The world is dependent on a range of different sources of energy. In 2018 fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal, comprised more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewables, such as solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5percent. Different countries employ different combinations of energy sources, in order to balance the needs of the economy with environmental concerns.
Energy is found in nature in a number of forms, including sunlight, wind, waves, ocean and more. When harnessed and converted into more convenient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, they are called primary sources. When the energy source is exhausted, they turn into non-renewable energy sources.
The environment is harmed due to a wide range of fossil fuels along with other sources of energy that are not renewable. Oil mining, for example, can destroy the forests of the earth. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in water pollution and earthquakes. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, some of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Wind, solar and hydropower produce, for instance, electricity without digging for new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are two other renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be used at an enormous scale, these technologies require effective distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energies to build these networks. As a result, these sources aren’t enough to supply the majority of our energy needs. It is important to keep in this post mind that the cost of renewable energy equipment have decreased dramatically in recent times and the efficiency is rising.