The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world uses many different energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal, comprised more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewables, like solar power, wind, biomass and hydroelectricity, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another five percent. Different countries use different mixes of energy sources, while balancing economic needs with environmental concerns.

Energy is present in nature in many forms, including sunlight as well as wind, waves oceans, and more. When harnessed and converted into more practical forms of energy, like heat or electricity, these are called primary sources. These energy sources become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.

The environment is harmed by many fossil fuels and also other sources of energy that are not renewable. Mining oil, for instance can cause the destruction of our planet’s virgin forests. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt and go to these guys contributes to global warming.

Fortunately there are many promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, solar energy and wind power for instance, could produce electricity without having to search for new resources.

Tidal and Wave Power are two more renewable energy sources that are emerging. However, in order to be utilized at a large scale these technologies require efficient distribution networks. They need to be constructed which will require the use of non-renewable energy. These sources aren’t sufficient to fulfill the majority of our energy demands. It is important to keep in mind that the prices of renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically in recent years and that efficiency is increasing.