Understanding what makes coal nonrenewable, whether it is sustainable, and what alternatives exist is essential as we rethink energy production in a rapidly changing world.

Is coal renewable or nonrenewable?

Coal is classified as a nonrenewable energy source. This means it cannot be replenished on a human timescale which means once it is used it’s gone forever. Michigan State University classifies natural resources into 2 groups:

1. Renewable resources naturally replenish themselves on a human timescale. Examples include wind, sunlight, plants, and trees.
2. Nonrenewable resources do not naturally replenish themselves on a human timescale, meaning they either are gone forever once utilized or replenish incredibly slowly over millions of years. Examples of nonrenewable resources include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Coal forms naturally over millions of years through the compression of plant material buried under layers of soil and rock. Even though coal is formed through natural processes below the surface of the Earth, the timescale for its formation far exceeds the rate at which we consume it. For this reason, coal is classified as a nonrenewable energy source.

Is coal a sustainable energy source?

Although coal has been a staple of energy production for centuries, its supply is limited. Coal reserves are finite and, at current consumption rates, global supplies are estimated to last another 100 to 150 years. However, this timeline does not account for the environmental and economic costs associated with coal use.

Extracting and burning coal releases significant greenhouse gases and other pollutants, contributing to climate change and health issues. Transitioning to more sustainable energy sources is critical to avoid depleting these reserves and mitigating environmental damage.

Examples of other nonrenewable energy sources

Coal is not the only nonrenewable energy source. Other fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, also fall into this category. Like coal, oil and natural gas are formed from organic material over millions of years, making their replenishment rate far too slow to be considered renewable.

• Oil: Extracted through drilling, oil is refined into fuels like gasoline and diesel. Its widespread use has made it a cornerstone of global energy production, but its extraction and combustion contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Natural Gas: Often viewed as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, natural gas is still nonrenewable. It is extracted through drilling and, in some cases, hydraulic fracturing. While it burns more cleanly than coal, it is still a finite resource.

These fossil fuels share the same inherent limitation as coal: they form far too slowly to be replenished at the rate we consume them.

Renewable alternatives to coal

As the world moves toward more sustainable energy solutions, several renewable energy sources have emerged as viable alternatives to coal:

• Solar Power: Harnessing energy from the sun using solar panels, solar power is a clean and abundant resource.
• Wind Energy: Is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity, offering a renewable and emission-free source of power.
• Hydropower: Using the flow of water to generate electricity, hydropower is one of the oldest and most reliable renewable energy sources.
• Geothermal Energy: Tapping into heat from within the Earth, geothermal energy provides a consistent and sustainable power source.

These renewable alternatives in conjunction with natural gas are fueling the transition away from coal in Texas and around the United States. This transition is important not only to reduce our reliance on nonrenewable resources like coal but also to help combat climate change and promote a cleaner energy future.

The post Is Coal Renewable? appeared first on BKV Energy.

What are bill credit plans?

These electricity plans give you a discount—only if your energy usage lands in a specific range.

But here’s the catch: their kWh rates are typically much higher than standard fixed-rate plans. That means if you use too much or too little energy, you’ll pay more than you should.

How to spot red flags in bill credit plans

Before you sign up for a plan with flashy “savings,” check the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Look for:

• Bill credit triggers: What’s the usage range?
• Rates at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh: Higher rates at low or high usage?
• Hidden fees or penalties: Are there costs buried in the fine print?

Bill credits are marketing tools, not savings opportunities

Bill credits are used as marketing tools by electricity providers to attract customers. If you use the right amount of energy, you get money back on your bill, but that does not mean you’ll end up spending less overall compared to another plan.

These plans are typically marketed as fixed-rate plans, ensuring that the rate you pay for electricity will remain constant, even with market fluctuations. However, the energy usage charge for a bill credit plan is comparatively higher than other plans.

This means that if your usage falls above or below the specified range of the bill credit plan, you will be subject to a higher rate for electricity than anticipated. To avoid this, it’s important to monitor your usage closely.

Identifying the optimal usage and staying within that range is key to maximizing the benefits of a bill credit plan. Should your usage fail to meet the standards set in the bill credit plan EFL, there will be no bill credit applied. Understanding your electricity usage before choosing a plan is vital, as going beyond the upper limits of the bill credit plan can lead to much, much higher bills.

Why simple fixed-rate plans make more sense

Fixed-rate plans offer steady pricing with no gimmicks. You pay the same rate for every kWh you use, no matter what. No overcomplicated tiers, no surprises—just straightforward savings. Enter your zip code to explore more affordable energy plans.

The post Secrets Electricity Providers Don’t Want You to Know About Bill Credits appeared first on BKV Energy.

Geothermal energy is renewable energy that utilizes heat from beneath the Earth’s surface. Heat is produced continuously inside the Earth and can be harnessed for electricity generation and indoor heating.

Because the processes beneath the surface of the Earth that generate heat are ongoing and the heat is replenished constantly, geothermal is considered a sustainable and renewable energy source.

This is in contrast to nonrenewable sources of energy like fossil fuels. Fossil fuels naturally replenish, but coal, oil, and natural gas take hundreds of millions of years to form. As a result of this timescale, it’s possible that humanity could potentially use all of the practically and financially accessible fossil fuel sources.

How does geothermal energy work?

1. In the Earth’s core, heat is generated from the decay of radioactive elements. This heat radiates outward towards the surface of the Earth.
2. Water beneath the surface is warmed by the heat radiating from the Earth’s core.
3. Wells are drilled to access the steam and how water underground and it’s pumped to the surface.
4. Warm water and steam is used to rotate a turbine, which is connected to a generator to create electricity.

Are there any geothermal energy plants in Texas?

As of 2024, there are not currently any geothermal energy power plants contributing electricity to the state’s power grid.

However, this may change in the near future. Texas is well-positioned to have significant geothermal energy infrastructure. Here’s why:

• Geological resources: In Texas, there is an abundance of hot rock formations that are ideal for geothermal energy in the Permian Base, Gulf Coast, and East Texas.
• Oil and gas: Many oil and gas wells in Texas encounter hot water while drilling, which indicates the potential for geothermal energy at accessible depths below the surface. Additionally, many decommissioned oil and gas wells could be repurposed for geothermal projects.

Geothermal energy vs wind and solar

Geothermal, wind, and solar are all renewable energy sources. Only one is capable of providing consistent, baseload power: geothermal.

This is one of the biggest advantages of geothermal over wind and solar. If the wind is not blowing, wind turbines cannot generate power. At night when the sun is not shining, solar panels cannot contribute to the grid. Heat is constantly generated underneath the Earth’s surface thanks to the decay of radioactive elements, which makes geothermal energy a great option for generating consistent and stable baseload power.

What are the downsides of geothermal energy?

Despite its potential, geothermal energy is not without its downsides.

• High initial costs: Exploring for new heat sources and drilling to reach them can incur significant expense.
• Competition: Texas already has abundant wind, solar, and natural gas resources, which can hinder and overshadow the development of geothermal energy.
• Technology readiness: Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are still in early stages of commercialization, which could slow down the expansion of geothermal in Texas. Why? Because much of the heat potential in Texas is located where insufficient water and rock impermeability make traditional geothermal energy extraction impossible.

The post Is Geothermal Energy Renewable? appeared first on BKV Energy.

There’s no immediate concern that humanity will completely run out of fossil fuels. Still, given current proven fossil fuel reserves and consumption rates, a day looms when there may be no natural gas, oil, or coal left.

This imminent deadline, as well as the immense increases in greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels in the last 50 years, highlight the growing need to transition to a more renewable and sustainable energy mix as quickly as we can.

What are fossil fuel reserves?

Fossil fuel reserves are those that are available for extraction and economically viable to extract. As reserves deplete, they become less available. Following economic principles related to supply and demand, lower reserves would drive up the prices of fossil fuels. If fossil fuel prices increase enough, then the companies that drill or mine for those fuels would be incentivized to tap into other basins of oil or coal that would not have made financial sense previously.

When will humanity run out of oil, coal, and natural gas?

The expected date for the end of our use of fossil fuels varies by consumption rate and proved reserves of each fuel.

Coal

According to the Energy Institute’s 2024 Statistical Review of World Energy, as analyzed by Our World in Data, there are 139 years left until we officially run out of coal. This estimate is based on current rates of coal consumption and known reserves, so the timeline is subject to change given serious adjustments to consumption rates and the discovery of new reserves around the globe.

Another estimate from Worldometer suggests that 133 years remain until the globe runs out of coal.

It must be noted that coal reserves are difficult to estimate because coal is mostly buried under the earth, so reserves could be higher than we assume. Additionally, burning coal emits an incredibly high amount of greenhouse gases, so there is a good reason for us to slow our consumption rate.

While the United States has significantly decreased rates of coal production and consumption in the last few decades, other countries around the globe (such as China and India) have scaled up their coal production and consumption as their populations and demand for energy grow.

Oil

The Energy Institute estimates that there are 56 years until oil reserves run out. Worldometer suggests an even shorter timeline of 47 years. Again, these timelines are based on current rates of consumption and known reserves of oil, so they are subject to change.

Unlike with coal, the United States shows little signs of slowing or halting the production of oil. Oil production in the United States has more than doubled in the last 20-odd years, from around 4,000 terawatt hours in 2000 to over 9,600 TWh in 2023.

Other countries around the globe are also scaling the production of oil, but the largest producers by far are the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Natural gas

Estimates for the depletion of natural gas reserves are similar to those of oil. According to the Energy Institute, about 49 years are remaining. Per Worldometer, there are 52 years left with our natural gas reserves.

The United States is both the largest producer and consumer of natural gas, with 38% used for electricity generation. In recent decades, the U.S. has shifted from coal to natural gas for energy production because natural gas is cheaper and cleaner burning.

Because natural gas burns so much cleaner than oil and coal, it is a great fuel to bridge the gap while we make the transition to more sustainable energy sources.

Can we transition away from fossil fuels before it is too late?

Yes, it should be possible for humanity to move away from fossil fuels. To transition away from fossil fuels, humanity must continue to invest in renewable energy, nuclear power, energy storage, and transmission infrastructure.

This transition will not be easy for several reasons:

Renewable energy sources have their downsides

While renewable energy sources are renowned for clean and efficient energy production, they are also intermittent (meaning they cannot always generate power) and expensive to install. There are also some pretty serious limitations on where they can be implemented.

If the sun were always shining and the wind always blowing, solar farms and wind turbines may be a near-perfect solution for the transition from fossil fuels. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

There’s also the issue that renewables are not net-zero on their own. The manufacturing and implementation of renewable power systems like solar panels require the mining of metals that can be harmful to the environment. For wind power, there is not yet a simple or cost-effective solution for turbine blades. Around the country there are several piles of hundreds of decommissioned wind turbine blades just sitting there, waiting to be recycled.

In the case of hydropower, there are some pretty significant geographic and logistical limitations to the implementation of hydroelectric dams, and wave and tidal power systems.

Locations for hydroelectric dams require specific:

• Topography
• Geology
• Climate
• Water flow
• Rainfall

Additionally, they cannot be located in areas that are more likely to be impacted by earthquakes, landslides, or other destructive natural disasters.

When it comes to wave power, the area must have consistent wind and waves, appropriate water depth and seafloor geology, and must not be in the path of regular severe weather such as hurricanes and tropical storms.

For tidal power systems, a significant height difference between high and low tides is required. This severely limits the viability of many coastlines.

Energy storage technology lacks scalability and affordability

Energy storage technology is essential for storing excess energy generated by solar and wind farms. At the moment, energy storage technology is expensive and difficult to scale.

• Raw materials (nickel, cobalt, lithium, and manganese to name a few) are costly and rare
• Mining of metals is resource-intensive and can be devastating to local environments
• Battery manufacturing requires significant financial investment in the construction of enormous factories
• Supply chain bottlenecks exist thanks to increased demand for raw materials for electric vehicles and consumer electronics
• Current energy storage technologies have relatively short lifespans and efficiency issues
• Decommissioned batteries are difficult to recycle

Further innovation and advancement in energy storage are crucial to the widespread adoption and implementation of utility-scale batteries.

Luckily, these advancements are happening right now. Lithium-ion batteries have improved significantly in recent years, but now scientists are developing storage solutions with higher energy density and longer storage duration such as solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and sodium-ion batteries.

Transmission infrastructure needs an upgrade

Energy storage is not the only thing holding back the further widespread adoption of renewable power generation. Grid operators around the globe will need to invest heavily in transmission infrastructure. Grids around the globe are not prepared to handle the intermittency and variability of renewable power sources, nor are there enough miles of power lines to deliver power from those sources long distances where the power is needed most.

Texas, for example, has begun to invest in upgraded energy infrastructure in recent years — largely as a result of the grid’s failure during the Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. Texas has implemented new winterization and weatherization standards with penalties for non-compliance. ERCOT has integrated smarter grid management into their processes, such as enhanced demand forecasting, scheduled power generation, increased reserves margins, and improved real-time monitoring. The state’s power grid is also a leader in solar and wind power and is slated to launch several more megawatts of energy storage capacity in the next few years.

Nuclear power plants are incredibly expensive

Nuclear power has pros and cons. The pros? Nuclear power plants are reliable, efficient, and clean. Plus, they are very well suited for generating baseload power. However, nuclear power plants are generally considered the most expensive to implement, with costs in the billions. Not only are the costs exorbitant, but they can take up to 15 years to begin generating electricity.

Money talks, loudly

The fossil fuel industry is deeply embedded in the world economy. Governments and organizations with a vested interest in continuing to invest in fossil fuels are resistant to the transition to renewables. Governments around the globe continue to offer subsidies that support the production and consumption of coal, oil, and natural gas.

There is a bright side to this. As renewable and energy storage technology continues to improve, becoming more efficient and affordable, the powers that be are more likely to begin investing in these fossil fuel alternatives. This, along with pressure from international organizations like the United Nations Framework for Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), environmental advocacy groups such as the Sierra Club, climate scientists and academia, and grassroots movements like the Sunrise Movement, can continue pushing things in the right direction.

How far along are we in the transition from fossil fuels to renewables?

In 2023, the world generated 30% of its electricity from renewable sources. That’s an increase of 10% since 2011. Per the International Energy Agency, renewables should make up over one-third of the global energy mix in 2024.

By 2028, the IEA estimates that just over 41% of all electricity generated will come from renewables.

How can you support the renewable energy transition from home?

There are several ways an individual can support the transition to renewable energy:

• Choose green energy plans to power your home, such as the 100% renewable Bluebonnet Green plan from BKV Energy.
• Install solar panels or solar water heaters at home. Thanks to federal tax incentives and state-level rebates, renewable installation for homeowners is becoming much more affordable.
• Improve your home’s energy efficiency by upgrading to Energy Star appliances, investing in better insulation, and switching to LED lightbulbs.
• Install a smart thermostat to enhance your control of and increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
• Change the way you move by riding your bike, utilizing public transportation, and switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
• Advocate for and donate to groups that support renewable energy legislation.
• Buy stocks to support renewable energy stocks or funds.
• Reduce your single-use plastic consumption and recycle everything that you can.

Interested in signing up for a 100% renewable home energy plan? Enter your zip code to find affordable fixed rates in your area. BKV Energy’s Bluebonnet Green plan is packed with benefits such as a 30-day risk-free trial, a loyalty and rewards program, and no unnecessary fees like monthly base charges.

The post Are We Running Out of Fossil Fuels? appeared first on BKV Energy.

Pros of hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power is a reliable form of renewable energy with many benefits, making it an attractive way to generate electricity.

1. Renewable and sustainable

Hydropower relies on the natural movement of water to generate electricity, which makes it a renewable and sustainable source of energy that won’t deplete over time as long as that flow of water is maintained.

2. Low greenhouse gas emissions

Hydroelectric plants, tidal power, and wave power systems emit very low amounts of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels like oil and coal, reducing the environmental impact related to climate change.

3. Reliable and consistent power generation

Unlike wind and solar, hydropower can provide more consistent and reliable electricity generation. Wind requires the wind to blow, and solar requires daylight. Hydroelectric dams would only be unable to generate power in the extreme case of a river or reservoir behind a dam drying up completely.

4. Energy storage capabilities

Some hydroelectric dams can store excess energy using pumped-storage systems. They can pump water to a higher elevation during low-demand periods and release that water later during high demand.

5. Long lifespans

Hydroelectric dams have long lifespans compared to solar panels, wind turbines, and fossil fuel plants. They can last between 50-100 years or more, making them a solid long-term investment for energy infrastructure. For example, the Hoover Dam was constructed in the 1930s and has a generation capacity of 2,000 megawatts (or 4.5 billion kWh annually).

6. Cost-effective operation

In comparison to fossil fuel plants, hydroelectric dams and other hydropower systems generally have lower operational and maintenance costs. There is no need to purchase fuel because they rely on the natural flow of water.

7. Energy independence from fossil fuels

Hydropower contributes to energy independence by reducing the need to import fossil fuels and by providing a local, sustainable, and self-sufficient source of electricity.

8. Flexibility in grid stabilization

Hydroelectric dams are a great source of power to complement the intermittency and variability of solar and wind. By adjusting the amount of water that is allowed to flow through the dam, operators can scale up or down the amount of energy produced.

9. Job creation

Construction, operation, and maintenance of new and existing hydropower facilities create jobs, which is especially beneficial to rural and undeveloped areas where these types of utility-scale projects take place. According to a 2022 report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency, nearly 2.5 million people around the globe work in the hydropower industry.

10. Dams serve multiple purposes

Dams are not only used for generating power. They can also be used to help provide drinking water, water for irrigation of crops, and space for recreational activities. By keeping the population hydrated, fed, and entertained, they add a lot of value to society.

11. High energy efficiency

One of the most energy-efficient power sources, hydropower plants convert up to 90% or more of the energy from flowing water into electricity. This is much higher than that of fossil fuel plants. Coal plants can achieve around 32% efficiency, natural gas plants can reach up to 60% if they are combined cycle, and oil plants land at about 40% efficiency.

12. No air pollution

According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, hydropower plants do not directly emit air pollution. Because hydropower systems do not burn fossil fuels, they help reduce the amount of air pollution produced. This contributes to improved air quality and overall public health.

13. Drought and flood mitigation

In case of severe drought, dams can help maintain water supply when demand is high. Additionally, when there is too much water, dams can be opened to help control water flow and prevent damage to structures in the area.

Cons of hydroelectric power

As with all methods of electricity generation, hydroelectric power is not without disadvantages.

1. Impact on local environments by changing water flow

The construction of a dam or reservoir can significantly alter the makeup of a local ecosystem, which can affect the animals that live there both up and downstream from the dam.

2. High initial costs

Building a hydroelectric dam requires significant financial investment. Though the operating costs are low, in some cases, the upfront costs can be a barrier. Additionally, there is the cost of transmitting and distributing the power. If the dam is not easily connected to existing grid infrastructure, the cost to build new power lines can be prohibitive.

3. Dependence on the availability and flow of water

Because hydropower relies on the flow of water to generate electricity, intense droughts can reduce the reliability of a hydroelectric dam’s generation capacity. From another perspective, if a community that relies on a reservoir for drinking water is going through a drought and needs to conserve water, this can create conflict with the dam’s mission to generate electricity.

4. Risk of catastrophic failure due to natural disaster

In the case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake measured high on the Richter Scale, a dam could collapse and the fallout from the dam’s failure could be catastrophic. Other causes of total failure include poor construction or design, severe rainfall events, landslides, human operator error, fire, and explosions.

5. Limited suitable locations

There are several factors that determine whether a location is suitable for a hydroelectric dam. Of course, there must be a water source that is unlikely to dry up. Areas that are prone to severe earthquakes may not be suitable. Additionally, suppose the proposed location is very remote and would require significant investment in infrastructure to connect it to the grid. In that case, that cost may be too high to justify that spot.

6. Impact on water temperatures in ecosystems

Water released from a deep reservoir behind a dam can be colder than the natural temperature of the river or lake downstream. Aquatic life is very sensitive to water temperature, which can be harmful and disruptive.

7. Seasonal variability

In some areas, water flow is highly dependent on seasonal rainfall or snowmelt. This can lead to fluctuations in power generation capacity and reduce the reliability of the plant.

8. Impact on groundwater levels

The construction of a dam may lead to a large reservoir of water that can affect the water table of the nearby area. When groundwater is impacted, agriculture, local ecosystems, and water wells can also experience negative change as a result.

9. Downstream flood risks during natural disasters

Hydroelectric dams require close regulation of river flow. If an operator suddenly releases a large volume of water at once, such as during an extreme weather event, the areas downstream are at risk of flooding.

10. Limited technological advancement opportunities

The basic technology behind large-scale hydroelectric plants has matured and has not seen much advancement in comparison to wind or solar. This may limit future efficiency gains. However, many hydropower plants are already capable of 90% efficiency which outpaces wind and solar significantly.

11. Aesthetics

Large hydroelectric dams can drastically change the visual landscape of an area in ways that locals or tourists find undesirable. Changes in water flow can also impact recreational activities such as boating or fishing. Alternatively, some dams, like the Hoover Dam, become tourist attractions.

12. Geopolitical tensions

It’s possible that the ideal location for a new hydroelectric plant could span international borders, and within the US, between states. When this occurs, construction and management can become very complicated. There may be conflict over water rights and access or the energy produced by the dam.

13. Buildup of sediment and silt

Over long periods, reservoirs behind dams can accumulate sediment. This may reduce their storage capacity and limit a plant’s efficiency. Sedimentation also impacts downstream ecosystems by altering the transportation of nutrients and minerals that are now blocked by the dam.

The post Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Energy appeared first on BKV Energy.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy used to measure electricity consumption. It represents the amount of energy used when one kilowatt (1,000 watts) of power is consumed for one hour.

For example, if you have a 100-watt light bulb and leave it on for 10 hours, it will use 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity. 100 watts multiplied by10 hours is equal to1,000 watts, or 1 kilowatt-hour.

Electricity providers measure your home’s energy consumption in kilowatt-hours and calculate your bill with your usage and energy charge.

What’s the difference between a kilowatt-hour and a kilowatt?

The difference between a kilowatt (kW) and a kilowatt-hour (kWh) lies in what they measure:

1. Kilowatt (kW): Kilowatts are a unit of power. They measure the rate at which energy is being used at any given moment. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. For example, if an appliance is rated at 1 kilowatt, it consumes 1,000 watts of power while running.
2. Kilowatt-hour (kWh): Kilowatt-hours are a unit of energy. They measure the total amount of energy consumed over a period of time. A kilowatt-hour equals the amount of energy used by a 1 kilowatt appliance running for one hour. It’s the measurement used on electricity bills to show how much electricity you’ve used.

In short, kW measures power (the rate of energy use), while kWh measures energy (the amount of electricity used over time).

What can 1 kilowatt-hour power at home?

One kilowatt-hour can power different household appliances and technology for different lengths of time because each device requires a unique wattage to operate. Here are some common examples of what 1 kWh can power in a home:

1. 10-watt LED light bulb for about 100 hours.
2. Refrigerator (average modern energy-efficient model) for about 24 hours.
3. Ceiling fan (50 watts) for about 20 hours.
4. Laptop (50 watts) for about 20 hours of use.
5. Microwave oven (1,000 watts) for about 1 hour.
6. Washing machine (500 watts) for 2 hours of operation (without the heating element for hot water).
7. Air conditioner (window unit) (1,000 watts) for about 1 hour.
8. Hair dryer (1,500 watts) for about 40 minutes of use.
9. Space heater (1,500 watts) for about 40 minutes.

The electronics in your home may require different wattage to operate, but these examples can give a rough idea of how far one kilowatt-hour can go.

What are megawatts and gigawatts?

Megawatts (MW) and gigawatts (GW) are larger units of power than kilowatts (kW), used to measure much larger amounts of electrical energy. Here’s the difference:

1. Megawatt (MW):
   • A megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts, or 1 million watts.
   • It is commonly used to describe the capacity of power plants or the consumption of large industrial facilities. For example, a wind turbine might have a capacity of 2 MW, meaning it can produce up to 2 megawatts of power when operating at full capacity.
2. Gigawatt (GW):
   • A gigawatt equals 1,000 megawatts, or 1 billion watts.
   • Gigawatts are used to describe the power capacity of very large power plants or the total energy output of entire regions or countries. For instance, a large nuclear power plant might have a capacity of 1 GW, and the total energy consumption of an entire city might be measured in gigawatts.

To summarize:

• 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 watts (w)
• 1 megawatt (MW) = 1,000 kilowatts (kW)
• 1 gigawatt (GW) = 1,000 megawatts (MW) = 1,000,000 kilowatts (kW)

What uses the most kilowatt-hours in your home?

The four categories that use the most energy at home in Texas are: heating and cooling, water heating, appliances and electronics, and lighting.

• Heating and cooling – 53%
• Water heating – 20%
• Appliances and electronics – 20%
• Lighting – 10%

Energy use varies by home depending on size, location and climate, human behavior, the number of people living in a space, and efficiency of appliances.

The post What Is a Kilowatt-Hour? appeared first on BKV Energy.

There are four main classifications or ranks of coal: anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite.

Throughout Earth’s geological history, various processes such as tectonic movements can further bury coal seams deeper, subjecting them to even greater pressures and temperatures. This can enhance the quality of coal, transforming it into higher ranks.

The quality and characteristics of coal that eventually forms depend on the original plant material, the conditions under which it was buried, and the duration and intensity of the heat and pressure it was subjected to. This long process means that coal we use today began forming around 300 to 400 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, a time when the earth was covered with swampy forests.

Anthracite

Anthracite is the highest ranking of the four types of coal and contains 86% to 97% carbon. This type of coal is hard and brittle. This is the highest quality coal with the highest heating value among all types of coal. Anthracite takes the longest to form and is generally over 300 to 350 million years old. However, it makes up less than 1% of coal mining in the United States as it is very rarely found in the country. Anthracite is mainly used by the metals industry and is mined in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Bituminous

Bituminous coal is the second highest quality coal and the most common type of coal in the United States. It contains 45% to 86% carbon and began to form between 100 million and 300 million years old. Bituminous coal accounted for about 45% of total U.S. coal production in 2021. It is used to generate electricity and is important for making coking coal used in the iron and steel industry. The top five states for bituminous coal production are West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Subbituminous

Subbituminous coal contains 35% to 45% carbon and has a lower heating value than bituminous coal. It is at least 100 million years old. About 46% of total U.S. coal production in 2021 was subbituminous, with Wyoming and Montana being the major producers. Some sub-bituminous coal is also mined in Alaska, Colorado, and New Mexico.

While this type of coal is on the lower end of the quality ranking, it is easily and commonly found in thick beds near the surface of our planet. This makes the mining of subbituminous simpler and cheaper, which leads to lower prices.

Lignite

The lowest rank of coal, containing 25% to 35% carbon. It has the lowest energy content among coal types. Lignite deposits are relatively young and were not subjected to extreme heat or pressure. It is crumbly and has a high moisture content, which reduces its heating value. Lignite accounted for 8% of total U.S. coal production in 2021.

North Dakota and Texas are the primary producers, with smaller amounts coming from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Montana. Lignite is mostly used to generate electricity, but there is a facility in North Dakota that converts lignite to synthetic natural gas for use in natural gas pipelines in the eastern United States.

The post Types of Coal appeared first on BKV Energy.

The answer for 99% of Texans is a resounding “NO.”

These plans are designed to lure you in with the promise of “free” electricity. But the reality is much, much different.

Daylight robbery

There’s a dirty little secret that electricity providers offering free nights plans don’t want you to know—the energy charge (what you pay your provider per kWh) during the day is often twice the cost of a simple fixed rate plan. That’s right… twice the cost!

Energy companies know that you use around 70% of your monthly energy consumption during the day. So they hike the daytime rates to cover so-called “free” nights.

We did the math and it does NOT add up

Here’s a bill comparison of two real energy plans (pulled from pricing available in Oncor region on June 11, 2024). This comparison shows what you would expect to pay at 3 different kWh usage levels: 500, 1000, and 2000 kilowatt hours.

BKV Energy Bluebonnet 12 vs TXU Energy Free Nights & Solar Days 12

Bills calculated with the following formula: Bill = Usage x (Energy Charge + TDU Charge) + TDU Fee + Base Charge. Multiplied the TXU results by 70% to account for free electricity at night. Click these links to view the BKV Energy and TXU Energy Electricity Facts Labels used to calculate these bill estimates.

At all usage levels, you would pay significantly more for electricity on the free nights plan. Why? Because you use the most energy during the daytime and no amount of “freebies” can offset the inflated daytime rates of a free nights plan.

Marketing gimmicks

Don’t be fooled by these marketing ploys. Free nights create a false sense of savings while costing you more. This false economy benefits the provider while hurting you!

Simplicity is key

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There several different types of nuclear reactors, including:

• Pressurized water reactors (PWRs)
• Boiling water reactors (BWRs)
• Heavy water reactors (HWRs)
• Advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGRs)
• Magnetic confinement fusion (MCF)
• Inertial confinement fusion (ICF)

Fusion vs fission reactions

• Fusion occurs when two atoms fuse together. Nuclear fusion releases an enormous amount of energy. Fusion does not create any long-lived radioactive waste.
• Fission occurs when one atom is ripped apart. This process creates radioactive waste. Fission and fusion both release a great deal of energy, but fusion releases about four times more.

Types of nuclear reactors: fission vs fusion

Within the two types of nuclear reactors, there are several more subcategories.

Fission reactors

Some of the notable fission reactor designs include:

Pressurized water reactors (PWRs)

In PWRs, water acts as both the coolant and moderator. The water is kept under high pressure to prevent boiling, and it transfers heat from the reactor core to a steam generator to produce electricity.

Boiling water reactors (BWRs)

BWRs also use water as both the coolant and moderator. In this design, the water is allowed to boil directly in the reactor core, producing steam that drives the turbine to generate electricity.

Heavy water reactors (HWRs)

HWRs use heavy water, which contains a higher concentration of deuterium, as both the coolant and moderator. Heavy water reactors can utilize natural uranium as fuel and are known for their efficient use of resources.

Advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGRs)

AGRs use carbon dioxide gas as the coolant and graphite as the moderator. This design is primarily employed in the United Kingdom and is known for its high thermal efficiency.

Fusion reactors

Two main approaches to achieving fusion reactions are:

Magnetic confinement fusion (MCF)

MCF uses strong magnetic fields to confine and control a hot plasma of hydrogen isotopes, such as deuterium and tritium. The goal is to achieve conditions where fusion reactions can occur and sustain a self-sustaining plasma state.

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF)

ICF involves rapidly compressing and heating fuel pellets using powerful lasers or particle beams. The intense pressure and temperature cause the fuel to undergo fusion reactions. ICF is primarily being explored for its potential use in thermonuclear weapons and as a stepping stone toward achieving practical fusion power.

Learn more about nuclear energy

• The History and Future of Nuclear
• Is Nuclear Energy Safe?
• What is Nuclear Energy and How Does It Work?

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Electricity’s early history

Thales of Miletus, a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher from the 6th century BCE, is often credited with the earliest recorded discovery related to electricity. His observations and experiments with amber (or “elektron” in Greek, from which the word “electricity” is derived) mark a foundational moment in the history of electrical science.

Thales discovered that when amber was rubbed with another substance, like fur, it would attract small objects such as feathers or bits of straw. This phenomenon is what we now understand as static electricity.

Though Thales’ understanding of what was happening was naturally limited by the scientific knowledge of his time, his observations were incredibly significant. They were among the first recorded instances of someone recognizing and documenting electrical phenomena.

Modern history of electricity

The real breakthrough, however, came in 1752, when Thomas-Francois Dalibard, following Benjamin Franklin’s suggestion, successfully extracted electricity from a thunderstorm using a metal rod, demonstrating that lightning was electrical in nature.

The invention of the battery and electromagnetic induction

A major milestone was reached in 1800 with Alessandro Volta’s invention of the voltaic pile, the first battery that produced a continuous electric current.

Later, in 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, which is the generation of an electric current by moving a magnet within a coil of wire. This discovery was pivotal for the development of electric generators, which provide the power to produce electricity on a large scale.

War of the Currents

The late 19th century saw the “War of the Currents” between Thomas Edison’s direct current (DC) system and Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse’s alternating current (AC) system. The AC system prevailed primarily because it enabled efficient long-distance electricity through high-voltage transmission lines.

The emergence of the power grid

The development of the power grid transformed the electricity industry. Edison built the world’s first power station in New York City in 1882, using coal-fired steam engines to generate electricity.

Subsequent decades saw the rapid expansion of electricity generation with larger power plants and new technologies.

Hydroelectric power and rural electrification

The early 20th century saw the rise of many hydroelectric dams and power plants like the Hoover Dam. The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 in the United States also helped bring electricity to rural areas, significantly improving living standards. 

Nuclear power and energy crisis

Nuclear power emerged as a significant electricity source in the mid-20th century. The first commercial nuclear power plant was opened in the UK in 1956. Its adoption accelerated in the 1960s and 1970s, fueled by the oil crisis.

Recent developments and advancements in electricity

In recent years, electricity has advanced quickly and humanity has made significant developments, particularly in the realms of renewable energy, energy storage, and nuclear technology. These innovations are reshaping how we generate, store, and use electricity.

Shift to renewable energy and storage solutions

Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, have seen significant improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, driven by technological innovations and increased investment. The advent of high-capacity and more affordable battery storage systems has solved one of the primary challenges of renewable energy: its variability. These energy storage solutions ensure a stable and reliable supply of power, even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.

Advances in nuclear generation technology

Furthermore, advances in nuclear energy, including the development of smaller, safer modular reactors and research into fusion energy, promise a future of clean, abundant, and reliable power. These next-generation nuclear technologies aim to significantly reduce the risks associated with nuclear power while maximizing its energy output, offering a compelling complement to renewable energy sources in the quest to decarbonize our energy systems.

Together, these advancements represent a seismic shift in the energy landscape, promising a future where electricity is generated and used in ways that are more sustainable, efficient, and harmonious with the planet’s ecological balance.

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