Energy Resources — Definition

Definition

Energy resources are natural sources from which useful heat, motion or electricity can be obtained. They include renewable flows, such as sunlight and wind, and finite stocks, such as coal, petroleum, natural gas and uranium.

Their value depends on the whole conversion and delivery system, not simply on physical presence. Electricity is an energy carrier produced from primary sources; it is not itself evidence of a particular fuel mix.

Energy-resource assessment therefore asks how much useful service a source can deliver, when it is available, what infrastructure it requires and which environmental pressures arise across its use.