The world has a myriad of energy sources. In 2018, fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, were responsible for more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar power, biomass and hydroelectricity, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries employ different types of energy sources, balancing the needs of the economy with environmental concerns.
Nature provides energy in a number of forms: sunlight and wind, waves, ocean and many more. When harnessed and transformed into more practical forms of energy, like heat or electricity, these are called primary sources. Once these energies are exhausted, they turn into non-renewable energy sources.
The environment is damaged due to a wide range of fossil fuels and also other non-renewable sources of energy. Oil mining, for instance is a destructive process that can destroy the forest ecosystems of the planet. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and water pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, a lot of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Hydropower, solar energy and wind power, for instance, can generate electricity without the need to dig for new supplies.
Tidal and Wave Power are two other sustainable energy sources that are gaining popularity. However, in order to be utilized at a large scale these technologies need effective distribution networks. They must be constructed, which requires the use of non-renewable energy sources. In the end, these sources are not yet able to provide the bulk of our energy needs. But it’s important be aware that prices for renewable energy equipment have dropped drastically over the last few years, and efficiency is rising rapidly.
