The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world uses a variety of different sources of energy. Fossil-based fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal–accounted for over 81 % of all energy consumed in 2018. Renewables such as wind power, solar energy biomass, hydroelectricity and biomass comprise 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5%. Different countries employ different mixes of energy sources, balancing environmental and economic requirements.

Energy is present in nature in a number of forms: sunlight and wind, waves, ocean and more. When harnessed and converted into more convenient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, these are known as primary sources. These energies become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.

The environment is damaged due to a wide range of fossil fuels as well as some other energy sources that aren’t renewable. Oil mining, for example can devastate the planet’s virgin forests. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can cause earthquakes and pollute the water. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.

Fortunately, a majority of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, wind and solar for instance, could produce electricity without having to dig for new supplies.

Tidal and Wave Power are also sustainable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be utilized 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 aren’t enough to satisfy the majority of our energy demands. It’s vital to remember that the cost of renewable energy equipment have fallen dramatically in recent years and the efficiency is rising.

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