Question

What are the sources, uses, and any problems associated with

1) fossil,

2) nuclear, and

3) renewable fuels?

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Answer 1

1) Fossil fuel:

Source: Anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms ageing millions of years. Stored energy is from the photosynthesis of those ancient organisms. These contain high percentage of Carbon.

e.g.- Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas.

Uses: The primary energy sources of the world (~85%) are mostly from these types of fuel. Fossil fuels are used in daily lives of the people around the globe as well as used in commercial industrial sector. The uses includes, transportation, electricity, household uses like cooking gas etc.

Fossil fuels are also used in the production of lubricants and petrochemicals.

Problems: Fossil fuel use has a serious disadvantage which is environmental pollution. These contain high amount of Carbon which is believed to be the main contributor of global warming.

The source of fossil fuel is not finite that means the reserve of fossil fuel is decreasing day by day.

Fossil fuel energy is non-sustainable manner which forces us to think about renewable green sources of energy.

2) Nuclear fuel:

Sources: Nuclear fuels are basically radioactive elements. Common used elements are Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239. When processed in nuclear reactor these elements produce a nuclear chain fission reaction. The process includes mining, refining, using and disposing the fuel collectively known as Nuclear fuel cycle.

Uses: Nuclear fuel has highest practical energy density among all types of fuels. The energy produced in nuclear fission is used in generating electricity. The fission chain reaction allows the continuous generation of energy.

The very hot used or spent fuels are cooled by deep water pools known as coolant for a few years until the removal of decay heat. after the cooling the fuel can be reused.

Problems: This is one of the most risky type of energy production. Accidents happen and their aftermaths last generations after generations. For example, the Chernobyl accident in Russia in 1986. Approximately, 15-30 thousands people lost their lives and more than 2.5 million people are still suffering.

Radioactive wastes are also harmful and the process of Nuclear fuel cycle emits noticable amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Nuclear fuel is not renewable but it is sustainable.

3) Renewable fuel:

Sources: These are produced from Renewable sources like biofuels, hydrogen fuels. Biofuels like vegetable oil, ethanol, methanol, CO₂ or biomass and biodiesel. This type can also include fuels those are synthesized from renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar.

Uses: For great amount of sustainability , low contributions to the carbon cycle and in some cases lo amount of greenhouse gases this fuel type has gained popularity.

Biofuels are being used as alternative of fossil fuels. Bioethanol and biodiesel are used as fuel for vehicles.

The world's largest biodiesel producer is the European Union accounting for 53% of the world's total production in 2010.

Processed Engineered Fuel or PEF is a substitute of fossil fuels in cement kiln industry.

Problems: Renewable energy production often relies on certain weather conditions, this can impact the continuous supply of the energy.

e.g.- Hydro generators need enough rainfall to fill the dams for their continuous supply of water, wind turbines nees wind to turn blades, solar panels need sunshine to get heat for the energy production.

With all these factors it is hard to produce the same amount of energy as non-renewable sources.