The world uses many different energy sources. Fossil-based fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal–accounted for more than 81 % of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewables such as solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity, and wind power are responsible for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5%. Different countries use different types of energy sources, in order to balance environmental and economic requirements.
Energy is found in nature in a number of forms: sunlight winds, waves oceans and more. These sources of energy are transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, when they are harnessed. When these energy sources are exhausted, they are nonrenewable energy sources.
Many fossil fuels, as well as some of the other energy sources that are not renewable can be harmful to the environment. Oil mining, for instance, can destroy the forests that are virgin to the earth. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can cause earthquakes and pollute the water. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, many of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Solar, wind and hydropower produce, for instance, electricity without having to dig up new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are two more renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be used on an enormous scale, these technologies need to have effective distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energies to build these networks. These sources aren’t able to meet the majority of our energy requirements. It is important to keep in mind that prices for renewable energy equipment have come down significantly in the past few years, and efficiency is growing rapidly.