There are two types of energy: Potential energy (stored energy) and kinetic energy (moving energy). All forms of energy are stored in different ways in the energy sources that we use every day. These sources are divided into two groups, renewable energy and non-renewable energy. Renewable and non-renewable energy can be converted into secondary energy sources like electricity and hydrogen. Secondary sources of energy are used to store, move, and deliver energy in easily usable form. We have to use another energy source to make electricity or hydrogen, e.g. coals.

Energy is measured in joules (J). The work done, or energy used, during a certain time is called power. Power is measured in watts (W). A watt is the use of one joule of energy for one second. A watt is a small amount of energy, thus we measure power in units of 1000 watts for one hour, kilowatts for one hour. 

Non-renewable energy is an energy source that we are using up and cannot recreate in a short period of time. We get most of our energy from non-renewable energy sources, which includes the fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal). They are called fossil fuels, because they were formed over millions of years by the action of heat from the earth's core and pressure from rock and soil on the remains (or ‘fossils’ ) of dead plants and animals.  Examples of non-renewable energy sources are coal, petroleum, natural gas, propane, oil and uranium.

Renewable energy is an energy source that can be replenished in a short period of time. Renewable energy sources are solar energy (sun), wind energy, geothermal energy (from inside the earth), biomass (from plants) and hydropower (water). We use renewable energy sources mainly to make electricity. Also referred to as sustainable energy, which means the sources of energy should be replenishable within a lifetime and should not cause any longterm pollution or damage to the environment.

Cutting through the smog: What to do to fight air pollution - Tackling our air problems starts with traffic control, but individual action to reduce energy use and intensive farming would also help clean our air
Energy security is possible without nuclear power or fracked gas - There is a mantra that nuclear and natural gas power stations are essential to keep the lights on in the UK. It's a myth, says Keith Barnham
The death of King Coal hints we are at a climate turning point - Coal use is dying out and wind and solar energy are booming. This means the world is changing around you despite inaction by backward-looking politicians

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