Explore Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy | Science Olympiad Class 6 PDF Download

What are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and gas, are natural resources formed from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. They are used to power a wide range of applications, from airplanes to household gas cookers. 

Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change by warming the Earth. Once depleted, fossil fuels cannot be replenished, making renewable energy sources a more sustainable option for long-term use.

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are inexhaustible, such as wind, sunlight, and water, which can be harnessed to generate electricity. Various types of renewable energy include:

• Hydropower: Utilizes the energy of moving water to spin turbines and produce electricity, often through water stored in dams. Tidal and wave energy can also drive turbines.
• Solar energy: Solar panels capture sunlight to generate electricity.
• Wind energy: Wind turbines, typically placed in windy areas like high ground or offshore, convert wind energy into electricity.
• Geothermal energy: Harnesses heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, particularly in volcanic regions, to heat water and produce steam that powers electricity generators.
• Biomass energy: Involves burning organic materials, such as plant waste or dung, to generate energy. It is renewable because growing biomass absorbs carbon dioxide, storing it in soil, plants, or trees.

Compared to fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are cleaner, producing minimal harmful gases that contribute to pollution and climate change. Nuclear energy, while low-carbon, is not renewable due to its reliance on finite radioactive fuel.