The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world has a wide range of different energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels, like gas, oil and coal, comprised over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewable sources such as solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity and biomass comprise 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5percent. Different countries employ different types of energy sources, in order to balance the needs of the economy with environmental concerns.

Energy is found in nature in a number of forms: sunlight winds, waves oceans and more. When harnessed and converted into more efficient forms of energy, such as heat or electricity, they are known as primary sources. These energy sources become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.

The environment is damaged due to a wide range of fossil fuels along with other sources of energy that are not renewable. For instance, mining for oil can strip the planet’s pristine forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) can lead to earthquakes and water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt which causes global warming.

Fortunately some of the most promising energy sources are renewable and sustainable. Solar, wind, and hydropower can, for example, generate electricity without the need to dig for new sources.

Other renewable energy sources are emerging, like waves and tidal power. However, to be used in a large-scale manner these technologies require effective distribution networks. These need to be built, which requires the use of non-renewable energy. These sources aren’t enough to meet the majority of our energy requirements. It’s vital to remember that the prices of renewable energy equipment has drastically decreased in recent wikipedia reference years and efficiency is growing.