Primary Energy

Mankind has relied upon various sources of energy for millennia. While the associated technologies may have advanced, the basic forms have remained relatively constant. This is why the concept of primary energy is extremely important. In order to better appreciate this resource, it is crucial to touch upon a handful of subjects.

What exactly is primary energy? What are some of the most common primary energy sources? How are these materials related to end-user consumption? Are there any differences between primary energy and "final" energy? These are a handful of questions that will be discussed throughout this article.

A Fundamental Definition of Primary Energy

Primary energy is defined as any type of energy derived from natural resources.^[1] The total primary energy of a country or region is therefore associated with the quantity and types of fuels that are present. In the simplest of terms, primary energy is used to describe how a nation harvests and utilises natural sources of power.

It should also be noted that there is a difference between this type of energy and a concept known as a primary energy flow. Flows represent a form of primary energy supply associated with movement.^[2] Examples include tidal shifts and wind-derived power. On the contrary, primary energy use is instead defined as products which produce power when consumed or otherwise transformed into sources of kinetic energy.

Some Common Sources of Primary Energy

This type of energy can be grouped into several different categories and as you may have already imagined, the extraction processes will likewise vary.
Here are some well-known primary energy examples:^[3]

• Nuclear energy
• Natural gas
• Oil
• Coal

In contrast there are also several types of renewable energy that can represent alternatives to traditional resources such as fossil fuels. These include solar power, geothermal energy and also modern hydrogen fuel cells, if the hydrogen is produced with renewable energy.

A Look at Primary and Final Energy Sources

How is primary energy consumption different from the notion of "final energy"? This is actually very important from a logistical perspective. We can essentially think of the relationship in a similar manner to supply and demand.

Consumption is related to the aggregate domestic energy requirements of a region or nation. Final energy consumption is instead used to define how much is actually used.^[4] The disparity between these two terms is associated with variables such as transformation expenditures and potential losses incurred during the distribution phase.

How is Primary Energy Obtained?

In order to meet a specific primary energy demand, natural resources will often need to be converted into a different form. The exact nature of the conversion process depends upon the primary power source in question. This is often known as energy conversion technology.

For example, the chemical energy found within coal is present in the form of hydrocarbon molecules. When coal undergoes combustion, one primary byproduct is heat. This heat can then be used to create steam which thereafter powers turbines in an effort to create electricity. The radioactive decay of certain elements such as enriched uranium is likewise used to generate steam and to cause turbines to rotate.^[5]

Thus, the relationship between primary energy and final energy can essentially be defined as the amount of resources that need to be converted in proportion to real-time demand. Note that primary energy sources (such as fossil fuels) are therefore fundamentally different from end products such as heat or electricity. These are sometimes referred to as "energy currencies".^[6] The same holds true for petrochemical byproducts such as gasoline and kerosene; these are all derived from fundamental primary energy resources.

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Primary Energy?

One of the main advantages of primary energy production is the simple fact that the associated technologies have existed for some time. The processes themselves are understood and therefore, implementation is rather straightforward. Furthermore, this type of energy represents an extremely reliable source (unlike some other types such as solar power that can be impacted by environmental variables). The harvesting of this type of energy creates millions of jobs, bolsters domestic economies and nations which contain vast reserves can enjoy a competitive edge within the marketplace.

However, it is just as crucial to highlight a handful of drawbacks. Perhaps the most obvious is that sources of primary energy are limited by their very nature. Thus, a continued reliance upon these fuels is not sustainable from a long-term perspective.^[7] Here are some other pitfalls to mention:

• Many sources of this type of energy (such as fossil fuels) are harmful to the environment.
• Accidents associated with primary forms of energy can be quite dangerous.
• Nations can sometimes hijack these resources so that they can be used as leverage over their competitors (even during times of war).
• As reserves become more depleted, global primary energy consumption prices may rise exponentially; particularly impacting impoverished regions of the world.

It is therefore important to take a more objective approach when discussing the pros and cons of primary resources.

What Might the Future Have in Store?

Although the world is still heavily reliant upon primary sources of energy, we are currently witnessing a paradigm shift towards cleaner and renewable alternatives. This is in direct correlation with advancements in technology (such as improved hydrogen fuel cell efficiency and cheaper solar panel arrays). Until renewables are fully developed, primary energies will still be an important source of energy.