The world has a myriad of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal, were responsible for over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewables such as solar energy, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity, and biomass are responsible for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5percent. Different countries use different types of energy sources, balancing the environmental aspects with economics.
Nature’s energy comes in many forms including sun, wind waves, and ocean. When harnessed and transformed into more efficient forms of energy, such as heat or electricity, these are referred to as primary sources. When these energy sources are exhausted, they become non-renewable energy sources.
The environment is harmed by a variety of fossil fuels as well as some other sources of energy that are not renewable. For instance mining for oil could destroy the forests of the planet. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can trigger earthquakes as well as water pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, a lot 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. To be utilized on large scale, these sources of energy require efficient distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. This means that these sources aren’t able to provide the bulk of our energy requirements. It’s vital to remember that the prices of renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically in recent years and that efficiency is increasing.
