Non renewable energy sources

We call fossil fuelsCoal, oil and gas are called fossil fuels because they were formed from the remains of prehistoric plants and animals. and nuclear fuels non-renewable energy sources - because they will eventually all get used up and we can't make more of them.

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels - that's coal, gas and oil - contain lots of energy. When they are burned inside a power stationPower stations generate electric current in very large quantities for supply to the national grid., this energy is transferred by heat and light to water to make lots of steam.

Power station boiler only

This steam, which is under high pressure, passes through big pipes to a turbine. The high pressure steam makes the turbine rotate.

Power station boiler turbine

The turbine is connected to a generatorA machine that causes an electric current to flow in wires by taking energy as movement and transferring it to energy as moving charge..

Power station boiler turbine generator

As the generator turns, its energy is transferred by electromagnetic inductionWhen a wire passes close to a magnet (through a magnetic field), an electric current is generated in the wire. to electric currentElectric current is a flow of electric charges (electrons). in the circuits it is connected to.

Nuclear fuels

Nuclear power stations also rely on heating water to make steam which turns a turbine which then turns a generator. The difference is, the energy to heat the water in the first place, comes from a nuclear reactionA nuclear reaction can happen when very small particles of certain types of matter split apart. The reaction releases a lot of heat and other products..

Did you know?

In 1831 Michael Faraday demonstrated electromagnetic force at the the Royal Institution in London, a famous centre for scientific education and research.
At Deptford in 1891, electrical engineer Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti (1864-1930) designed and built the first power station and supply network. His basic system is still used around the world.
Save energy - Use energy efficient light bulbs and, when you are leaving a room empty, remember to turn the lights off.
Save energy - Make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are full before you turn them on and use the lower temperature settings.
Save energy - Finished playing on your games console or other equipment? Remember to switch off!
The Italian inventor Alessandro Volta (1745-1827) is best known for his work on electric current.
In August 1887 the London Electric Supply Corporation commissioned Ferranti to build the first power station. Today our electricity supply is still based on the system that Ferranti designed.
High voltage electricity is carried across the country by pylons and 'stepped down' for domestic use at substations. The National Grid supplies electricity all over the country.
All electrical appliances are rated in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) ( One kilowatt is the same as 1,000 watts). You can use the ratings to compare how much electricity they use.
What is a watt? Why is it called a watt? It's a unit measuring electric power, named after James Watt (1736-1819).
In 1771 Luigi Galvani used electricity to make a dead frog's leg jump!
Modern power stations and steam turbines use the same engineering principles that James Watt (1736-1819) applied when he invented the steam engine.
The first turbine engines were designed by Charles Parson (1854-1931). Today turbine engines used to generate electricity are still based on his designs.
Fossil fuels won't go on for ever - coal could run out in 250 years.
Electricity used at home is metered in 'units' or kilowatt hours (kWh). Each unit is the same as 1,000 watts of electricity used for 1 hour. 1 unit = 1kWh.
Save energy - Don't forget to switch your TV and computer off when you have finished using them.
Electric shock victims often can't let go of the thing that is passing the electric current into their body. That's because the electricity makes their muscles contract.
In 1800 Alessandro Volta built the world's first battery from discs of copper and zinc sandwiched between cardboard moistened with a salty water.
Save energy - Boil just enough water for the number of hot drinks you want to make - that way you won't waste energy.
Today we still use words that Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) introduced: battery, conductor, positive and negative charge, electric shock and electrician.
Thomas Alva Edison 1847-1931 is one of the most successful inventors ever, applying for over 1,300 patents by 1910, mainly to do with electrical or mechanical development.
In the 1780s, Alessandro Volta invented the first battery - all because of Luigi Galvani's experiments with dead frogs.
The ampere is named after André-Marie Ampère (1775-1836). He discovered many of the mathematical principles of electromagnetism.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) developed the first lightning conductor after flying a kite in a thunderstorm. A spectacular but very dangerous experiment!
Michael Faraday (1791-1867) is one of the most famous people involved in the discovery and harnessing of electromagnetic force.
Fossil fuels won't go on for ever - oil could run out in 30 years.
Fossil fuels won't go on for ever - gas could run out in 40 years.
What is a volt? And why is it called a volt? The volt measures electromotive force. It was named after the Italian inventor Alessandro Volta (1745-1827)
In 15 minutes, the sun radiates as much energy onto Earth as all the people on the planet during an entire year. Just imagine if we could channel the sun's energy effectively!
An electric eel can produce powerful electric shocks: up to 500 volts and one ampere of current (in other words, 500 watts).
Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was the first person to create a way of generating a constant current of electricity. His invention led to the power stations we know today.

Non renewable energy sources

Fossil fuels

Nuclear fuels

Danger

Did you know?