| Fossil Fuels: Fuel that is formed from the remnants of organic materials (animal and plant matter) that have been converted over time into combustible fuel through various geological processes. Oil, coal and natural gas are the primary forms of fossil fuel. |
| Renewable Energy: Energy derived from processes naturally occurring in nature in ways that generate more usable energy than is expended in the production process. Wind power, solar power, and hydropower are all examples of renewable energy sources. |
| Ethanol: A type of alcohol that can serve as the basis for fuel. |
| Biofuels: Fuels derived from organic matter, such as corn or sugar cane; biomass is one form of renewable energy that not necessarily more environmentally friendly than traditional fossil fuels. |
Types of Energy
In this section, we will consider individually several of the main types of energy and the issues unique to each. Many more topics could be discussed, such as natural gas and electricity markets, but this brief will focus on the role of fossil fuels (oil and coal), nuclear energy, and renewable energy (ethanol, hydrogen, solar, wind, tidal/hydro) in a globalized world.
It will consider a range of issues raised by these forms of energy, from the renewed emphasis on clean coal as a vital element of many countries’ energy portfolios to the risks associated with the proliferation of nuclear materials to the potential impact of biofuels on the environment.
The goal is to provide a foundation for better understanding of the many energy-related events that are constantly unfolding and the relationship between those events and globalization.
* Please note all words in bold appear in the glossary.
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