The world uses a variety of energy sources. Fossil fuels — including oil, natural gas and coal–accounted for more than 81 percent of all energy consumed in 2018. Renewables, such as solar power, wind, biomass and hydroelectricity, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy contributes another 5 percent. Different countries use different types of energy sources, balancing environmental and economic requirements.
Energy is present in nature in many forms, including sunlight winds, waves oceans and more. When harnessed, and transformed into more efficient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, these are known as primary sources. These sources of energy become non-renewable sources of energy once they have been exhausted.
The environment is damaged by many fossil fuels as well as some other sources of energy that are not renewable. For example, mining for oil can strip the planet’s pristine forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in water pollution and earthquakes. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt and contributes to global warming.
Fortunately there are many promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, solar power and wind for instance, are able to produce electricity without having to dig for new supplies.
Tidal and Wave Power are two more sustainable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be used on an enormous scale, these technologies require efficient distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to build these networks. 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 has drastically decreased in recent years and the efficiency of these equipments is growing.
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