The world has a myriad of energy sources. Fossil fuels–including natural gas, oil, and coal–accounted to more than 81 % of all energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity, and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries use different types of energy sources, and are able to balance environmental and economic requirements.
Nature’s energy can be found in a variety of forms like sun, wind waves, and ocean. When harnessed and transformed into more efficient forms of energy, such as heat or electricity, these are referred to as primary sources. These sources are non-renewable resources of energy when they are exhausted.
The environment is damaged due to a wide range of fossil fuels and also other sources of energy that are not renewable. For instance, mining for oil can take away the planet’s forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) can result in water pollution and earthquakes. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, many of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Hydropower, wind and solar for instance, could produce electricity without having to search for fresh supplies.
Tidal and Wave Power are the other sustainable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be utilized on an enormous scale, these technologies require effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. These sources are not able to satisfy the majority of our energy demands. It is important to keep in mind that the prices of renewable energy equipment have fallen dramatically in recent years and the efficiency is rising.