Introduction

Abstract

Energy is the integral part for the sustenance of human beings. The resources that are being used for generation of energy have to be efficient in terms of economics and emitting least pollutants. Energy derived from fossil fuels resources (fossil fuel energy) is primarily utilized for generation of electricity, industrial production and other day-to-day necessities of the life. Petroleum i.e. oil, natural gas (primarily methane) and coal are the main constituents of the fossil fuel. Energy derived from geothermal resources contributes to about 0.3% with electricity generating capacity of global energy consumption. Primary geothermal provinces are located in tectonic regions are confined to rims of the Pacific Ocean; the region characterized by most active earthquakes and volcanoes and is popularly called the Ring of Fire. Another important energy resource that is extensively promoted is the use of nuclear energy. The energy produced by the fission process is about millions of times the energy produced by the combustion of an atom of carbon from coal. Different forms of energy associated with natural resources such as sun (solar energy) and oceans are quite extensive and inexhaustible and considered as renewable form of energy. The kinetic energy associated with wind, tides, oceanic waves can be utilized to generate electricity. The potential and kinetic energy associated with hydrothermal means and being utilized for generation of electricity works out to be most cost effective and least pollutant. This chapter provides an overview of different forms of energy and their impact on human life.