Energy (ASCE 2009 Grade: D+)

ENERGY SOURCES

From a civil infrastructure perspective, “energy” is typically either electricity, fuel for heating and cooling buildings, or vehicle fuel. This section will focus on electrical energy and the “power grid.” Electricity is generated from both renewable and non-renewable sources. Major renewable sources include hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass and account for approximately 10 percent of electrical generation in the United States. Nonrenewable (finite) sources include fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas) and nuclear material, which account for approximately 90 percent of electrical generation in the United States (Figure 5.1). Energy sources and their environmental impacts are discussed in greater detail in Chapter 12, Energy Considerations.