The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world has a wide range of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal, accounted for more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries employ different energy sources to balance the needs of their economy and environmental concerns.

Nature’s energy comes in many forms such as wind, sun, waves and ocean. These primary sources transform into more efficient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, when they are harnessed. When these energy sources are used up, they become non-renewable energy sources.

Many fossil fuels as well as some of the other sources of energy that aren’t renewable have been causing environmental harm. For instance, oil mining can devastate the forests of the earth. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in earthquakes and water pollution. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.

Fortunately there are many promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, wind and solar, for instance, can generate electricity without having to search for new sources.

Other renewable energy sources are emerging, such as wave power description and tidal energy. To be used on large scale, these sources of energy need to have effective distribution networks. They need to be constructed which will require the use of non-renewable energy. These sources are not able to fulfill the majority of our energy requirements. It’s still important to remember that the prices of renewable energy equipment have fallen dramatically in recent years and efficiency is growing.