The world has a myriad of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal, accounted for over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewables, including wind, solar power, hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another five percent. Different countries use different energy sources to balance environmental and economic requirements.
Energy is present in nature in a number of forms: sunlight, wind, waves, oceans and more. These primary sources are transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, once they are harnessed. These sources are non-renewable resources of energy when they are exhausted.
Many fossil fuels as well as some of other energy sources that are not renewable can be harmful to the environment. For instance mining for oil could strip the planet’s pristine forests. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can cause earthquakes as well as water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt which causes global warming.
Fortunately that many of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower for instance, can generate electricity without having to search for new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are two other sustainable energy sources that are emerging. To be used at large scale, these sources of energy need to have effective distribution networks. These must be built which will require the use of non-renewable energy sources. These sources aren’t able to provide the majority of our energy needs. It’s vital to remember that the cost of renewable energy equipment has drastically decreased in recent years and efficiency is growing.
Popularity: unranked [?]
