The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world is awash with a variety of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels, like gas, oil and coal, made up more than 81 percent energy consumed. Renewables, including wind, solar power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another five percent. Different countries utilize different sources of energy to meet environmental and economic requirements.

Nature’s energy can be found in a variety of forms including sun, wind waves and ocean. These primary sources are transformed into more convenient energy forms, such as electricity or heat, once they are harnessed. When the energy source is exhausted, they are nonrenewable energy sources.

Many fossil fuels and some of the other nonrenewable energy sources are damaging the environment. Mining oil, for instance, can destroy the forest ecosystems of the planet. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and pollution of water. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned which contributes to global warming.

Fortunately that many of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, wind and find more information solar for instance, could generate electricity without the need to search for fresh supplies.

Tidal and Wave Power are two more sustainable energy sources that are emerging. But, in order to be utilized at a large scale they must have effective distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energies to build these networks. This means that these sources aren’t able to provide the bulk of our energy requirements. But it’s important keep in mind that the costs for renewable energy equipment have dropped significantly over the last few years, and efficiency is rising rapidly.

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