Primary energy carriers

 

Content – Energy sources

 


 
Illustration of sources of primary energy
 

Sources of energy – Primary energy

Primary energy or sources of energy are found in nature and has not been subject to conversion or transformation.

The first law of thermodynamics state, “Energy can neither be created nor destroyed”

Energy can only be converted or transformed.
 
For more data on global energy consumption, energy production and emissions view our charts:

Primary energy consumption

Primary energy production

Carbon dioxide emissions

Energy carriers

Energy carriers are transformed from primary energy or primary sources of energy and contain energy that can be converted to other forms such as mechanical work, heat or to operate chemical or physical processes. An energy carrier is a transmitter of energy.

Primary energy Conversion Energy carrier
Crude oil Refinery Fuel (oil, gasoline, etc)
Natural gas Power plant Elctricity, enthalphy (fuel)
Coal Power plant Elctricity, enthalphy
Natural uranium Power plant Electricity
Solar energy Powerplant (photovoltaic),

Powerplant (thermal)

Electricity
Enthalphy
Wind energy Powerplant (wind turbines) Electricity
Tidal energy Power plant (hydro turbines) Electricity
Other water in motion (rivers, waterfalls) Power plant (hydro turbines) Electricity
Biomass Power plant Electricity, enthalphy
Geothermal energy Power plant (steam turbines) Electricity, enthalphy
Earth magnetic field No practical applications
Lightening No practical use

Note 1: There are various, slightly differentiating definitions of primary energy and secondary energy (energy sources) representing various scientific views, preferences and interpretations.
Note 2: There are many more examples of common energy carriers including: Springs, batteries, capacitors, water magazines, hydrogen and wood.
 

Annual global primary energy consumption.

(click on chart to view larger version)

 

Annual growth global primary energy consumption.

Chart providing data for annual growth in global primary energy consumption
MTOE – Million tonnes oil equivalent
Data source
BP Statistical Review of World Energy (www.bp.com)

 
For more data on global energy consumption, energy production and emissions view our charts:

Primary energy consumption

Primary energy production

Carbon dioxide emissions