The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world uses a variety of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal, were responsible for more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewable energy sources like wind power, solar energy biomass, hydroelectricity and biomass are responsible for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5percent. Different countries utilize different energy sources to balance environmental and economic requirements.

Nature’s energy comes in many forms such as wind, sun, waves and ocean. These sources of energy transform into more efficient energy forms, such as electricity or heat, when they are harnessed. These sources are non-renewable resources of energy when they are exhausted.

Many fossil fuels and some of the other energy sources that are not renewable have been causing environmental harm. Oil mining, for example, can destroy the forests of the earth. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and water pollution. The burning of coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.

Fortunately there are many promising energy sources are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, wind and solar for instance, are able to generate electricity without having to dig for new supplies.

Tidal and Wave Power are two other sustainable energy sources that are emerging. To be used at a large-scale, these technologies require effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to build these networks. These sources are not able to satisfy the majority of our energy demands. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that the costs for renewable energy-related equipment have fallen significantly in the past few years, and the efficiency is growing quickly.

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