The Energy Value Chain |
|
Renewable energy technologies convert those source of primary energy such as wind and solar to energy forms that humans can readily use, including heat and electricity. There are numerous ways to convert primary energy forms into consumable forms of energy. Electricity is perhaps the most precious form of energy, as it is most versatile in usage. However, electricity cannot be stored and has to be consumed instantly. Due to the intermittent nature of many renewable sources, the issue of storing electricity is of particular importance. Surplus energy can be used to pump water up to dammed mountain lakes or to re-charge batteries. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is an energy carrier, a fuel that is man-made.
Primary energy consumption is the amount of primary energy used net any imports and exports.
|
|