The world uses a variety of different energy sources. Fossil fuels–including natural gas, oil and coal–accounted to more than 80 percent of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewable energy sources like solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity and biomass account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5 percent. Different countries employ various energy sources, while balancing environmental and economic requirements.
Nature is a rich source of energy in many forms: sunlight winds, waves ocean and more. These sources of energy transform into more efficient forms of energy, like electricity or heat when they are harnessed. Once these energies are exhausted, they are non-renewable energy sources.
Many fossil fuels, as well as some of the other sources of energy that aren’t renewable can be harmful to the environment. For instance mining for oil can degrade the world’s forests. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can trigger earthquakes as well as water pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, the majority of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower for instance, could generate electricity without the need to search for new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are two other sustainable energy sources that are emerging. But, in order to be utilized on a large scale these technologies need effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energies to build these networks. Therefore, these sources aren’t able to provide the bulk of our energy requirements. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically in recent years and that efficiency is increasing.