The world has a wide range of different energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, comprised more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity, and wind power account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5percent. Different countries use different sources of energy to meet environmental and economic requirements.
Nature’s energy is available in a variety of forms including sun, wind waves, and ocean. When harnessed, and transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, these are referred to as primary sources. These sources of energy become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.
The environment is harmed by many fossil fuels, in addition to other sources of energy that are not renewable. For example mining for oil can destroy the forests of the planet. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and water pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, a majority of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower can, for example, generate electricity without having to dig for new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are also renewable energy sources that are emerging. But, in order to be used on a massive scale these technologies require efficient distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to build these networks. These sources aren’t sufficient to satisfy the majority of our energy requirements. But it’s important keep in mind that the costs for renewable energy-related equipment have fallen dramatically over the past couple of official website years, and efficiency is growing rapidly.
