The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world has a wide range of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, comprised more than 81 percent of energy consumed. Renewables such as solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity and biomass make up 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5%. Different countries employ different mixes of energy sources, while balancing economic needs with environmental concerns.

Energy is found in nature in many forms, including sunlight and wind, waves, oceans and more. These primary sources can be transformed into more practical energy forms, such as electricity or heat, once they are harnessed. Once these energies are exhausted, they turn into nonrenewable energy sources.

Many fossil fuels, as well as some of the other energy sources that are not renewable have been causing environmental harm. For instance mining for oil could take away the planet’s forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) could cause water pollution and earthquakes. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to 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 the need to dig for new supplies.

Other renewable energy sources are emerging, such as wave power and tidal energy. However, to be used in a large-scale manner these technologies need effective https://leonardogiombini.it/2019/03/01/le-biomasse-i-processi-termochimici distribution networks. These must be built and operate with the use of non-renewable energy. These sources aren’t enough to meet the majority of our energy requirements. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the costs for renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically over the past few years, and their efficiency is increasing rapidly.