The world has a wide range of energy sources. Fossil fuels, including natural gas, oil and coal accounted for more than 81 percent of all energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewables, including wind, solar power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy contributes another 5 percent. Different countries have various energy sources, balancing the environmental aspects with economics.
Nature provides energy in a number of forms: sunlight and wind, waves, ocean and many more. These primary sources transform into more efficient energy forms, such as electricity or heat, once they are harnessed. When these energy sources are exhausted, they turn into nonrenewable energy sources.
The environment is damaged by many fossil fuels, in addition to other sources of energy that are not renewable. For example, mining for oil can strip the planet’s pristine forests. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can cause earthquakes and pollution of water. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, some of the most promising energy sources are renewable and sustainable. Wind, solar and hydropower, for example, generate electricity without having to dig for new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are two more renewable energy sources that are emerging. To be utilized on an extensive scale, these technologies require effective distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. These sources aren’t enough to fulfill the majority of our energy requirements. It’s still important to remember that the cost of renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically in recent years and efficiency is growing.
