The world uses a variety of energy sources. Fossil fuels–including natural gas, oil and coal accounted for more than 81 percent of all energy consumed in 2018. Renewables, such as wind, solar power, hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries employ different sources of energy to meet environmental and economic requirements.
Energy is present in nature in a number of forms: sunlight as well as wind, waves ocean and more. These primary sources can be transformed into more practical energy forms, such as electricity or heat, when they are harnessed. These energy sources become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.
The environment is harmed by many fossil fuels in addition to other energy sources that aren’t renewable. Mining oil, for instance is a destructive process that can destroy the planet’s virgin forests. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and pollution of water. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, some of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower for instance, could generate electricity without the need to dig for new supplies.
Tidal and Wave Power are the other sustainable energy sources that are emerging. But, in order to be utilized at a large scale, these technologies must have effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energies to build these networks. Therefore, these sources are not yet enough to supply the majority of our energy requirements. It’s vital to remember that the cost of renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically in recent years and the efficiency of these equipments is growing.