The world relies on a variety of energy sources. Fossil fuels, including natural gas, oil, and coal–accounted to more than 81 % of all energy consumed in 2018. Renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity, and wind power account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy contributes another 5 percent. Different countries employ different sources of energy to meet economic needs and environmental concerns.
Nature provides energy in many forms such as wind, sun, waves, and ocean. These sources of energy can be transformed into more practical forms of energy, like electricity or heat, once they are harnessed. When those energies are exhausted, they are nonrenewable energy sources.
Many fossil fuels, as well as some of the other energy sources that are not renewable are damaging the environment. For instance, oil mining, can destroy the planet’s virgin forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in water pollution and earthquakes. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, a majority of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Solar, wind, and hydropower can produce, for instance, electricity without digging up new sources.
Other renewable energy sources are emerging, including wave power and tidal energy. In order to be utilized at a large-scale, these technologies need to have effective distribution networks. They need to be constructed and operate with the use of non-renewable energy. Therefore, these sources aren’t sufficient to meet the majority of our energy needs. But it’s important keep in mind that prices for renewable energy equipment have dropped significantly over the last few years, and the efficiency is growing quickly.
