The Different Types of Fuel and Energy
Coal
Coal is the result of the accumulation of vegetation over millions of years. Later under pressure from overlying sediments it is hardened through four stages : peat, lignite, bituminous coal, and finally, anthracite. Once the most important source of power, coal's importance now lies in the production of electricty and as a raw material in the production of plastics, heavy chemicals and disinfectants.
Oil
Oil is derived from the remains of marine animals and plants, probably as a result of pressure, heat and chemical action. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons which are refined to extract the various constitutents. These include products such as petrol, gasolene, kerosene, and heavy fuel oils. Oil is rapidly replacing coal because of easier handling and reduced pollution.
Natural Gas
Since the early 1960's natural gas (methane) has become one of the largest single sources of energy. By liquefaction, its volume can be reduced to 1/600 of that of gas and hence is easily transported. It is often found directly above oil reserves and because it is both cheaper than coal gas and less polluting it has great potential.
Water
Hydro-electric power stations use water to drive turbines which in turn generate electricity. The ideal site is one in which a consistantly large volume of water falls a considerable height, hence sources of hydo-electric power stations are found mainly in mountainous areas. Potential sources of hydro-electricity using waves or tides are yet to be exploited widely.
Nuclear Energy
The first source of nuclear power was developed in Britain in 1956. Energy is obtained from heat generated by the reaction from splitting atoms of certain elements of which uranium and plutonium are the most important. Although the initial installation costs are very high the actual running costs are low because of the slow consumption of fuel.
