The world uses many different energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal, accounted for more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewables, like solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5%. Different countries use different combinations of energy sources, in order to balance economic needs with environmental concerns.
Energy is present in nature in many forms, including sunlight and wind, waves, ocean and many more. When harnessed and transformed into more efficient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, these are referred to as primary sources. When the energy source is used up, they become nonrenewable energy sources.
Many fossil fuels as well as some of the other energy sources that are not renewable are causing harm to the environment. For example mining for oil can take away the planet’s forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) could cause earthquakes and water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned which causes global warming.
Fortunately that many of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, solar energy and wind power for instance, could generate electricity without the need to search for fresh supplies.
Tidal and Wave Power are also renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity. But, in order to be used on a large scale, these technologies must have efficient distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energies to build these networks. As a result, these sources aren’t able to provide the bulk of our energy needs. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that costs for renewable energy equipment have come down drastically over the last couple of years, and efficiency is increasing rapidly.