The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources
The world has a wide range of different sources of energy. Fossil fuels–including natural gas, petroleum and coal–accounted for over 81 % of all energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewables, such as solar power, wind, biomass and hydroelectricity, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries have various energy sources, balancing environmental and economic requirements.
Nature’s energy comes in many forms including sun, wind waves and ocean. These primary sources transform into more efficient energy forms, such as electricity or heat, once they are harnessed. Once these energies are exhausted, they turn into nonrenewable energy sources.
Many fossil fuels as well as some of the other sources of energy that aren’t renewable have been causing environmental harm. For instance mining for oil can destroy the forests of the planet. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) can lead to water pollution and earthquakes. The burning of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, many of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Hydropower, solar power and wind for instance, are able to generate electricity without having to dig for new supplies.
Tidal and Wave Power are the other renewable energy sources that are emerging. But, in order to be used on a massive scale they must have effective distribution networks. They need to be constructed and operate with the use of non-renewable energy. These sources aren’t enough to provide the majority of our energy requirements. It is important to keep in mind that the prices of renewable energy equipment has dropped dramatically in recent years and the efficiency of these equipments is growing.