. The steam and heat from these reservoirs can be harnessed in a power plant and converted into electricity.

• Biomass - Biomass is a term used for organic material in the world that can be turned into fuel, like wood, crops, manure, and other waste. The most common process for turning these materials into energy is called direct combustion, which involves burning them and converting the heat into usable energy like electricity.

• Wind - Wind power involves giant wind turbines whose blades are propelled by the wind. When the blades move, they power a drive shaft connected to an electric generator to create electricity.

• Tidal - Tidal power is similar to wind power, but it uses energy from the ocean’s waves to create electricity instead of the wind. Tidal turbines have blades underwater that are propelled by the movement of water in the ocean. These blades then turn a rotor that powers an electric generator, creating electricity.

• Solar - Solar power harnesses the sunlight that travels to Earth from the sun, turning it into electricity. Solar power is the most abundant type of renewable energy, with the earth receiving enough sunlight in 1 hour to power the entire planet for a whole year. Solar power is becoming increasingly popular and is a key to creating a cleaner, brighter future for our planet and everyone on it.

The Elumis Foundation believes that no child should be left in the dark. Our goal is to use solar kits to bring light to families and children around the world who don’t have access to electricity. With the renewable power of the sun, we can change the lives of people all around the world, give them opportunities they wouldn’t have without access to electricity, and help our planet in the process. Find out how you can get involved and help us make a difference today!

About the Elumis Foundation

The Elumis Foundation is a certified non-profit organization that was created in 2018 by siblings Eva and Michael Sakellakis (ages 15 and 13), looking to make a difference. Their father, who has his own successful solar business Elumis, helped and inspired them to form the foundation. Together they formed a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization. This allows all donations to be tax-deductible by the donors. 100% of all donations received will fund the distribution of solar kits to be given to families who do not have electricity in impoverished areas of the world.

Elumis’ goal is to bring light to families and kids without that privilege through solar kits. These solar kits are powered through solar panels and can provide light and electricity for a family for up to 24 continuous hours. The Foundation has already made its first donation of 1000 solar kits in Vietnam and plans to distribute more kits to third-world countries throughout Africa, South East Asia, Central America, and India. Our goal is to distribute at least 100,000 kits to families in need.