The world uses a variety of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels, like gas, oil and coal, comprised more than 81 percent energy consumed. Renewables, like solar power, wind power biomass and hydroelectricity, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another five percent. Different countries have different combinations of energy sources, in order to balance the environmental aspects with economics.
Nature’s energy comes in many forms: 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 become non-renewable energy sources.
The environment is damaged by many fossil fuels and also other energy sources that aren’t renewable. For instance, oil mining can cause the destruction of our forests of the earth. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) can cause earthquakes and water pollution. Burning coal releases carbon official website dioxide, contributing to global warming.
Fortunately, a lot of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower create, for instance, electricity without having to dig for new sources.
Other sources of sustainable energy are emerging, such as wave power and tidal energy. But, in order to be utilized on a large scale these technologies need effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. In the end, these sources are not yet capable of meeting the majority of our energy requirements. It is important to keep in mind that the prices of renewable energy equipment have fallen dramatically in recent years and that efficiency is increasing.