{"id":4587,"date":"2020-03-17T18:54:01","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T18:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dukesafety.com\/schools\/?page_id=4587"},"modified":"2025-07-16T11:50:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T11:50:09","slug":"66551-tell-me-more","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/kids\/66510-energy-smart\/66551-tell-me-more\/","title":{"rendered":"66551 Tell Me More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:#c477c4;--awb-bg-color-hover:#c477c4;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element in-legacy-container\" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"border:4px solid #000000;\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/kids\/66510-energy-smart\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"66510 Energy SMART subpage bnr 1970&#215;220 trans\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1970\" height=\"360\" alt=\"66510 Energy SMART subpage bnr 1970x220 trans\" src=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66510_Energy-SMART_subpage_bnr_1970x220_trans.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-6526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66510_Energy-SMART_subpage_bnr_1970x220_trans-200x37.png 200w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66510_Energy-SMART_subpage_bnr_1970x220_trans-400x73.png 400w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66510_Energy-SMART_subpage_bnr_1970x220_trans-600x110.png 600w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66510_Energy-SMART_subpage_bnr_1970x220_trans-800x146.png 800w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66510_Energy-SMART_subpage_bnr_1970x220_trans-1200x219.png 1200w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66510_Energy-SMART_subpage_bnr_1970x220_trans.png 1970w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1970px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-first\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-right: 4%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:28;line-height:1;\"><h1>Tell Me More<\/h1><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_3 1_3 fusion-one-third fusion-column-last fusion-no-small-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;width:33.333333333333%;width:calc(33.333333333333% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.33333333333333 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-no-small-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:10px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h2 style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66520_Energy-SMART_certificate.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener style= noreferrer\"><i class=\"fa-file-pdf far button-icon-left\"><\/i>Print your certificate<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_3 1_3 fusion-one-third fusion-column-first fusion-no-large-visibility\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;width:33.333333333333%;width:calc(33.333333333333% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.33333333333333 ) );margin-right: 4%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/66520_Energy-SMART_certificate.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener style= noreferrer\"><i class=\"fa-file-pdf far button-icon-left\"><\/i>Print your certificate<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-tabs fusion-tabs-1 classic vertical-tabs icon-position-left mobile-mode-accordion\" style=\"--awb-title-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-title-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-title-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-title-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-alignment:start;--awb-inactive-color:rgba(0,175,239,0.5);--awb-background-color:#f4f4f4;--awb-border-color:#000000;--awb-active-border-color:#005984;\"><div class=\"nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs\" role=\"tablist\"><li class=\"active\" role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-d4a1a903c7eb86969a0\" aria-selected=\"true\" id=\"fusion-tab-energyefficiencyfaq\" href=\"#tab-d4a1a903c7eb86969a0\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Energy Efficiency FAQ<\/h4><\/a><\/li><li role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-69cb874b52ae1782ad1\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-energytimetravel\" href=\"#tab-69cb874b52ae1782ad1\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Energy Time Travel <\/h4><\/a><\/li><li role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-b239f28b615a140cea5\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-energyresourcestoday\" href=\"#tab-b239f28b615a140cea5\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Energy Resources Today <\/h4><\/a><\/li><li role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-bf3d7ed5a1ef17b8686\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-alternativefuelvehicles\" href=\"#tab-bf3d7ed5a1ef17b8686\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Alternative Fuel Vehicles<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-content\"><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs\" role=\"tablist\"><li class=\"active\" role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-d4a1a903c7eb86969a0\" aria-selected=\"true\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-energyefficiencyfaq\" href=\"#tab-d4a1a903c7eb86969a0\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Energy Efficiency FAQ<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix in active\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-energyefficiencyfaq\" id=\"tab-d4a1a903c7eb86969a0\">\n<h2><span class=\"style4\">Energy Efficiency FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)<\/span><\/h2>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-faqs-wrapper #accordian-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#e0dede; }.fusion-faqs-wrapper #accordian-1 .fusion-panel:hover{ border-color: #e0dede; }.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px;width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordian-1 .panel-title a{font-family:\"ClassicComicW01-Italic\";font-style:normal;font-weight:400;}.fusion-accordian  #accordian-1 .panel-title a:not(:hover){}.fusion-accordian  #accordian-1 .toggle-content{font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;}.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333 !important;border-color: #333333 !important;}.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .panel-title a:hover,.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .panel-title a.hover { color: #26bcd7;}.fusion-faq-shortcode .fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #26bcd7;}.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian #accordian-1 .panel-title a.hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #26bcd7!important;border-color: #26bcd7!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-faq-shortcode cc-faq--hover-color\" style=\"\"><div class=\"fusion-faqs-wrapper\"><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group \" id=\"accordian-1\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4590 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">How do power plants make electricity?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2020-03-17T15:08:17+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4590\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4590\" href=\"#collapse-1-4590\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How do power plants make electricity?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4590\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4590\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p>Various energy sources are used to turn turbines. The spinning turbine shafts turn electromagnets that are surrounded by heavy coils of copper wire inside generators. This creates a magnetic field, which causes the electrons in the copper wire to move from atom to atom.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4594 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">Why is it important for people in the United States to save energy? Aren&#8217;t we just a relatively small part of a large planet?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2021-10-04T02:52:56+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4594\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4594\" href=\"#collapse-1-4594\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Why is it important for people in the United States to save energy? Aren&#8217;t we just a relatively small part of a large planet?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4594\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4594\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-2 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p>Although Americans make up only 4.25% of the world&#8217;s population, we use about 19.4% of the world&#8217;s energy!<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4596 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">What kind of a difference does replacing a regular light bulb with an energy-saving bulb really make?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2021-12-15T17:49:14+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4596\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4596\" href=\"#collapse-1-4596\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What kind of a difference does replacing a regular light bulb with an energy-saving bulb really make?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4596\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4596\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-3 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p>Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR certified lights can save $70 a year in energy costs.<\/p>\n<p><cite>(Source: Energy Star)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4599 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">Which type of renewable energy is currently most relied on in the United States?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2021-10-04T02:56:48+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4599\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4599\" href=\"#collapse-1-4599\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Which type of renewable energy is currently most relied on in the United States?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4599\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4599\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-4 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>Wind energy. In 2020, it accounted for 8.4% of all the electricity generated in the United States, and 43% of all the electricity generated from renewable energy. Hydropower was a close second.<\/p>\n<p><em>(Source: Energy Information Association; Electricity in the United States)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4607 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">What&#8217;s the difference between global warming and the greenhouse effect?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2025-07-16T11:39:36+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4607\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4607\" href=\"#collapse-1-4607\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What&#8217;s the difference between global warming and the greenhouse effect?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4607\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4607\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-5 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><p>The greenhouse effect is created because certain gases sent into our atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, allow radiation from the sun to pass through the earth&#8217;s atmosphere but prevent a portion of the infrared radiation from the earth&#8217;s surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space. This process occurs naturally; without it, our planet&#8217;s temperatures would be about 60\u00b0 cooler! Life as we know it simply would not exist without the natural greenhouse effect. However, global warming is happening because the greenhouse effect has become intensified primarily by the burning of fossil fuels, which adds more carbon dioxide and other gases to the atmosphere and increases the warming process.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4609 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">Since global warming is already in effect, isn&#8217;t it too late to make a difference through energy efficiency and conservation measures?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2020-03-17T15:20:56+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4609\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4609\" href=\"#collapse-1-4609\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Since global warming is already in effect, isn&#8217;t it too late to make a difference through energy efficiency and conservation measures?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4609\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4609\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-6 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><p>No! If we get serious about energy-saving practices, we can lower our energy costs by several hundred dollars per household per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4611 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">How can planting trees help counter the effects of global warming?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2020-03-17T15:21:49+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4611\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4611\" href=\"#collapse-1-4611\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How can planting trees help counter the effects of global warming?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4611\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4611\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-7 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><p>Trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and give back oxygen, thus helping reduce the excess of greenhouse gases hovering in the atmosphere and heating up the planet.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4613 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">We don&#8217;t have a hybrid vehicle and can&#8217;t afford to buy one right now. So, since my parents need to drive to work and drive me to school, it seems like reducing the amount of gas we use isn&#8217;t really possible, is it?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2025-07-16T11:40:48+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4613\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4613\" href=\"#collapse-1-4613\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">We don&#8217;t have a hybrid vehicle and can&#8217;t afford to buy one right now. So, since my parents need to drive to work and drive me to school, it seems like reducing the amount of gas we use isn&#8217;t really possible, is it?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4613\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4613\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-8 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><p>Of course it&#8217;s possible! There are numerous other ways to reduce gasoline usage short of switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle. Carpooling, biking, and walking are three excellent ways to significantly reduce gas usage, as are telecommuting for work and riding public transportation. Also, combining trips to school or work with routine errands cuts down significantly on miles traveled.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4615 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">Is it true that cars could run on cow manure?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2020-03-17T15:23:37+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4615\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4615\" href=\"#collapse-1-4615\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is it true that cars could run on cow manure?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4615\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4615\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-9 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><p>Yes! Manure can be made into a gas containing methane. (Methane is the same energy-rich gas found in natural gas.) Certain types of bacteria emit this gas as they consume the waste collected in special air-free tanks. The mixture of gases produced in this way, called biogas, can then be used in some modified car engines instead of gasoline, or burned in a boiler to generate heat or electricity.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4617 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">I have heard that landfills can be a source of energy. How does that work?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2025-07-16T11:41:29+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4617\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4617\" href=\"#collapse-1-4617\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">I have heard that landfills can be a source of energy. How does that work?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4617\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4617\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-10 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><p>Just like manure, other types of organic waste emit methane as they decompose\u2014or rot\u2014in the landfill. Landfills can collect and treat the methane and then sell it as a commercial fuel, or they can burn it to generate steam and electricity. Today, there are more than 620 gas energy landfill projects operating in the United States.<\/p>\n<p><em>(Source: EPA&#8217;s Landfill Methane Outreach Program, Sept. 2018)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4619 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">What are the \u201cthree Rs\u201d of energy conservation?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2020-03-17T15:25:45+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4619\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4619\" href=\"#collapse-1-4619\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What are the \u201cthree Rs\u201d of energy conservation?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4619\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4619\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-11 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><p><strong>Reduce<\/strong>, <strong>reuse<\/strong>, and <strong>recycle<\/strong>. Some ways you can reuse items to reduce waste are to bring your lunch in a lunch box instead of a paper bag, use both sides of each sheet of paper, buy products in bulk, bring your old grocery bags to the store when you shop, and give away old toys and clothes. Encouraging your family and school to recycle cans, bottles, papers, and plastics is also an excellent way to conserve energy and natural resources.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4621 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">How is energy measured?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2025-07-16T11:42:24+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4621\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4621\" href=\"#collapse-1-4621\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How is energy measured?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4621\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4621\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-12 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><p>There are many ways to measure energy. One of the basic measuring blocks for energy is called a \u201cBTU,\u201d which stands for British thermal unit. A BTU is the amount of heat energy it takes to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level. One BTU equals the heat generated by about one blue-tip kitchen match. One thousand BTUs are roughly equivalent to the energy your body receives from eating an average candy bar.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4623 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">What are some good ways to save energy at school?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2020-03-17T15:27:41+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4623\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4623\" href=\"#collapse-1-4623\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What are some good ways to save energy at school?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4623\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4623\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-13 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><p>Make sure the lights and computers are turned off before recess and lunch, and after school; make sure books and furniture do not block the vents in your classroom; keep doors and windows closed when heating or air conditioning is running; turn off the water in the bathroom when you are finished using it; report any water leaks you find to an adult.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4627 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">How does a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb work?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2021-12-16T16:37:41+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4627\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4627\" href=\"#collapse-1-4627\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How does a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb work?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4627\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4627\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-14 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-15 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16\"><p>LEDs, like CFLs, don&#8217;t get particularly hot and thus don&#8217;t waste energy on heat. LEDs are illuminated solely by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material. A semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity (meaning the ability to transfer electrical energy) between that of a conductor and an insulator (hence the prefix &#8220;semi&#8221;). Inside an LED, when an electrical current passes through the semiconductor material, electrons move through the material and drop to other energy levels, and in the process, they emit photons of light. LEDs are becoming an increasingly important and common light source because of their high degree of energy efficiency. LEDs use up to 20% less energy than CFLs and up to 90% less energy than incandescent light bulbs.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-faq-post fusion-faq-post-4625 66551-tell-me-more \"><span class=\"entry-title rich-snippet-hidden\">How does a compact fluorescent light (CFL) work?<\/span><span class=\"vcard rich-snippet-hidden\"><span class=\"fn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/author\/jreece\/\" title=\"Posts by Jennifer Reece\" rel=\"author\">Jennifer Reece<\/a><\/span><\/span><span class=\"updated rich-snippet-hidden\">2025-07-16T11:43:16+00:00<\/span><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 id=\"faq_1-4625\" class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordian-1\" data-target=\"#collapse-1-4625\" href=\"#collapse-1-4625\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-main\"><div class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper-sub\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How does a compact fluorescent light (CFL) work?<\/div><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"collapse-1-4625\" aria-labelledby=\"faq_1-4625\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content post-content\"><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2-15 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-16 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\"><p>Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and other fluorescent light bulbs contain gases (argon and mercury vapor) that produce invisible ultraviolet (UV) light when stimulated by electricity. When the UV light hits the white phosphor coating inside the fluorescent bulb, the phosphor illuminates or &#8220;fluoresces,&#8221; changing the UV light into visible light. CFLs are very energy efficient, using only about one-fifth the energy of a standard incandescent bulb. This is because all of the electricity they use goes toward creating light, whereas the energy used by standard incandescent bulbs creates heat as well as light.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs\" role=\"tablist\"><li role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-69cb874b52ae1782ad1\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-energytimetravel\" href=\"#tab-69cb874b52ae1782ad1\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Energy Time Travel <\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-energytimetravel\" id=\"tab-50caee3e9e62c27c802\">\n<h2>Energy Time Travel<\/h2>\n<p>Humans have always depended on energy to survive.<\/p>\n<p>Early people relied on the sun&#8217;s heat energy for warmth and to grow plants for food and <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-1\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-1\" data-container=\"popover-1\" data-content=\"Any substance that can be burned to make energy.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Fuel\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>fuel<\/strong><\/span>. They relied on their own muscle power and that of their animals to travel and move objects. Their use of animals, water, wind, and wood had only a slight impact on the environment because the earth&#8217;s population was so small and the energy resources they used were renewable.<\/p>\n<p>Today, we rely on <strong><a class=\"fusion-one-page-text-link\" href=\"#tab-b239f28b615a140cea5\">other forms of energy<\/a><\/strong> and the world has 8 billion people and counting! Can you imagine how much energy 8 billion people use and the impact this has on the environment?<\/p>\n<p>Do some research about the history of humans&#8217; energy use, starting with the discovery of fire in 100,000 BC. Choose three widely spaced time periods between then and now (at least 50 years apart) and for each one, answer two or more of these questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How did people cook their food?<\/li>\n<li>How did they keep warm?<\/li>\n<li>How did they travel?<\/li>\n<li>How did they entertain themselves?<\/li>\n<li>How did their energy use affect the environment?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Energy Timeline<\/h2>\n<div class=\"timeline\">\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">100,000 BC<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-fire-alt fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Discovery and use of fire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1000 BC<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-wind fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Wind used to drive ships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">100 BC<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-water fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Waterwheels developed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1700s<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-tree fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Wood commonly used for heating and lighting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1750<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-smog fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Steam engine developed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1800s<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-burn fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Natural gas manufactured from coal widely used for lighting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1885<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-fire fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Coal used for heating most homes in the U.S.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1900<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-lightbulb fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Electricity widely used for lighting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1920<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-car-side fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Model T cars manufactured in large numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1950<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-lightbulb fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>Electricity and natural gas replace wood for heating U.S. homes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">1997<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-tv fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>99% of all U.S. homes have a color TV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"timeline__item timeline__item--year\">2018<\/h3>\n<div class=\"timeline__item\">\n<h4 class=\"timeline__title\"><\/h4>\n<p class=\"timeline__blurb\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-desktop fas circle-no\" style=\"font-size: 1.2rem; margin-right: .5rem; color: #000000;\"><\/i>More than 89% of all U.S. homes have a computer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs\" role=\"tablist\"><li role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-b239f28b615a140cea5\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-energyresourcestoday\" href=\"#tab-b239f28b615a140cea5\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Energy Resources Today <\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-energyresourcestoday\" id=\"tab-b42d1a3d2f19470fe8b\">\n<h2>Energy Resources Today<\/h2>\n<p>The energy resources people use today can be divided into two categories: <a class=\"fusion-one-page-text-link\" href=\"#nonrenewable-resources-energy-smart\"><strong>nonrenewable<\/strong><\/a> and <a class=\"fusion-one-page-text-link\" href=\"#renewable-resources-energy-smart\"><strong>renewable<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"nonrenewable-resources-energy-smart\">\n<h3><strong>Nonrenewable Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nonrenewable resources cannot be replenished. We have limited supplies of them, and when these supplies are gone, we will not have any more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fossil fuels<\/strong> were formed from the organic remains of tiny plants and animals that lived long ago. Most electricity used in the world is generated from power plants that burn fossil fuels to heat water and make steam. The highly pressurized steam is directed at <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-2\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-2\" data-container=\"popover-2\" data-content=\"A device used in the generation of electricity. It has a shaft with blades at one end and electromagnets at the other. Water, steam, or some other energy source pushes the blades; this makes the shaft and the magnets spin very fast. The magnet end is surrounded by heavy coils of copper wire, and the spinning magnets cause electrons in the wire to begin to move, creating electricity.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Turbine\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>turbine<\/strong><\/span> blades to make them spin.<\/p>\n<p>The three forms of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-8024 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/charcoal_close_up-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Few pieces of charcoal on white background\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/charcoal_close_up-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/charcoal_close_up-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/charcoal_close_up.jpg 847w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Coal<\/strong> is a hard, black, rock-like substance made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. There are three main types of coal: <strong>anthracite<\/strong>, <strong>bituminous<\/strong>, and <strong>lignite<\/strong>. The precursor to coal, called <strong>peat<\/strong>, is still found in many countries and is also used as an energy source. Coal is found in many parts of the United States and throughout the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-8022 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/web_oil_drill_workers_silo-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Two oil workers standing near oil drill in predawn light\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/web_oil_drill_workers_silo-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/web_oil_drill_workers_silo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/web_oil_drill_workers_silo.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Oil <\/strong>is a liquid fossil fuel, sometimes also called <strong>petroleum<\/strong>. It is found underground within porous rocks. To obtain oil, companies drill down to deposits deep below the earth&#8217;s surface using oil rigs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Natural gas<\/strong> is made up primarily of a gas called <strong>methane<\/strong>. Methane gas is highly flammable and burns very cleanly. Natural gas is usually found underground along with oil. It is pumped up and travels through pipelines to homes and businesses.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-7150 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/nuclear_plant_night_sky-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Nuclear plant against night sky\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/nuclear_plant_night_sky-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/nuclear_plant_night_sky-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/nuclear_plant_night_sky.jpg 469w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Nuclear power<\/strong> uses heat released from splitting <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-3\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-3\" data-container=\"popover-3\" data-content=\"The smallest unit of matter. Everything in the world is made of different combinations of atoms.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Atom\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>atoms<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0to convert water into steam that turns turbines. Nuclear power plants rely on uranium, a metal that is mined and specially processed. <strong>Fuel rods<\/strong> containing uranium are placed next to each other in a machine called a <strong>nuclear reactor<\/strong>. The reactor causes the uranium atoms to split, and in so doing, they release a tremendous amount of heat.<\/p>\n<div id=\"renewable-resources-energy-smart\">\n<h3><strong>Renewable Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>Renewable energy resources can be replenished in a short period of time, so they will never be all used up. Energy companies around the country are using <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-4\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-4\" data-container=\"popover-4\" data-content=\"Fuels that can be easily made or \u201crenewed.\u201d We can never use up renewable fuels. Types of renewable fuels are solar power, wind power, and hydropower.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Renewable Resources\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>renewable resources<\/strong><\/span> more and more to generate electricity.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7151 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hands-with-wood-stove-pellets-150x150.png\" alt=\"Hands holding wood stove pellets\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hands-with-wood-stove-pellets-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hands-with-wood-stove-pellets-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hands-with-wood-stove-pellets.png 776w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Biomass<\/strong> is organic matter, such as agricultural waste, wood chips, and bark left over when lumber is produced. Biomass can be burned in an incinerator to heat water to make steam, which turns a turbine to make electricity. It can also be converted into a liquid or gas, which can be burned to do the same thing.<\/p>\n<p>Biomass includes <strong>energy crops<\/strong> like wood, straw, and other crops grown primarily for use as a fuel. Energy crops are renewable, but some, like trees, take a long time to grow.<\/p>\n<p>Farmers can grow trees on some of their land instead of wheat or other kinds of food. The wood is harvested regularly, cut into small chips, and burned to provide heat or run small electric power plants.<\/p>\n<p>Another type of energy that is produced from biomass is <strong>methane gas<\/strong>, a by-product of decay in <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-5\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-5\" data-container=\"popover-5\" data-content=\"Places for trash and garbage disposal where the waste is buried between layers of earth.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Landfills\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>landfills<\/strong><\/span>. As garbage rots in the ground, it gives off gases that can be collected and burned to produce heat or electricity.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-7402 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/geyser_blue_pool-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Geyser sending up hot water and steam\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/geyser_blue_pool-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/geyser_blue_pool-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/geyser_blue_pool.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Geothermal energy<\/strong> is steam (or hot water that has been converted to steam) from deep inside the earth. Our planet&#8217;s interior is very hot\u2014at its core, almost 4,000 miles below the earth&#8217;s surface, temperatures may reach over 9,000\u00b0F. This heat is continuously conducted from the earth&#8217;s core to the surrounding layer of rock, the <strong>mantle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>There are some places around the earth where magma (hot molten earth from the mantle) pushes up through cracks into the crust near the earth&#8217;s surface. <strong>Magma<\/strong> can heat nearby rock and water as hot as 700\u00b0F. Some of this hot water reaches the earth&#8217;s surface as hot springs or geysers, and some stays trapped deep underground in cracks and porous rocks. This hot water can be used directly or converted into steam to turn turbines that generate electricity. (The word &#8220;geothermal&#8221; comes from the Greek words<strong> geo<\/strong>, for earth, and <strong>therme<\/strong>, for heat. So geothermal means &#8220;earth heat.&#8221;)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7159 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrogen-AA-batteries-150x150.png\" alt=\"Hydrogen AA batteries\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrogen-AA-batteries-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrogen-AA-batteries-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrogen-AA-batteries.png 606w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Hydrogen<\/strong> is a colorless, odorless gas. <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-6\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-6\" data-container=\"popover-6\" data-content=\"A colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest and most common element in the universe.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Hydrogen\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>Hydrogen<\/strong><\/span> can be converted into electricity through a chemical reaction in a device called a fuel cell. Converting hydrogen into electricity produces no pollution\u2014only water and heat.<\/p>\n<p>If the hydrogen comes from a renewable resource like landfill gas, it is considered renewable. However, if the hydrogen comes from a nonrenewable resource like fossil fuels, it is considered nonrenewable. Whether a fuel cell is using a renewable energy source depends on the source of the hydrogen fuel.<\/p>\n<p>Today, NASA uses hydrogen fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity for astronauts. There are already some <strong><a class=\"fusion-one-page-text-link\" href=\"#tab-bf3d7ed5a1ef17b8686\">cars that run on hydrogen<\/a><\/strong>. In the future, hydrogen will be used to fuel vehicles and airplanes and to provide electricity to buildings.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-7160 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrodam_and_rainbow-150x150.png\" alt=\"Hydrodam with rainbow over water\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrodam_and_rainbow-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrodam_and_rainbow-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/hydrodam_and_rainbow.png 819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Hydropower<\/strong> uses the power of falling water to generate electricity. Water that is stored behind a dam is released and directed through tubes to flow against turbine blades and make them turn. Most <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-7\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-7\" data-container=\"popover-7\" data-content=\"Electricity that is generated when falling water makes a turbine spin.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Hydropower\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>hydropower<\/strong><\/span> facilities are found in hilly or mountainous areas. The Hoover Dam is the most famous hydroelectric facility in the country.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ocean energy<\/strong> is a form of hydropower. Oceans cover more than 70% of the earth&#8217;s surface, making them the world&#8217;s largest solar collectors. The ocean stores thermal (heat) energy, which can be used to generate electricity using special turbine generators.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7163 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/ocean_wave-150x150.png\" alt=\"Large ocean waves\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/ocean_wave-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/ocean_wave-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/ocean_wave.png 819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>The energy of the ocean&#8217;s waves and tides can also be used to generate electricity with dams that force ocean water through turbines, or with buoys embedded with turbines that spin as they shift with the movement of waves. This is called tidal energy, or wave power. The world&#8217;s first wave power station was built on the Scottish island of Islay. Other wave power stations are located in Mutriku Bay, Spain; Jaffa Port, Israel; Kaneohe Bay near Oahu, Hawaii; and Cobscook Bay on the East Coast of the United States near Eastbrook, Maine. Scientists and engineers around the world are working on systems to harness the ocean&#8217;s energy on a large scale.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-7165 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-150x150.png\" alt=\"Solar panels\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/solar-panels.png 819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Solar power<\/strong> is rapidly becoming a widely used form of energy in the United States. Every day, more <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-8\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-8\" data-container=\"popover-8\" data-content=\"Energy from the sun.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Solar Energy\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>solar energy<\/strong><\/span> falls to the earth than all the people on earth could use in 27 years! Special panels of <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-9\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-9\" data-container=\"popover-9\" data-content=\"Cells that collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. \" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Solar Cells\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>solar cells<\/strong><\/span>, or modules, can capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity. These panels are known as photovoltaic, or PV. (&#8220;Photo&#8221; is Greek for light, and &#8220;voltaic&#8221; pertains to electricity.) The electricity they produce can be used right away, fed into the power grid for others to use, or stored in a battery so it is also available on cloudy days.<\/p>\n<p>Another form of solar energy is used for <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-10\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-10\" data-container=\"popover-10\" data-content=\"Parts of a solar water heating system that allow water to be heated by the sun.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Solar Hot Water Collectors\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>solar hot water collectors<\/strong><\/span>, which allow water to be heated by the sun.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7167 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/wind_turbines_against_sky-150x150.png\" alt=\"Wind turbines with sky background\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/wind_turbines_against_sky-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/wind_turbines_against_sky-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/wind_turbines_against_sky.png 819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><strong>Wind power<\/strong> is renewable energy that uses the force of the wind to spin turbines. These spinning turbines generate electricity.<\/p>\n<p>Most wind power is produced at wind farms, which are large groups of turbines in consistently windy locations. A very large wind farm can generate enough electricity for all the homes in a city of about one million people. Small wind turbines can be used for individual homes, businesses, and boats. They can be used to pump water, or the electricity can be stored in large batteries for use at another time.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs\" role=\"tablist\"><li role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-bf3d7ed5a1ef17b8686\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-alternativefuelvehicles\" href=\"#tab-bf3d7ed5a1ef17b8686\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\"><i class=\"fontawesome-icon fa-atom fas\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"font-size:13px;\"><\/i>Alternative Fuel Vehicles<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-alternativefuelvehicles\" id=\"tab-c1ee470074d12797e8f\">\n<h2>Alternative Fuel Vehicles<\/h2>\n<p>Most cars, trucks, and buses on the road today are designed to operate using gasoline or diesel fuel. These are <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-11\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-11\" data-container=\"popover-11\" data-content=\"Fuels that can be used up because they cannot be easily made or \u201crenewed.\u201d Oil, natural gas, and coal are nonrenewable fossil fuels.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Nonrenewable Fossil Fuels\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>nonrenewable fossil fuels<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0that won&#8217;t last forever. Finding alternatives helps to reduce harmful emissions and ensures we meet future transportation needs in a sustainable way.<\/p>\n<p>Alternative fuel vehicles are designed to run on fuels other than gasoline or diesel fuel. Some of these vehicles are already on the road. Others are still in the research and development stage. As increasing numbers of vehicle companies are making alternative fuel vehicles, and research and development into them continues, fuel efficiency, driving range, and speed capacities are likely to improve.<\/p>\n<h3>Electric Vehicles<\/h3>\n<p>Since 1999, when hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) first appeared on the market, automakers have been busy designing and building new models, and there are now several types of EVs on the roads:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a class=\"fusion-one-page-text-link\" href=\"#battery-electric-vehicles-energy-smart\">Battery Electric Vehicles<\/a><\/strong> (BEVs) are powered only by electricity from an on-board battery, charged by plugging into the electrical grid.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"fusion-one-page-text-link\" href=\"#hybrid-electric-vehicles-energy-smart\">Hybrid Electric Vehicles<\/a> <\/strong>(HEVs) use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to propel the vehicle.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"fusion-one-page-text-link\" href=\"#plugin-hybrid-electric-vehicles-energy-smart\">Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles<\/a><\/strong> (PHEVs) use both a gasoline engine and electricity obtained by plugging into the electrical grid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Many EVs are being designed for urban driving because they work well for short distances, lower speeds, and stop-and-go driving. These EVs are smaller than standard passenger vehicles, making them easier to park. They are also more efficient than cars with gasoline engines, and they require less maintenance.<\/p>\n<div id=\"battery-electric-vehicles-energy-smart\">\n<h3>Battery Electric Vehicles<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-7796 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/car_battery_illustration.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of electric vehicle battery\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/car_battery_illustration-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/car_battery_illustration-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/car_battery_illustration.jpg 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/>Battery EVs run entirely on electrical energy. Instead of a fuel tank, batteries store the electricity that is used to operate the vehicle. These batteries can be recharged by plugging the vehicle into a special high-voltage charging station or standard 120-volt or 240-volt household outlets. It takes anywhere from 2 to about 20 hours to recharge the battery, depending on the vehicle&#8217;s charger and the voltage used. The batteries store the electricity until the vehicle is driven.<\/p>\n<p>Early types of battery EVs included golf carts, scooters, and other vehicles used for short trips at low speeds. With rapid industry growth this decade, battery EVs can accommodate both city and highway driving needs. The high-end Tesla can reach speeds of 200 mph and travel almost 400 miles on a single charge. Lower-cost models can reach up to 90 mph and travel 170\u2013259 miles on a charge.<\/p>\n<p>Under the hood, a battery EV consists of an electric motor, one or more controllers, and batteries. The controller governs the amount of electricity that flows from the batteries to the motor when the driver steps on the accelerator. The motor changes electrical energy from the batteries to mechanical energy, which makes the vehicle move.<\/p>\n<p>Driving a battery EV down the road produces no pollution at all. Even when pollution related to power plant electricity production is factored in, these EVs produce less pollution than gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles. Battery EVs are also more efficient than gasoline or diesel vehicles, if you compare the energy used in creating gasoline at a refinery to producing electricity in a power plant.<\/p>\n<p>When a battery EV is stopped in traffic, it doesn&#8217;t have to use fuel to keep the motor running like a gasoline engine does. Added efficiency is created by something called &#8220;regenerative braking.&#8221; When the vehicle slows down, the motor continues to turn, but the power no longer flows to the wheels. Instead, the power is fed back to the batteries, giving them a small charge every time the driver stops or goes downhill.<\/p>\n<div id=\"hybrid-electric-vehicles-energy-smart\">\n<h3>Hybrid Electric Vehicles<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img_border_cs img--mt-sm alignleft wp-image-11141\" src=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_207794229_300px.jpg\" alt=\"300wAdobeStock 207794229 Preview\" width=\"292\" height=\"164\" data-wp-editing=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A hybrid vehicle is any vehicle that uses two or more power sources. The most common hybrids on the road today are gasoline-electric hybrids, also called hybrid EVs. A gasoline engine and an electric motor power these vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>Since 1999, when hybrid electric vehicles first appeared on the market, automakers have been busy designing and building new models. There are now over 60 models of HEVs on the market, with the Toyota Prius remaining the top-selling HEV since its introduction in 2000.<\/p>\n<p>The major components of an HEV include a gasoline engine, an electric motor, a <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-12\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-12\" data-container=\"popover-12\" data-content=\"The system in an automobile that transfers energy from the engine or motor to the wheels, causing the wheels to turn.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Transmission\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>transmission<\/strong><\/span>, and, in some models, a <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-13\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-13\" data-container=\"popover-13\" data-content=\"A device that generates electricity.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Generator\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>generator<\/strong><\/span>. A fuel tank stores gasoline for the engine, and a battery pack stores electricity for the motor. The battery is charged by the gasoline engine and by the electric motor or generator during normal operation. Regenerative braking charges the batteries slightly when the car slows down, recovering some of the energy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"plugin-hybrid-electric-vehicles-energy-smart\">\n<h3>Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>Another type of hybrid electric vehicle is the plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, which uses both gasoline and electricity. These vehicles have two power systems, an internal combustion engine and a battery. Unlike the regular hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, the PHEV&#8217;s battery can be recharged either by the gas engine or by plugging the vehicle into an external source of electricity. Some PHEVs are known as extended-range electric vehicles, or EREVs, because their secondary power source provides enough fuel to allow the vehicle to drive hundreds of miles when the batteries become low.<\/p>\n<p>All types of hybrid EVs use smaller, more efficient gasoline engines than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. They also burn less fuel than conventional vehicles, thus producing fewer pollutants and releasing less carbon dioxide into the air.<\/p>\n<h3>Natural Gas Vehicles<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-7941 img_border_cs img--mt-sm\" src=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/3b_van.jpg\" alt=\"Cut away illustration Natural Gas Vehicle showing its engine fuel line cylinders and regulator\" width=\"180\" height=\"103\" \/>Vehicles that run on natural gas instead of gasoline are called natural gas vehicles (NGVs). Natural gas that has been compressed into special high-pressure cylinders to get more volume into a smaller amount of space is called compressed natural gas, or CNG. Some NGVs run on CNG only, and others can run on either CNG or gasoline. Some long-haul trucks and transit buses run on liquefied natural gas, or LNG, which is made by cooling natural gas to condense it into a liquid.<\/p>\n<p>When the engine of an NGV is started, natural gas flows into a fuel line and then enters a regulator where the gas pressure is reduced. A fuel injection system mixes the gas with air and feeds the mixture into the engine. The fuel-air mixture is adjusted to burn efficiently and with the least possible emissions. Natural gas burns in the engine just like gasoline.<\/p>\n<p>NGVs produce fewer pollutants than gasoline or diesel vehicles and cost less to maintain. The tanks used to store natural gas can withstand crashes and heat far better than most gasoline tanks can. In the event of a crash, natural gas disperses into the air, unlike gasoline, which pools on the ground and creates a fire hazard.<\/p>\n<h3>Fuel-Cell Vehicles<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8045 img_border_cs img--mt-sm\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fuelcell-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of fuel cell\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fuelcell-200x136.jpg 200w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fuelcell-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fuelcell-400x273.jpg 400w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fuelcell.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs), currently in development, are powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Fuel cells produce electricity by combining oxygen with <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-14\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-14\" data-container=\"popover-14\" data-content=\"A colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest and most common element in the universe.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Hydrogen\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>hydrogen<\/strong><\/span>. A fuel-cell car would operate much like an EV, except that it would depend on a supply of hydrogen, rather than a battery pack, for power.<\/p>\n<p>The components of one prototype FCV include three stacks of fuel cells, a tank of hydrogen, an electric motor, and an inverter. The fuel cells operate something like batteries in reverse. Inside each fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen from the air are combined in a reaction that splits the molecules into protons and electrons and produces electric current. The inverter changes the <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-15\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-15\" data-container=\"popover-15\" data-content=\"Electricity that flows in only one direction in a circuit. Batteries use direct current electricity, also known as DC power.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Direct Current\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>direct current<\/strong><\/span> produced by the fuel cell into <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-16\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-16\" data-container=\"popover-16\" data-content=\"Also known as AC power, alternating current is electricity that reverses direction within a circuit. The electricity we use in our homes does this 120 times per second.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Alternating Current\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>alternating current<\/strong><\/span> that powers the electric motor, which turns the vehicle&#8217;s wheels. The electric current also charges a conventional car battery that powers the car&#8217;s lights, radio, air conditioning, and so on.<\/p>\n<p>FCVs are twice as efficient as gasoline or diesel engines, and they produce no pollutants or carbon dioxide. The only tailpipe emission is water vapor. The biggest challenge now facing the developers of FCVs is where to get the hydrogen.<\/p>\n<p>Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of resources, including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, biomass, and other renewable energy technologies. The environmental impact and energy efficiency of hydrogen depends greatly on how it is produced. At the present time, fossil fuels are the most convenient source of hydrogen. But using fossil fuels to produce hydrogen creates pollution and adds to the consumption of nonrenewable resources.<\/p>\n<p>Alternative sources of hydrogen include plant crops, agricultural waste, and wastewater from food processing plants. But, at least so far, so much energy is required to extract hydrogen from these sources that it becomes too expensive to use as a vehicle fuel. FCVs that arrive on the market in the next few years will probably use hydrogen-rich fuels such as methanol, natural gas, or even gasoline, but these fuels must first be converted into pure hydrogen gas by an onboard device called a reformer. The long-term goal is to find more effective and efficient ways to produce and store hydrogen.<\/p>\n<h3>Biodiesel Vehicles<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-7801 img_border_cs\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fries_in_fryer-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Fries in fryer sitting in hot oil\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fries_in_fryer-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fries_in_fryer-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/fries_in_fryer.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils from fast food restaurants, and certain animal fats, such as fish oil or beef tallow. Biodiesel can be used in any <span class=\"fusion-popover popover-17\" data-animation=\"1\" data-class=\"popover-17\" data-container=\"popover-17\" data-content=\"A type of engine invented by Dr. Rudolf Diesel at the end of the 19th century. It was originally designed to run on a variety of fuels, including vegetable oils.\" data-delay=\"50\" data-placement=\"top\" data-title=\"Diesel Engine\" data-toggle=\"popover\" data-trigger=\"hover\"><strong>diesel engine<\/strong><\/span> in place of diesel fuel. No engine modification is necessary, because diesel engines were originally designed to run on a variety of fuels, including vegetable oils.<\/p>\n<p>Biodiesel is easy to make and store, and it is safer to transport than diesel fuel. It helps increase engine life. Using it reduces the consumption of fossil fuels. Compared to diesel fuel, biodiesel produces almost no pollutants and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions. It&#8217;s also more pleasant to use\u2014the exhaust from a biodiesel vehicle often smells like popcorn or French fries! In some regions of the United States, biodiesel is becoming popular as a fuel for agricultural equipment, such as tractors and trucks, as well as for passenger vehicles.<\/p>\n<h3>People-Powered Vehicles<\/h3>\n<p>In many parts of the world, especially in places where vehicles and fuel are expensive and difficult to obtain, people depend on their own two feet for transportation. Wheelbarrows, rickshaws, and bicycles are just a few examples of transportation devices that run solely on people power.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-fusion-200 wp-image-6949 img_border_cs img-mt--sm\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/kids_on_bikes-200x133.jpg\" alt=\"Kids on bikes\" width=\"200\" height=\"133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/kids_on_bikes-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/kids_on_bikes-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/kids_on_bikes-400x265.jpg 400w, https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/kids_on_bikes.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Using people power whenever possible makes a lot of sense. Walking and bicycling produce no pollutants and help keep the environment healthy. They also contribute to personal health\u2014getting plenty of exercise can lengthen a person&#8217;s life span and help avoid health problems like obesity and heart disease. And people are easy to fuel\u2014all it takes is food!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-17 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-one-fifth fusion-column-first\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;width:20%;width:calc(20% - ( ( 4% + 4% ) * 0.2 ) );margin-right: 4%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-18 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-three-fifth\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;width:60%;width:calc(60% - ( ( 4% + 4% ) * 0.6 ) );margin-right: 4%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-aligncenter\"><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat button-large button-custom fusion-button-default button-1 fusion-button-span-no fusion-button-default-type fusion-has-button-gradient button-text\" style=\"--button_accent_color:#000000;--button_accent_hover_color:#000000;--button_border_hover_color:#000000;--button_border_width-top:3px;--button_border_width-right:3px;--button_border_width-bottom:3px;--button_border_width-left:3px;--button_gradient_top_color:#ffb404;--button_gradient_bottom_color:#ffe100;--button_gradient_top_color_hover:#ffe100;--button_gradient_bottom_color_hover:#ffb404;\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/kids\/66510-energy-smart\/\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text awb-button__text awb-button__text--default\">&lt; Back to Energy-SMART!<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-19 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-one-fifth fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;width:20%;width:calc(20% - ( ( 4% + 4% ) * 0.2 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"parent":2139,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4587","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4587"}],"version-history":[{"count":83,"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4587\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13732,"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4587\/revisions\/13732"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/safety.duke-energy.com\/schools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}