Chemical energy is an essential energy source we use daily. It’s one of many types of energy and potential energy found in chemical compounds. Chemical energy can be used to release or store energy, leading to certain chemical reactions. When bonds break, potential chemical energy is released. When new bonds form, energy is saved.
Exothermic reactions are an example of chemical energy. Energy is released as heat or light when molecules react with other substances. Radiant energy is another type of chemical energy released when compounds break down into elements. Chemical potential energy is stored in food and various chemical compounds.
Energy transforms into kinetic or thermal energy with processes like photosynthesis. Plants absorb solar rays and convert them into chemical potential energy stored in the glucose molecule. Glucose stores potential energy that can later turn into electrical power.
It’s important to understand the effect chemical reactions have on the environment. Reactions can lead to emissions like carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. During WWII, tens of thousands died from an atomic bomb – chemicals were involved too. Chemical energy is like a secret vault of power, waiting to be unlocked through a reaction.
What is Chemical Energy?
To understand chemical energy, which is a vital energy source in our everyday lives, this section will provide solutions by discussing the definition of chemical energy. Along with that, it will briefly introduce the types of chemical energy and potential chemical energy. Chemical energy is a form of potential energy stored in chemical compounds that can be used to release energy through a chemical reaction. It can take many forms and has the ability to transform from one form of energy into another, such as electromagnetic energy or radiant energy.
Definition of Chemical Energy
Chemical energy is potential energy stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules.
It’s released when a chemical reaction happens, forming or breaking bonds. This energy is found in food, fuel, and living cells. It can be used to power processes by breaking or forming chemical bonds.
We can measure how much chemical energy is in something using calorimetry or bomb calorimetry. Calorimetry measures the heat released or absorbed during a reaction. Bomb calorimetry measures the heat from burning a substance.
Exothermic reactions give off heat, light, or other forms of radiation. Endothermic reactions absorb heat, resulting in cooling.
To make use of chemical energy, we must first understand it. This can be done by finding alternate sources for fossil fuels that release harmful emissions when burned. We can also adopt more efficient processing techniques to reduce waste and optimize yield.
Chemical energy has many uses. It’s important in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. Harnessing the energy stored in chemical bonds can help us create sustainable solutions to global issues like climate change and resource depletion.
Types of Chemical Energy
Chemical Bonds Store Various Types of Energy
Substances have the ability to store energy through chemical interactions. This form of energy is known as chemical energy. It appears in many forms. Here, we’ll explore them.
Chemical Energy Table:
The following table gives examples of chemical energy:
Type of Chemical Energy | Definition |
Heat | Thermal energy associated with a substance |
Electromagnetic radiation | Waves or particles carrying ionizing radiation |
Kinetic Energy | Energy associated with an object’s motion |
Potential Energy | Stored energy within an object’s position or configuration |
Further Insights:
Chemical energy is due to the arrangement of atoms in molecules. Covalent bonds, which involve shared electrons between atoms, hold potential chemical energy. To break a covalent bond, power has to be put in to overcome the force binding the atoms.
Suggested Measures:
To optimize and control chemical energy exchange pathways among systems, understanding transition-state energetics is important. Additionally, studying and refining reaction mechanisms can help with production and catalysis design.
Potential chemical energy is like a gun that’s just waiting for a spark.
Potential Chemical Energy
Potential Chemical Energy is chemical energy stored in substances due to their molecular bonds. This arises from the potential energy held by atoms and molecules, which can vary.
The table below shows how different substances hold different amounts of Potential Chemical Energy:
Substances | State | Heat capacity (J/mol*K) | Enthalpy (kJ/mol) |
Methane | Gas | 35.7 | -74.9 |
Octane | Liquid | 257.9 | -2490.8 |
Glucose | Solid | 199.9 | -1273.0 |
This energy affects the uses and behavior of the substance. For example, glucose stores energy for metabolic processes.
The awareness of Potential Chemical Energy dates back to Industrial Revolution when coal was used because of its high energy content.
When chemical energy is released, it can be liberating – like a clingy ex finally letting go.
Release of Chemical Energy
To unleash vital energy sources, you need to understand the release of chemical energy in everyday life. Our lives are filled with many types of energy and chemical energy is one of them. Chemical reactions and energy release take place when bonds are broken. Chemical reactions produce either radiant energy, electricity, or heat energy, which are examples of chemical energy release. Exothermic reactions and heat energy are two other vital examples of chemical energy release. Let’s dive deeper into chemical reactions and energy release, examples of chemical energy release, exothermic reactions, and heat energy.
Chemical Reactions and Energy Release
Chemical reactions happen when substances mix and form new products through broken and formed chemical bonds. Energy is released or taken in during this process. This energy variation between reactants and products is called the heat of the reaction. When more stable products are made from less stable reactants, energy is discharged. This can be seen as light, sound, or heat. Factors like reactant amount and catalysts affect the energy that is emitted.
In biology, chemical reactions provide cells with energy for activities like muscle contractions and nerve impulse sending. An example is cellular respiration which produces high-energy molecules for an organism’s needs.
Exothermic (energy-releasing) reactions are favored over endothermic (energy-absorbing) ones due to their Gibbs-free energy. Exothermic reactions release more heat than their enthalpy and a positive Gibbs free energy results, showing thermodynamic forces.
ChemicalReviews.org has published “Energy Release during Reactions“. Join us for some awesome science as we explore the exciting world of chemical energy release!
Examples of Chemical Energy Release
Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules. When these bonds break, energy is released, and new compounds are formed. This process is called ‘Chemical Energy Release.’
To explore further, let’s look at a few examples in the table:
Chemical Reaction | Energy Released |
Gasoline in a car engine | Thermal Energy |
Burning wood | Thermal Energy |
Flashlight batteries | Electrical Energy |
Digestion | Mechanical/Thermal Energy |
These are just a few of the many ways chemical reactions release energy. Some require input, while others happen spontaneously. The type of energy released can depend on the reaction and elements involved.
For instance, Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. He mixed nitroglycerin with absorbent materials like sawdust or diatomaceous earth. Detonating dynamite releases thermal and mechanical energy, which is useful for construction and demolition. Unfortunately, its destructive potential caused several casualties in wars.
Get ready to feel the heat, cause these exothermic reactions are bringing the fire!
Exothermic Reactions and Heat Energy
Certain chemical reactions release energy as heat. This is known as exothermic energy. The reactions feature the transfer of electrons between atoms, which creates new chemical bonds. As these bonds form, energy is released, increasing temperature.
An example of an exothermic reaction is fuel combustion. When gasoline and oxygen mix, they produce carbon dioxide and water vapor, plus heat energy. This process is needed for cars and other vehicles.
Industrial processes use exothermic reactions too. They are essential for extracting metals from ores and making fertilizers from ammonia.
Antoine Lavoisier first classified exothermic reactions in the late 1700s. Storing chemical energy is like putting money in the bank – but withdrawing it the wrong way could cause a huge explosion.
Storage of Chemical Energy
To store chemical energy and transform it into other forms of vital energy sources, we need to explore the section “Storage of Chemical Energy”. This section primarily focuses on “Chemical Compounds and Energy Storage”, “Potential Chemical Energy and Energy Storage”, and “Examples of Chemical Energy Storage“. By examining these sub-sections, we can gain an understanding of the various types of chemical energy in our everyday lives, and how they can be stored and transformed into different forms of energy.
Chemical Compounds and Energy Storage
Chemicals possess the skill to store energy, which is freed when they react chemically. Storing and releasing energy from chemicals is a great source of power for many applications.
A table can show the potential energy in different chemical compounds. For instance, Hydrogen fuel cells give an efficient way to capture and use electrical energy freed from chemical reactions. Methane gas combustion offers several benefits as a reliable heating source.
Some chemicals need more activation energy than others to release their stored energy. The amount of energy needed to activate alters depending on the compound’s characteristics.
Pro Tip: Always handle chemicals cautiously and keep safety rules when storing and using them. Don’t underestimate the potential of chemicals – they can hold energy tighter than an ex who holds a grudge!
Potential Chemical Energy and Energy Storage
Chemical energy can be captured and stored in many ways to become potential energy. You can show this power by using a table with three columns. One column for the kind of chemical energy, another with examples of its use, and the last column for the way it is stored.
Types of chemical energy are electrochemical, thermal, and radiant. All of these can be changed into electricity or mechanical work. An example of a way to store electrochemical potential is with chemical batteries.
The sun is the main source of usable energy on Earth. It gives us fossil fuels and photosynthesis helps living things store solar energy.
Think of chemical energy storage like a pantry – some for emergencies, others for special events. (Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
Here is a table showing the types of chemical energy, their examples of use, and the way they are stored:
Type of Chemical Energy | Examples of Use | Way of Storage |
Electrochemical | Chemical batteries, fuel cells | Charge separation within an electrolyte |
Thermal | Combustion of fuels, geothermal energy, heated metals | The heat of the reaction is stored in molecules |
Radiant | X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, microwaves | Electromagnetic waves are converted to other forms of energy |
Examples of Chemical Energy Storage
Chemical energy storage is a good way to meet society’s energy needs. Here are a few:
Table of Chemical Energy Storage Examples:
Storage Type | Examples |
Batteries | Lithium-ion, Lead-acid, Nickel-cadmium |
Hydrogen | Compressed gas, Liquid, and Metal hydrides |
Fuel Cells | Proton exchange, Alkaline, Solid oxide |
Thermal | Solar, Molten salt, PCM |
Research is happening for better ways to store energy chemically. Scientists are creating supercapacitors with high energy and long life.
In Africa, Sarah installed solar plus a battery bank to store the energy. Now they have power for lights and appliances during outages, thanks to the chemical energy stored. It’s made a big difference in their lives.
Chemical energy is like a warm hug – it comforts until it’s gone.
Use of Chemical Energy
To use chemical energy, power plants harness it from non-renewable and renewable sources. In this section about the “Use of Chemical Energy,” we explore three sub-sections that explain this concept. First, you will read about how power plants use chemical energy to generate electricity. Next, we’ll cover examples of renewable energy sources that harness chemical energy. Finally, you will learn how solar panels convert solar energy to chemical energy and store it in batteries.
Power Plants and Chemical Energy
Chemical energy is key to generating electricity. Power plants use various forms of it to produce an electric current. Burning fossil fuel and spinning turbines to make steam creates electricity.
Coal-fired power plants release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Natural gas and oil stations also rely on chemical reactions. Nuclear power plants generate heat that produces electricity.
New technology like carbon capture and clean coal can help reduce emissions from traditional power plant processes. This helps the environment.
Power has changed societies and improved economic stability in many countries. As tech advances, non-renewable sources like nuclear and fossil fuel-powered stations are still used to meet the demand for electricity.
Chemical energy is essential for sustainable solutions. As we strive for a greener environment, we must consider how chemical energy promotes upscaling without harming the planet.
Chemical processes have revolutionized electrical power production. As we move towards a more sustainable world, our understanding of this energy must also develop.
Renewable Energy Sources and Chemical Energy
Renewable energy sources can be converted into chemical energy. Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel can be produced from renewable sources like agricultural waste and algae.
Types of renewable energy include:
- Solar Energy: Photovoltaics (PV)
- Wind Energy: Wind turbines
- Hydropower Energy: Dams
- Geothermal
- Tidal
- Oceanic
These renewable sources emit fewer pollutants, reducing the carbon footprint while providing sustainability. Industries are investing in exploring methods to unlock the potential of renewable energies for a cleaner future.
Did you know? The largest form of natural gas reserves today is coalbed methane. Solar panels can’t power a sense of humor. Source: EIA.
Solar Panels and Conversion to Chemical Energy
The Photovoltaic (PV) process, also known as solar energy conversion, transforms light into electricity. This electricity is then stored in chemical bonds. This allows us to store excess energy during sunny periods for later use.
Solar Panels and Chemical Energy: Photovoltaic Cells transform sunlight into electrical energy. Lithium-ion Batteries store electrical energy. Hydrogen Fuel Cells convert hydrogen gas and oxygen into electricity.
Solar panels can generate electricity and produce chemical fuels, such as hydrogen gas. This could power vehicles or generators. It could lead to a new era of renewable energy technologies!
Invest in cutting-edge renewable energy technology companies which are paving the way for a sustainable future. Get ahead of the game and make your move now! Chemical energy is always working hard, just like a coffee addict on Monday morning.
Chemical Energy in Everyday Life
To understand chemical energy in your everyday life, you can look at three examples of how chemical energy plays a vital role. Food plays a crucial role in serving as a source of chemical energy. You can see the manifestation of chemical energy in the burning of wood that produces heat energy due to chemical reactions. Also, gasoline stores a significant amount of chemical energy which can be converted into kinetic energy for fueling automobiles. These three sub-sections will give you insights into how chemical energy is transforming one form of energy into another, storing potential energy and then using it, and how atoms release energy while forming new bonds.
- Food and Chemical Energy
- Burning of Wood and Chemical Energy Release
- Gasoline and Chemical Energy Conversion
Food and Chemical Energy
Food is a must-have for humans to survive and keep up with daily activities. It has carbs, proteins, and fats – all macro-nutrients that break down into simpler molecules to produce energy.
Fruits have 60-80 calories per serving, veggies have 20-50, grains have 80-100, dairy products have 80-110, and meat has 150-200.
When food is ingested, it breaks down into glucose. The energy is stored in ATP molecules, which the body uses to do metabolic reactions. Different people require different amounts of energy based on age, sex, activity level, and metabolism rate. A balanced diet, with the right amounts of nutrients, plus staying hydrated and limiting sugar and unhealthy fats, keeps energy levels up and helps maintain healthy body weight. Exercise helps keep the metabolic pathways working properly.
To keep energy levels up, one needs to get plenty of sleep – 7 hours minimum. Stress management is also essential to prevent any issues with cortisol hormones, which can affect energy levels.
Burning of Wood and Chemical Energy Release
When wood burns, it undergoes an exothermic reaction, releasing chemical energy in the form of heat, light, and sound. This amount of energy released depends on factors such as the size, species, and moisture content of the wood. But this chemical energy release can also be risky, such as causing environmental pollution and fire hazards.
Humans have been using wood as fuel for heating and cooking for a long time. As technology advanced, new sources of fuel were discovered, reducing our dependence on wood. Nevertheless, biomass is still a significant renewable energy source.
In 1777, Antoine Lavoisier, a French scientist, described the pyrolysis process that takes place when wood is burned. He said that oxygen is consumed and that wood is only changed into gases and vapors while heat and light are released. Later on, in 1839, German chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius proposed the term ‘calorie‘ to explain the heat produced during combustion reactions like wood burning.
Gasoline may be liquid gold at the pump, but it’s the chemical energy conversion that really gets our engines revving.
Gasoline and Chemical Energy Conversion
The conversion of chemical energy into gasoline is essential in our daily lives. We fill up our cars with it and its molecules convert to mechanical energy. This energy is what enables us to drive. Gasoline is made of hydrocarbons that contain potential energy. The reaction between fuel and oxygen in the engine’s combustion chamber drives pistons, creating motion.
Gasoline is an efficient fuel, but it releases toxic gases like carbon monoxide. Using cleaner fuels, like biofuels or electric-powered vehicles, can reduce emissions and help protect the environment.
Regular maintenance, like tune-ups and checking tire pressure, contribute to better fuel efficiency by reducing drag on the engine. Plus, observing speed limits and avoiding sudden acceleration can conserve fuel and promote road safety.
You don’t need to be a chemist to appreciate the energy from things like coffee or chili!
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Detailed Explanations
The conversion from potential to chemical energy depicts how stationery molecules form chemical bonds. The article discusses such an example of potential energy to chemical energy, which is listed below:
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Battery
It operates on the electrochemical principle where energy is converted from electric to chemical and vice versa. The battery holds the electric potential energy in a chemical state within its stationary particles during charging. In contrast, the chemical reaction delivers electric energy during the discharging.
That means chemical energy has both forms. i.e., potential energy and kinetic energy. When the energy is held in the chemical bonds of stationary particles, it is chemical potential energy.
The energy is released after a particle breaks bonds when it reacts with other particles; it is transformed into chemical kinetic energy, which causes work through particle movement.
Read more about Examples of Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Electrolyte Cell
It encloses a cathode and anode as electrodes dissolved by a chemical solution termed electrolyte. On incoming electrical energy, an electrolysis process decays the chemical compounds at electrodes which induces a non-spontaneous chemical redox reaction, delivering the chemical energy in the cell.
The conversion from electrical to chemical energy occurs due to oxidation and reduction of chemical reactions at both electrodes. Unlike surfaces, a chemical reaction happens between the two electrodes. That’s why the unlike substances have chemical energy because of the electrostatic attraction between their chemical bonds.
Chemical Energy in Electrolyte Cell (credit: Shutterstock )
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Coal and Wood
The combustion process breaks the bonds between molecules that store the chemical potential energy within the surface. The broken bonds release the energy so that stationary particles react to surrounding air molecules to construct another chemical element.
When heat energy is provided to the coal or wood that contains Methane CH4, a natural gas, it reacts to oxygen O2, discharging chemical energy to create light and heat energy as a fire; and then assembling new elements as carbon dioxide CO2, water H2O, and ashes ΔH.
Like coal or wood, each chemical compound has potential energy held into its chemical bonds. When any contact or non-contact force functions on such compounds, it damages their chemical bonds. The chemical energy is radiated in heat energy, i.e., either exothermic or endothermic.
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Candle Wax
It is a Paraffin Wax C25H52 that contains the chemical potential energy. When we ignite the candle, it supplies heat energy to wax from its wick. The paraffin wax melted to expose to the air molecule O2 and create carbon dioxide CO2 and water molecule H20.
The reactions due to burning provide heat energy and light energy through a wick.
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Air Bag
Have you known the airbag that protects the driver during an accident is activated when chemical reactions happen within the bag? When a car unexpectedly deaccelerated, the sensor in the system turned on the electrical panel, which ignited the Sodium Azide NaN3 inside the bag.
The chemical reaction yields nitrogen gas, filling the bag at a highly rapid rate.
Chemical Energy in Air Bag
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Petroleum
It comprises both crude oil and natural gas with molecules of hydrogen and carbon that keep the potential energy chemically in any vehicle’s tank. The combustion of petroleum or gasoline creates chemical energy, composing different chemical elements.
The newly formed Isooctane C8H18 and oxygen O2 are subjected to the engine, burning steadily to do the tasks.
- Some of its transformed chemical kinetic energy enables the vehicle to move on the road.
- Some of the potential chemical energy is transformed into heat energy as the vehicle’s engine becomes hot.
Chemical Energy in Fuels-Image Credit: Shutterstock
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Dynamite or Explosives
It contains Nitro-glycerine C3H5N3O9, a various unstable chemical element that shows it has the potential energy to explode. It is exposed to the air O2 molecule when the dynamite ignites The reactions provoke the dynamite to blast with the release of immense amounts of nitrogen and tremendous heat and sound energy.
Chemical Energy in Dynamite-Image credit: Shutterstock
Firecrackers also operate on an equivalent principle to convert potential energy to chemical energy.
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Food
Eating food provides energy to the body. That indicates that the food contains its energy, energizing the human body. When we consume it, our body organ combines the food with enzymes and acids in the stomach.
The chemical reaction remakes the potential energy in carbohydrates into Glucose C6H12O6, which is then discharged into the bloodstream, energizing our body.
Chemical Energy in Food: Image credit: Shutterstock )
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Cellular Respiration
It utilizes the energy to survive, reproduce, react to stimuli, and drive biological processes. Within the human body, the atoms and molecules were structured together into chemical bonds to hold the chemical potential energy in the form of glucose.
The stored chemical energy in molecules is transformed into chemical kinetic energy, allowing the human body to move and do the work. The process of spreading the energy into your body cell is called ‘Cellular Respiration’.
Chemical Energy in Cellular Respiration(Image credit: Shutterstock )
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Photosynthesis
When the sun lights on the plants, it changes solar energy to chemical energy. The process is called ‘photosynthesis’ which involves the chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and water molecules in solar energy to create glucose and oxygen.
Chemical Energy in Photosynthesis(Image credit:Shutterstock )
That’s why the plant soaks carbon dioxide and emits oxygen during photosynthesis. In comparison, photosynthesis discharges more chemical energy than the energy needed to start the chemical reactions.
Example of Potential Energy to Chemical Energy: Biomass
Using chemical agents, one can convert biomass materials into biodiesel as a liquid fuel. It involves the chemical reaction between glucose and the air molecule O2. The chemical reaction transforms the stored potential energy into heat energy by comprising carbon dioxide and a water molecule.
Chemical Energy in Biomass(Image credit: Shutterstock )
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is chemical energy?
Chemical energy is a form of potential energy that is stored in the chemical bonds of molecules. It is a vital energy source in our everyday lives and is involved in many types of energy transformations.
2. What are some examples of chemical energy?
Examples of chemical energy include the potential chemical energy stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules, the energy released during an exothermic reaction, and the radiant energy released when chemical energy is converted into another form of energy.
3. How is chemical energy used in power plants?
Chemical energy can be used in power plants to generate electricity. This is often done by converting energy from a renewable source like solar rays into chemical energy, which can then be stored and used to produce electricity.
4. How is chemical energy involved in photosynthesis?
During photosynthesis, plants absorb electromagnetic waves from the sun and convert them into carbohydrates like glucose. This process involves the conversion of potential energy into chemical energy, which is stored in the glucose molecule.
5. Can chemical energy be created or destroyed?
No, according to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be destroyed or created. Chemical energy can only be transformed from one form of energy into another.
6. How is chemical energy involved in combustion?
When a substance reacts with oxygen, the stored chemical energy in the bonds of the substance is released, usually in the form of heat and light. Burning wood in a traditional stove, for example, releases the wood’s potential energy in the form of heat. Additionally, this process produces carbon dioxide and water, which are byproducts of combustion.
7. What are the many types of energy?
A: Energy comes in many forms. The common types include kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, sound energy, and light energy
8. What is potential energy?
A: Potential energy is stored energy that results from the position or configuration of an object. Chemical potential energy is one example of potential energy.
9. Can you give an example of chemical energy?
A: One example of chemical energy is the potential energy stored in food we eat. This energy is released as the food is broken down during digestion.
10. What is potential chemical energy?
A: Potential chemical energy is the stored energy that is available for release during a chemical reaction. It is the energy that is contained in the chemical bonds of molecules and compounds.
11. What is a chemical reaction?
A: A chemical reaction is a process that transforms one set of chemical substances into another. This involves the breaking of chemical bonds and the formation of new substances.
12. How do we use chemical energy?
A: We use chemical energy for various purposes such as cooking food, burning fuels in engines, and powering batteries that run electronic devices.
13. How is the energy released from chemical bonds?
A: Energy is released from chemical bonds when these bonds are broken during a chemical reaction. This release of energy can take the form of light and heat.
14. What is the store of potential energy in living organisms?
A: The store of potential energy in living organisms is in the form of carbohydrates like glucose. Potential energy transforms into energy stored in the food we eat.
15. What is the potential energy in the glucose we consume?
A: The potential energy in the glucose we consume is the energy that is stored in the chemical bonds of the glucose molecules.
16. Can potential energy be considered as a form of energy?
A: Yes, potential energy can be considered as a form of energy. It is a type of energy that is stored in an object or substance due to its position or configuration.
Conclusion
Chemical energy is a must in our lives. It’s a type of energy along with potential and kinetic. It’s found in various forms and compounds. An example is food which contains potential energy and changes to a different form.
Chemical reactions are key for releasing or storing energy. Breaking the bonds between chemicals produces energy, and making new bonds stores it. Baking soda has potential energy and releases heat when exposed to moisture or heat. Burning wood or gasoline produces heat energy through electrochemical processes.
Solar rays can be converted to chemical or electrical power via solar panels. Plants store carbon dioxide and other gases and use sunlight to make carbohydrates like glucose.
However, using chemical energy has its drawbacks. The industrial revolution brought death due to wars for resources like oil fields in WW2. Renewable energies are a solution to lower pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.